Autumn’s glory
Golden opportunity to enjoy forest’s seasonal delights
DID you know Perthshire is also known as Big Tree Country? It’s the perfect place to visit this autumn for a great mix of lively events and colourful scenery, when the woodlands are resplendent in golds, ochres and reds.
And one of the best places to appreciate the rustic hues of autumn in a spectacular woodland setting is the award-winning Enchanted Forest – an amazing sound and light show celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Taking place each night between September 29 and October 30, this year’s theme is ‘Shimmer’, which will transform Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, into a magical wonderland that will set your imagination alight.
The show fuses the creative talents of Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes (lighting designers) with RJ McConnell and Jon Beales (sound designers) to create a memorable outdoor experience illuminating nature. Using the forest as a natural backdrop, the display is, quite simply, out of this world.
There’s also a larger-than-life character coming to visit this year, courtesy of Vision Mechanics, the puppet company, which has been constructing something extra special, extra huge – and interactive. All will be revealed when the show opens.
There will also be drone footage this year for the first time, so expect some amazing, shimmering, visuals.
Back again, due to popular demand, the enchanted storytelling yurt will be on site with storytellers mesmerizing children with their enthralling tales.
If all the fresh air leaves you feeling peckish, such culinary delights as mulled wine, hot chocolate, hot dogs, delicious Scottish beef burgers and many other mouthwatering treats will be sizzling and brewing on-site.
For more details and to book tickets, visit enchantedforest.org.uk
Autumn in Perthshire is also the perfect time to lace up your walking boots and get out and about to enjoy the stunning scenery and autumnal colours of Crieff and surrounding Strathearn.
Follow in the footsteps of the drovers, who once took their cattle to market along the Cateran and Rob Roy trails and join the Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Festival, which runs from October 8-15.
Guided walks, ranging from themed easy strolls to high level walks in the nearby hills are at the core of this festival. Complementing the walks is a series of sociable evening events featuring music, drama and film.
The Tryst also includes the Hairy Coo mountain bike event on October 9, hosted at Comrie Croft, not far from Crieff.
This will feature three races – the Hairy Coo Bairns Race, the fun Wee Race and the competitive Big Race – three different levels of challenge so riders of all ages and abilities get the chance to join in. Find out more at droverstryst.com
For something a bit more relaxing, step back in time and enjoy the Autumn Harvest Festival at the Scottish Crannog Centre, on the banks of Loch Tay, near Kenmore.
Inspired by ancient traditions, this is a celebration of seasonal fare including tasters of fungi, hazelnuts, soups and stews representing the kind of foods Iron Age lochdwellers would have eaten at this time of year. Find out more at