Episode 92: ‘There’s nothing quite like it’ – Perthshire in Autumn (October)
Join me for an autumnal day trip to Perthshire and forest walks at the Falls of Bruar and Killiecrankie.
‘There’s nothing quite like it’ is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the October episode.
In this story, we’re immersed in Scotland’s Big Tree Country as we explore the history and woodlands of Perthshire.
First, we follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns and wander through the woodland surrounding the Falls of Bruar. We hear about Scotland’s champion trees, the tree-planting Duke of Atholl and the role of trees during the Highland Clearances. Then we follow the waters of the River Garry, high onto the Pass of Killiecrankie and deep into the history of the Jacobites.
After the story, I share with you my top tips for an autumn trip to Perthshire.
Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.
Resources
Learn more about the Falls of Bruar and follow this hiking trail
Read up on Killiecrankie and its role in the Jacobite Rising
Discover Perthshire’s Champion Trees and why the region is called Big Tree Country
5 Travel Tips for Perthshire in Autumn
1) Keep an eye on the season
Unfortunately, nature doesn’t stick to a hard and fast schedule, so the best time to visit Perthshire for the autumn colours is slightly different every year. In general, the colours start radiating in mid-October and keep going until early or mid November. Of course it depends on the temperature as well, and how fast the trees are dropping their leaves at night.
2) Don’t just hit the hotspots
There is of course no shortage of places to visit for a seasonal woodland wander in Perthshire. But I’ve quite consciously picked two locations for this story that can deal with a sudden influx of visitors once the season reaches its height.
Because not all of them can do that. One of the most famous spots, in fact – the Hermitage near Dunkeld – often has an overflowing car park, with queues holding up traffic on the A9, and there is neither a visitor centre nor toilets. I recommend avoiding such places at busy times of the day or on the weekends, and rather pick locations that are a bit further afield or have larger car parks and visitor centres.
Luckily, you have plenty of options. Check out my Perthshire travel guide to help you plan your trip. Here are some of my favourite spots to visit in Perthshire in autumn:
- The Falls of Bruar
- The gardens at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl
- The Pass of Killiecrankie, around the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre
- The trails around the Garry Bridge
- The Birks of Aberfeldy
- The Hermitage in Dunkeld
- Pitlochry and Faskally Woods
3) Have a pastry picnic in the woods
A short drive from the Falls of Bruar lies the village of Blair Atholl, and there on the banks of the River Tilt stands the oldest working mill in Scotland. The Blair Atholl Watermill, as it’s called, dates back to 1830, but before that there’s been a mill here since the 1590s. It’s open for the season until the end of October and the perfect spot to pick up freshly baked pastries for a picnic by the falls.
4) Book a Mountain Safari
Earlier this year, I went on an outing with Highland Safaris near Aberfeldy. On a Mountain Safari, a ranger takes you up into the wood and hills over Loch Tay, tells you about the local wildlife, and pours you a dram of whisky surrounded by trees. I joined one of my tour groups for this excursion and thought it was such agreat way to learn from a knowledgable local and be out and about in the Perthshire landscape.
5) Don’t miss the Enchanted Forest
Every year, the Enchanted Forest turns the woods of Faskally Loch near Pitlochry into an immersive light experience. The team creates light installations and soundscapes that brighten up the woodland at night. It’s one of the biggest events in Perthshire each year, and along with the spectacular colours, a massive draw to the area in October. The festival lasts all month long, but tickets, especially for weekend shows, can be sold out well in advance. You’ll have to plan ahead for this one.
