11 best autumn woodland walks in Scotland

Look out for: The massive stand of Douglas Fir trees, including one of the tallest trees in the country - as big as a giant!

This landscaped, almost cathedral-like wooded grove of towering trees overlooks the spectacular falls of the River Braan. Perched high above is the delightfully restored Georgian folly of Ossian's Hall which offers the best vantage point and adds to the timeless, otherworldly ambiance of The Hermitage.

Look out for: The Bridge of Avon dates back to 1754 and was once the entrance to the castle. The keystone carries the Macpherson-Grant coat of arms and the family motto: "Touch not the cat bot a glove."

Not far from where water is turned into whisky, is Ballindalloch Castle, once described in the Edwardian era: "There seems wood and water everywhere [and] there are so many ornamental trees that one forgets for a moment that the castle is in the Highlands." North of the castle, walk along the tree-lined avenue and through the laburnum arch to the walled garden, filled with colour and perfume. Please note that the castle and grounds close at the end of September.

Look out for: the mosaic of colour and the echoing roar of red deer stags in the autumn.

Glen Affric is one of Scotland's finest ancient woodlands, with glistening lochs and haunting moorland all around. It features miles of ancient pinewoods and is one of the largest ancient Caledonian pine woods in Scotland. Listen out for the chirpy calls of woodland birds as you explore some of the many walking trails in the glen.

Look out for: 7 ft wooden replicas of the world famous Lewis Chessmen sculptures sitting outside the Woodland Centre.

The isle of Lewis might be most known for its infamous standing stones, but it's well worth taking time in Stornoway first. Lews Castle sits above the harbour town, and is surrounded by 270 hectares of woodland, parkland and gardens. Head up the main path winding up through the trees to the stunning viewpoint to look back down at the town.

Look out for: The Falls of Dochart, which when fuelled by the autumn rain, make for a spectacular sight as water cascades over the rocks and under the bridge.

Killin lies right on the edge of stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve so it's perfect for a woodland walk this autumn. Follow part of the 12 mile route from Killin to Ardtalnaig along the Rob Roy Way through the forestry for views over the head of Loch Tay to the Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers range.

Top fact: The route was named by Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre after his daughter, Lady Mary Murray, in 1825.

The route to Lady Mary's Walk winds alongside the river, following the Turret Burn and then the River Earn. See fine beech trees lining the bank and the sandy beach, before heading along the Laggan Hill walk - look out for the benches engraved with beautiful poems, describing perfectly the wondrous landscape all around you.

Look out for: The conkers produced by the horse chestnut trees, and the caramel scent of the large Japanese katsura.

You don't need to head for the woods to enjoy the golden light of autumn - take a trip to Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders for autumn fruits, from acorns to crab apples, maple keys to fir cones. Many of the trees turn fiery in autumn, but one of the best to find is the yellow birch from North America.

Look out for: Bruce's Stone, which commemorates the famous battle of Glentrool between Scots loyal to Robert the Bruce and the English forces.

Lose yourself amongst the trees for an hour or two, and gaze out across the tranquil waters of Loch Trool. In the shadow of the highest peak in southern Scotland, the Merrick, you can follow the Glentrool Trail around the loch, admiring the trees and leaves as you go. Come back at night in the colder months and you'll be treated to a starry show - this is a Dark Sky Park, meaning it's one of the best spots in the UK for stargazing.

Look out for: Gnawed cones - a feeding sign of red squirrels; elusive otters and wild salmon in the river.

This is a rare chance to step back in time and walk amongst the remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest just as many others have for thousands of years. Just a short walk in the Mar Lodge Estate through the Linn and River Dee woodland will carry you amongst a mature stand of Scots pine and Douglas Firs.

Look out for: The large semi-circular Arbirlot Bridge and the Arbirlot Falls.

Start from Elliot in Arbroath and you'll be on the right track for a pretty walk along open fields, a burn, small reservoir and leafy woodland, before arriving in the tiny hamlet of Arbirlot. This light 4 mile route follows the line of the old Carmyllie Light Railway, built by the Earl of Dalhousie to take slates and paving stones from the Redford Quarries to Arbroath harbour.

Top fact: Queen Victoria visited in 1866 and thought it was named after her - but it's actually thought to have been named after Isabella, the first wife of Robert the Bruce, more than 500 years earlier.

You just know that a view that is worthy of two queens is definitely going to be spectacular! If you can tear yourself away from the Queen's View, a short walk will take you into Allean Forest, where there's a choice of two trails. Clachan Trail takes you to a ruined farming settlement, through the woods which are filled with goldcrests, siskins and Scottish crossbills in the canopy overhead. The Ring Fort Trail takes you further back in time to a ruined ring fort, which was once a lookout for the Picts, and onwards through larch and pine woods.