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Great places to see autumn colour in Scotland

Looking for the perfect spot to see vibrant autumn hues? We've got you covered. 

It's no secret that Scotland comes alive with colour at this time of year. In the north and west of the country, you'll find a perfect patchwork of red, orange and yellow across rare temperate rainforests and some of our most beautiful woodlands.

Here are five of our favourites to visit right now. 

Oaks, Pine and Birch

1. Ariundle

A breathtaking Atlantic oakwood, peaceful and serene.

Ariundle, or Àirigh Fhionndail in Gaelic, means the shieling (summer hill pasture) of the white meadow. This special place is one of the richest surviving fragments of rainforest. 

Take the Ariundle Trail through oakwoods and along Strontian River with unforgettable views up the glen to Sgùrr Dhòmhnuill. This National Nature Reserve is a great place to see autumn hues along with mosses, lichen and other rare species.

Plan your next trip to Ariundle 

A picnic bench overlooking an autumn forest canopy with mountains in the background

2. Glen Nant

Secluded ancient rainforest teeming with wildlife and history.

These tranquil oakwoods, birchwoods and hazelwoods are a great place to see beautiful lichen and moss. We recommend bringing a magnifying glass with you to explore!

This is another National Nature Reserve with stunning views. The short Riverbank Trail is suitable for everyone and follows the river to a lovely picnic spot. The longer Coalers Trail has views of Ben Cruachan and leads you through the forests charcoal and iron history.

Plan your next trip to Glen Nant

Oak woodland in autumn.

3. Barnaline

Ancient Caledonian forest and cascading waterfalls.

Wander for miles in ancient Caledonian forest. Take the Oakwood Trail through ancient oakwoods, full of mosses, ferns and wildlife. This circular route passes thundering waterfalls and has views over Loch Awe.

Today, this area is part of the Caledonian Forest Reserve, but hundreds of years ago it was used for charcoal production. Now, the only sound of industry is the chirruping of hard-working birds. Keep an eye out and you might even catch a glimpse of a bushy-tailed red squirrel.

Plan your next trip to Barnaline

A person in a light blue jacket looking down to a river and trees from a bridge.

4. Little Garve

Attractive riverside walk topped and tailed by two historic bridges.

The Two Bridges Trail is an attractive, circular riverside walk topped and tailed by two historic bridges. The Silverbridge is part of an ancient route used by cattle herders on their way to the markets in the south. Wade's bridge, on the other hand, was part of a military road built between Contin and the west coast at Poolewe around 250 years ago.

The native trees here take on beautiful autumn colour, and it's a great place to enjoy the roaring peaty pools and rapids of the river.

Plan your next trip to Little Garve

Two people on a bridge next to a waterfall.

5. Rogie Falls

Short trails rewarded with spectacular waterfall views.

Take the Salmon Trail through the woods to see the dramatic Falls of Rogie. Autumn's not only a great time to enjoy the changing leaves here, but also to watch for salmon leaping their way up the Black Water.

Continue on the longer Riverside Trail along the river's dark tranquil pools and through pinewoods brimming with heather and blaeberry. 

Plan your next trip to Rogie Falls

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