Although autumn has definitely landed with am array of gorgeous coloured leaves and conkers on the ground, the temperature outside is all over the place, chilly enough to light a fire one day and warm enough for no coat the next.
We won’t complain though as the sunny and warm autumn days are just perfect for getting your walking shoes on and getting out to see the autumn displays that mother nature has provided.
Scotland is such a beautiful part of the world and is truly a walkers paradise, so where are the most gorgeous places to go for a hike?
We will tell you in our guide to the best autumn walks in Scotland below.
Glencoe
Glencoe is the most dramatic of all the Scottish Glenns, the landscape was carved out by glaciers and volcanic explosions millions of years ago, creating towering mountains and a deep valley.
The Glencoe offers walks for all abilities whether you fancy a hard hike on the West Highland Way or on a Munro (which is the name given to a mountain in Scotland of at least 3,000ft) or a simple stroll through a valley, Glencoe is hard to beat for stunning high-rise scenery and the autumn colours are simply breathtaking.
Get lucky with a sunny day and the scenery will come alive as the sun hangs low in the sky.
There is an abundance of bird life too so for the keen bird-spotters out there The Glencoe is a perfect spot, pack those binoculars!
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has some incredibly dramatic scenery and offers some fabulous walks for everybody, from coastline family strolls to scrambles in the Cuillin mountains, some of the most challenging in Britain, The Isle of Skye has got your hiking needs covered.
The Quiraing is a firm favourite with its odd geology and sweeping views. As part of the Trotternish ridge it was formed by a massive land slip which created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock.
If you are heading for the Quaitaing then choose a clear day so that you can really take in those views, and bring your camera.
After a busy day walking head into one of the quaint towns for some food and drink, the seafood definitely comes recommended in this part of the world.
The Hermitage
If you have National Trust membership (or even if you don’t!) and fancy a beautiful and realtievly easy stroll the The Hermitage is a great choice for you.
Enjoy a woodland walk that leads though spectacularly large Douglas firs (including one of the tallest trees in the country) and showcases autumn colours in all of their glory, and head on to the amazing folly of Ossian’s Hall overlooking the Black Linn waterfall.
The sense of fresh air is incredible here as you breathe in the earthy woodland and smells of the pine needles as you wander along the banks of the River Braan.
Look out for the totem pole hidden in the woods whilst you walk through the forests and you will also likely see red squirrels darting about in the tree tops.
During the autumn months as you walk along the river if you are lucky you may see salmon leaping up the falls as they head to spawning grounds further along the river.
The Trossachs
The Trossachs refers to an area of wooded glens and braes with quiet lochs, lying to the east of Ben Lomond.
The West Highland Way passes through the Trossachs as part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
There are many miles of trails, woodland paths and mountain routes to enjoy in this beautiful area at the heart of central Scotland and the whole area becomes ablaze with autumn colours at this time of the year.
Dollar Glenn
Another National Trust favourite for the autumn time is Dollar Glen with waterfalls and wildlife galore, it is a really beautiful spot.
Explore the network of woodland walks in the shadow of the Ochil Hills in this beautiful National Trust property and discover the ruins of Castle Campbell, the 15th-century stronghold of Clan Campbell.
Take a trip to the waters edge and watch the Burns of Care and Sorrow plunge down tumbling waterfalls, a really gorgeous sight and while you are there see how many different kinds of lichen you can spot – there are 190 species in the park and over 100 different types of moss.
North Coast 500 Route
The North Coast 500 route is perfect for autumn walks thanks to a combination of driving and hiking options. There are so many highlights of this beautiful journey, including spectacular Loch Maree.
Broken down into six regions, you are free to drive to the destinations of choice, park up and take as long or as short a walk as you are feeling on each particular day.
The six areas include Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.
The variety of landscapes and things to see in this part of Scotland is vast from secret hill lochs, Mediterranean style beaches (that may not have Mediterranean weather!) and dramatic mountains to bustling cities, breathtaking waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.