Autumn is a great time of the year to get out into the countryside. Crisp days, colourful landscapes and great light make for a good time to get nice photos too. It is particularly beautiful in the woods, with the eruptions of colour and the fungi coming out in full splendour (more on those another day). In the next few weeks the trees across the country are going to re-invigorate the landscape with a splash of colour before winter sets in.
I am fortunate enough to live within close reach of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park which is full of great woodlands and viewpoints across the autumnal landscape. One of the most well known spots for a good walk is Conic Hill, Balmaha. An easyish bimble (see route on walkhighlands) provides fantastic vistas across the southern end of Loch Lomond and on a clear day you can see right across to the Isle of Arran. A highlight for me though is looking over the broadleaved woodlands along the shores of the loch and picking out the colourful expressions.
The wooded glens of the Trossachs are also a great spot to visit. The Forestry Commission Lodge Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle has brilliant facilities for all the family and routes to suit all. It's a particularly good location if you want to see red squirrels. The wildlife viewing hide just a few minutes walk from the visitor centre offers close encounters.
Travelling further west, away from Aberfoyle, takes you into Kinlochard. A lovely little hamlet on the banks of Loch Ard. The drive along the shoreline provides great views across the loch and on to the slopes of Ben Lomond. If you are heading that way then you should make time to visit The Wee Bleather, a truly exceptional tearoom serving delicious home made cakes!
If you're struggling for inspiration as to where to go then Woodland Trust have a helpful interactive online map to help you find a local wood to go out and explore. Just type in where you'd like to visit and it shows you all of the great woods to visit nearby.
So now you've read this go get your woolly jumper on, head out and enjoy nature in autumn splendour. I will be doing this exact thing over the next few months so expect more photos soon.
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Enjoy the Autumn!