Highland Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country, and autumn turns its woods, rivers and lochs into a changing landscape of gold, copper and deep green. A road trip lets you combine famous viewpoints with short woodland walks while keeping the day flexible.
This route links Aberfeldy, Loch Tay, Queen’s View, Pitlochry and Dunkeld. It is a framework rather than a race: choose three or four stops, check current access before departure and leave enough daylight for the return journey.
When to plan an autumn-colour trip
Colour develops at a different pace each year. September often brings the first signs of change, while richer colour can follow later in the season depending on temperature, wind and rainfall. Instead of promising one “peak” date, check recent local photographs and visitor updates shortly before travelling.
VisitScotland highlights Perthshire’s extensive woodland, rivers and waterfalls, while the current regional guide from This Is Perthshire recommends several local woodland destinations for autumn colour. Use those sources for inspiration, then verify access with the organisation managing each site.
Stop 1: Aberfeldy and the Birks
Begin in Aberfeldy with the Birks of Aberfeldy, where woodland, gorge scenery and waterfalls create a strong first stop. The paths can be wet, steep or slippery in places, so wear walking shoes with grip and choose a shorter town-based alternative if conditions are poor.
For more detail, open our guide to the best Aberfeldy walks. Coffee or an early lunch in town makes a natural pause before the drive towards Loch Tay.
Stop 2: Kenmore and Loch Tay
Continue towards Kenmore and Loch Tay. The combination of wooded hills, open water and changing light makes this section of the route as rewarding as the named viewpoints. Use designated parking, never stop in passing places and avoid blocking entrances for a photograph.
If time and weather allow, add a gentle walk from our Kenmore walking guide. The Scottish Crannog Centre at Dalerb is also a useful planned stop, particularly when showers are moving through.
Stop 3: Queen’s View and Loch Tummel
Queen’s View looks across Loch Tummel towards the mountains around Glencoe. Forestry and Land Scotland currently advises that the site’s visitor centre, café and car parks are under new management, with visiting information provided separately by the new operator. Check the official visitor-information page before setting out.
If Queen’s View facilities or parking do not suit your visit, nearby Allean Forest can be a Plan B. As of September 2026, Forestry and Land Scotland reports active tree-felling works there, with the Clachan Trail closed and the Ring Fort Trail shortened, so check current alerts before travelling.
Stop 4: Faskally and Pitlochry
Near Pitlochry, Faskally’s trees and Loch Dunmore provide a gentler woodland setting. Autumn evenings become darker earlier, so schedule a forest stop with enough time to return to the car before dusk. Never enter an area closed for an event or forestry work.
Pitlochry is also a convenient place for refreshments and a change of pace. If you want to walk farther, compare the options in our guide to Pitlochry walks.
Stop 5: The Hermitage and Dunkeld
Finish at The Hermitage near Dunkeld, known for tall trees, the River Braan and Ossian’s Hall overlooking the waterfall. The National Trust for Scotland manages the site; check its current visitor page for access and parking updates.
If you are staying near Dunkeld, The Stables is a dog-friendly self-catering option. Our Dunkeld walks guide offers alternatives if you want to make the area a full day rather than the final stop.
Road-trip essentials
- Check weather, daylight and live access notices before leaving
- Download directions for rural stretches
- Carry waterproof layers, warm clothing and walking shoes
- Use designated car parks and keep passing places clear
- Keep dogs under close control around wildlife and livestock
- Choose fewer stops if the roads or paths are busy
Make it a two-night autumn break
Spreading the route across two days makes it easier to wait for good light and enjoy each place without watching the clock. Stay around Aberfeldy or Loch Tay for the western stops, or choose Dunkeld for easy access to The Hermitage.
Explore our lodges, cottages and short-break options. For a walking-focused visit, also see our existing guide to autumn walks in Highland Perthshire.
The best autumn road trip is not the one with the most stops. It is the one that leaves room for a quiet path, a sudden reflection on the loch and the colour you did not expect to find.