In late October and early November, the Highland forests glow with golden birch and rust-coloured bracken, and salmon can still be seen leaping upstream to their spawning grounds. After Storm Boelo, however, not every trail is in the condition described online.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which manages Scotland’s national forests, recommends several autumn destinations in the Highlands, including:
- Glen Affric – Plodda Falls and Dog Falls (near Cannich): pine, birch and oak, waterfalls and a Douglas fir forest. Moderate trails: Tweedmouth – 2.4km, Dog Falls – 3.2km.
- Uath Lochans near Kingussie (Cairngorms National Park): golden-red woodland around small lochans with views towards Strathspey. A 2.4km moderate trail. The access road is narrow and winding, and overnight parking is not allowed.
- Lael Forest Garden near Ullapool: an arboretum with trees from around the world, so the autumn colours are particularly varied. The Gorge Trail is 1.6km but graded strenuous.
Where to see leaping salmon
According to FLS, adult salmon are best seen in late summer and autumn – ideally early in the morning or in the evening, especially after heavy rain. In the Highlands, FLS points to two such places:
- Rogie Falls (near Contin, on the Black Water): the Salmon Trail is 0.8km and crosses a suspension bridge to a viewing platform over the falls. The path is wide and gravelled but includes a long steep slope. The longer Riverside Trail (1.3km, about half an hour) is strenuous, with mud, roots and uneven rocky steps.
- Falls of Shin in Sutherland.
After Storm Boelo: take care in the woods and by the roads
FLS says it is still assessing storm damage across Scotland, so online trail descriptions may not reflect conditions on the ground. It advises visitors to follow local signage and turn back if anything looks unsafe. FLS also asks the public not to cut up windblown trees themselves, but to leave the work to professionals.
On 26 October the Highland Council urged landowners to check trees and drainage next to public roads. Council crews are clearing fallen trees across the region, but demand is very high. Advice is available from the council’s Service Centre: 01349 886601 (office hours) and 01349 886690 (out of hours).
What it means for you
An autumn trip with the children to Glen Affric or Rogie Falls is an inexpensive Saturday idea – the short trails can be walked in an hour. Since the clocks went back on 25 October, though, the days are short, and after the storm there may be branches and broken trees on the paths. If you have a house with a garden next to a road or run a rural business, check the trees and drains on your land – a broken branch over a road is a danger to pedestrians and drivers.
Our assessment
The Highlands in autumn offer some of the finest scenery in Britain, and the short FLS forest trails suit families well. This year, however, it is worth choosing shorter, wider paths (such as the Salmon Trail) rather than difficult routes by the waterfalls, setting off early and staying off trails closed after the storm. For guest houses and tourism businesses it is a good moment to show visitors autumn spots – and to check the trees on their own land.
What to do
- Pick a destination from the FLS list: Spectacular autumn destinations.
- Before going to Rogie Falls, check the trail descriptions and local alerts.
- Read when and where salmon leap: FLS – Salmon.
- Check the Met Office forecast and warnings, and road conditions on Traffic Scotland.
- After your walk, check yourself and the children for ticks, and keep a close eye on young children near water – FLS warns about both.
Sources: Forestry and Land Scotland – Spectacular autumn destinations, FLS – Rogie Falls trails (as of 28.10.2026); Inverness Courier – Highland Council appeal (26.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
Contact the editorial desk →
