Autumn walks you’ll love across Courier country

Let’s explore the local area and marvel at the many glorious attractions right on our doorstep

AUTUMN can be the most beautiful time of the year and the best for

taking those long walks that keep the body healthy but also feed the soul.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for almost 100 places where we can make of the most of our sturdy walking shoes and spend those glorious autumn days together.

For a wonderful day out in Angus, the House of Dun has created a new network of paths that give superb and easy access to everything that the estate offers.

Take Lady Augusta’s Walk through the Den of Dun to pass waterfalls and mature woodland. At the west walled garden, you’ll find the Dun Castle ruins.

Apart from the roe deer, otters, and red squirrels, the estate also takes in part of the wildlife site of the Montrose Basin Nature Reserve. This can be seen from the south terrace or experienced closer by taking the footpaths from the Mill car park. The Basin is really coming to life now, as tens of thousands of pink-footed geese come here from Greenland and Iceland. Head for the hides, and you can also see ospreys, kingfishers, redshanks, eider ducks, wigeon and dunlins.

Autumn is also the prime season to see Dunkeld and the glorious Hermitage. As the colours ripen to jewel reds and golds, a stroll along the Tay is perfect for a romantic stroll or family time together.

At the Hermitage the four-legged family members are also welcome. Well signposted from the A9, this is Perthshire woodland at its most spectacular. The trails are easy to follow and offer surprises along the River Braan with towering Douglas Firs and Ossian’s Hall.

Take a break from the walk and enjoy the unforgettable sight of the spectacular Black Linn Falls.

In Perth itself there is an oasis of peace on the side of Kinnoull Hill at Branklyn Garden. John and Dorothy Renton poured as much love into the garden as they did into their

Arts & Crafts-inspired house, built in the 1920s.

There are plants here from across the globe, thanks to the seeds collected by plant hunters and Dorothy’s loving care. It’s an inspiring and glorious place to wander, just a short walk from the city centre.

Historic buildings are at the centre of so many places that are cared for by the Trust. At Barry Mill between Dundee and Arbroath, you can visit the restored mill that was once part of this rural community.

The tours show the hard life of the miller and there are gentle walks around the mill, where you can stroll to the sound of the waterwheel.

We can really experience places we love by exploring on foot. The crisp autumn days and east coast blue skies are the perfect combination to enjoy the places we love together.

There is no better time of year to visit Barry Mill, between Dundee and Arbroath

The magnificent grounds at House of Dun