Scotland


<p>When the Scottish countryside slips into its autumn wardrobe, it’s pure magic. Think fiery forests, mirror-still lochs, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Whether you’re after an easy woodland wander or a serious leg-stretcher with views that make you forget your thighs are burning, these are Scotland’s most spectacular walks to soak up the season (and maybe justify that post-hike sticky toffee pudding).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hermitage-dunkeld"><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hermitage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hermitage</a>, Dunkeld</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="998" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Hermitage-Walk-Dunkeld.jpg" alt="The Hermitage, Dunkeld" class="wp-image-434" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Hermitage-Walk-Dunkeld.jpg 998w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Hermitage-Walk-Dunkeld-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Hermitage-Walk-Dunkeld-681x1024.jpg 681w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Hermitage-Walk-Dunkeld-768x1154.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" /></figure>



<p>The&nbsp;Kate Moss&nbsp;of autumn walks – famous, photogenic, and absolutely worth the hype. This easy 1.75-mile (2.7km) trail meanders through towering Douglas Firs (the tallest in Britain, no less) and up to Ossian’s Hall, a folly with knockout views of the waterfalls below. Bring your camera — and a sense of smugness.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;Lower Hermitage car park (£5; free for NTS members).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killicrankie-pitlochry"><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/killiecrankie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Killicrankie,</a> Pitlochry</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1494" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Killiecrankie-2.jpg" alt="Killicrankie, Pitlochry" class="wp-image-438" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Killiecrankie-2.jpg 1494w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Killiecrankie-2-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Killiecrankie-2-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Killiecrankie-2-768x514.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1494px) 100vw, 1494px" /></figure>



<p>When Dunkeld’s heaving, sneak up the A9 to Killiecrankie. A peaceful gorge now, but once the scene of one of Scotland’s bloodiest battles. Walk to the green footbridge for cinematic views, then reward yourself with a slab of homemade cake at the Jacobite Café (excellent pun work).<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;Visitor Centre (£5; free for NTS members).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birks-aberfeldy-nbsp"><a href="https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/birks-of-aberfeldy-p2556021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Birks</a>, Aberfeldy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Robert Burns wasn’t wrong, this steep 2.25-mile (3.5km) circular walk through a gorge of waterfalls is poetry in motion. Expect handrails, hairpin turns, and a lot of wow moments. Wear proper boots – it’s beautiful, but it’s no catwalk.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;The Birks of Aberfeldy car park (free).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faskally-woods-foresters-trail-tay-forest-park">Faskally Woods <a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/tay-forest-park/faskally" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foresters&#8217; Trail</a>, Tay Forest Park</h2>



<p>A Victorian ‘model woodland’ gone Technicolor. The Foresters’ Trail (1.5 miles / 2.4km) winds past lochs and under a canopy of blazing reds and golds – an easy, family-friendly walk that still delivers full autumn drama.<br><strong>PARK:</strong> Faskally (£1/hr or £3 all day).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dawyk-botanic-garden-peebles"><a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/dawyck-botanic-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dawyk Botanic Garden</a>, Peebles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Dawyck-Botanic-Garden.jpg" alt="Dawyk Botanic Garden, Peebles" class="wp-image-436" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Dawyck-Botanic-Garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Dawyck-Botanic-Garden-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Dawyck-Botanic-Garden-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For those who prefer their autumn colours with minimal effort, Dawyck’s 65 acres of woodland make for a leisurely wander through a rainbow of leaves – no compass required. Spot towering Redwoods and Scots Pines, then refuel with coffee in the café.<br><strong>ENTRY</strong><em>:</em>&nbsp;from £10.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-lochs-forest-drive-trossachs"><a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park/three-lochs-forest-drive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Three Lochs Forest Drive</a>, Trossachs</h2>



<p>Autumn driving at its finest. This one-way, seven-mile route through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park passes Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray in a blaze of gold and orange. Pull over, snap the view, repeat. Open 9am – 4pm.<br><strong>ENTRY:</strong>&nbsp;£2 donation gate. Facilities at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre and Brig O’Turk Tearoom.<em>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crathes-castle-red-squirrel-trail-banchory">Crathes Castle <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle/highlights/nature-trails?fromMap=1941466&amp;tab=results-grid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Squirrel Trail</a>, Banchory</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="720" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Crathes-Castle.jpg" alt="Crathes Castle Red Squirrel Trail, Banchory" class="wp-image-439" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Crathes-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Crathes-Castle-300x216.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Crathes-Castle-768x553.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Four miles (6.5km) of woodland magic – and, if you’re lucky, a flash of russet tail as red squirrels dart about prepping for winter. The castle café is a solid post-walk refuelling spot (cake counts as recovery food, right?).<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;NTS estate (£5; free for members).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dollar-glen-stirling-nbsp"><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/dollar-glen">Dollar Glen</a>, Stirling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A Muddy favourite. Short but mighty (2.5 miles / 4km), this walk through the Ochil Hills takes in the Burns of Care and Sorrow – waterfalls so dramatic they sound like characters in a telenovela. Steep in places but worth every step.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;Quarry car park, Dollar (£5; free for NTS members).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glentrool-loch-trool-loop-galloway-forest-park-nbsp">Glentrool, <a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/glentrool">Loch Trool Loop</a>, Galloway Forest Park&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1125" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Autumn_colours_Loch_Trool_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_3727317-1.jpg" alt="Glentrool, Loch Trool Loop, Galloway Forest Park " class="wp-image-450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Autumn_colours_Loch_Trool_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_3727317-1.jpg 1125w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Autumn_colours_Loch_Trool_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_3727317-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Autumn_colours_Loch_Trool_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_3727317-1-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Autumn colours, Loch Trool. Photograph:&nbsp;David Baird, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nature’s gym workout – a 5.75-mile (9.2km) hike through native oak forest, steeped in history. The English and the Scots fought a bitter battle on the Steps of Trool, during the Wars of Independence 700 years ago. Tough? A bit. Worth it? Absolutely. Bring snacks, stamina and a camera.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;Caldons car park (free).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uath-lochans-trail-strathspey"><a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/uath-lochans">Uath Lochans Trail</a>, Strathspey</h2>



<p>A gentle 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop around &#8216;the hawthorn lochans&#8217; – tranquil, photogenic and easy on the knees. For a challenge, tackle the Farleitter Crag Trail for knockout views over the pine forest.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;Trailhead car park (free).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glen-affric-loch-affric-circuit-cannich-nbsp">Glen Affric, <a href="https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/listings/glen-affric-circuit-viewpoint">Loch Affric Circuit</a>, Cannich&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dubbed ‘the most beautiful glen in Scotland’, and frankly, they’re not wrong. Walk the full 11-mile (18km) circuit if you’ve got legs of steel, or just amble and admire the ancient Caledonian pines. Bring snacks, flasks and your best smug grin.<br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;River Affric car park at the end of the minor road leading to Glen Affric (pay and display).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corrieshalloch-gorge-braemore"><a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/corrieshalloch-gorge">Corrieshalloch Gorge</a>, Braemore</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Corrieshalloch_Falls_312767315-1.jpg" alt="Corrieshalloch Gorge, Braemore" class="wp-image-454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Corrieshalloch_Falls_312767315-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Corrieshalloch_Falls_312767315-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/scotland/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2025/09/Corrieshalloch_Falls_312767315-1-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Corrieshalloch Falls are breathtaking – so&#8217;s the walk! Photograph Chris, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>



<p>This one’s a showstopper: a mile-long gorge with a suspension bridge dangling above thunderous waterfalls. It&#8217;s a short but steep walk (<strong>2.25 miles/ 3.5km</strong>) through the National Nature Reserve before you reach the waterfalls. Not for vertigo sufferers, but an absolute must for everyone else. <br><strong>PARK:</strong>&nbsp;National Nature Reserve car park (£5; free for NTS members).</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/where-to-eat-autumn/">Eat, drink &amp; hunker down: Best autumn feasts and new openings</a></li>



<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/dining-at-home/sweetcorn-chowder-recipe/">Spice up lunch with Clare Coghill’s spiced sweetcorn chowder</a></li>



<li><a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/things-to-do-kids-best-pumpkin-patches/">Pick of the patch: Seven great spots for pumpkins</a></li>
</ul>


12 beautiful autumn walks near you – from fiery forests to folly views

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