Loch Tay in Autumn

Autumn may be the most beautiful season on Loch Tay. From late September through November, the landscape is transformed by colour — birch trees turn butter yellow, rowans flame orange-red, and the bracken on the hillsides becomes a sea of copper and gold. The light takes on a warm, low quality that photographers dream about.

What to Expect

• September — Warm days, cool nights. Bracken starts turning. The deer rut begins. Midges fade. Fishing is excellent.
• October — Peak colour. Golden larches, fiery birches, misty mornings. The rut is in full swing. Clocks go back late October.
• November — Quieter, atmospheric. First frosts and occasional snow on the peaks. Moody skies. Cosy evenings in pubs.

Autumn Highlights

The Deer Rut

From late September through October, red deer stags compete for hinds in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. The sound of stags roaring (bolving) across the glens is unforgettable. Glen Lochay and the hills above Killin are excellent places to witness the rut — always keep your distance and use binoculars.

Autumn Colours

Loch Tay’s mix of native broadleaf woodland, conifer plantations, and open moorland creates a rich tapestry of colour. Particularly stunning spots include:

• The roadside between Killin and Kenmore
• Glen Lyon (especially near Fortingall)
• The birch woods above Ardeonaig
• The Falls of Dochart with golden-leaved Inchbuie

Mushroom Season

Autumn is mushroom season in the Highlands. The forests around Loch Tay produce a wonderful variety of fungi. Please forage responsibly and only pick what you can positively identify.

Practical Tips

• Daylight — Days shorten rapidly. October has around 10–11 hours of daylight.
• Weather — Increasingly changeable. Layers and waterproofs essential.
• Accommodation — Easier to book than summer, and often cheaper. October half-term is busy.
• Roads — Watch for deer on roads, especially at dawn and dusk during the rut.