Self-catering Perthshire
Forget New England – Perthshire’s magnificent woodlands provide an autumn spectacular, with leaves changing from russet to scarlet and gold throughout October.
CHECK IN: Base yourself in a cottage from local agency Abade. The Tower House (pictured), a converted chapel tower outside Auchterarder, is a romantic couple’s getaway. Want to bring the family? Wayside Cottage near Perth sleeps five and has a garden where kids can let off steam.
WHAT TO DO: Top flame-coloured vistas include the Pass of Killiecrankie, where otter and heron compete for fish in the tumbling River Garry, and Moncreiffe Hill near Perth, which has walking trails chocker with stunning viewpoints. Don’t miss the larch-strewn hills around Dunkeld and Birnham, which inspired Beatrix Potter during family holidays.
EAT AND DRINK: The Taste of Scotland scheme (taste-of-scotland.com) showcases chefs, farmers’ markets and artisan food producers. And check out perthshire.co.uk for whisky distilleries to taste-test, such as Blair Athol, the world’s oldest.
WHAT IT COSTS: From £440 for seven nights in Tower House; £550 in Wayside Cottage with Abade.
FIND OUT MORE: abadeholidays.co.uk for prices and the list of properties available; perthshire.co.uk; forestry.gov.uk/autumn
