Scotland in October: Edinburgh Castle and the forests around Pitlochry

A Scottish October trip can begin on the stone slope up to Edinburgh Castle and end among the trees of Highland Perthshire. That is a combination of city and forest, but not a flying visit to the whole of the Highlands. Around Pitlochry there are accessible forest paths and Loch Dunmore; Edinburgh calls for a different pace, with a fixed admission time for the castle. Anyone wanting to visit both places gains more from two separate days than from a programme that wipes out the distance. Autumn colour and dry weather are possibilities here, not bookable facilities.

Edinburgh Castle closes earlier than in summer from 1 October. The official table gives, for 1 October to 23 December, opening at 9.30, last admission at 16.00 and closing at 17.00. The operator recommends allowing at least two hours for the main parts. Arriving just before last admission therefore leaves little room. Bad weather or other circumstances can lead to an unexpected closure, the castle states; current opening times are on the castle site.

For the visit, the castle recommends booking online. Tickets can sell out, and if no places are left online, they are not available at the ticket desk either. Getting there is clear: from Edinburgh Waverley it is a short walk, but the road climbs. There is no public car park at the castle. A train journey or a visit from the city centre is therefore a practical choice, provided the current timetable and your admission time are matched. Allow for the climb if you are less steady on your feet.

After the city, attention shifts to Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire. VisitScotland describes this area as a place where October usually brings strong autumn colours and where, around Pitlochry, you can walk Faskally Forest among other places. The tourist board also lists the Linn of Tummel and Queen’s View as options. These are ideas for separate outings, not parts of a single signposted circular walk. The precise leaf colour differs from year to year and from week to week; an older photo or an enticing seasonal description does not predict the view on your travel day.

For Faskally, Forestry and Land Scotland gives a more concrete starting point. At Loch Dunmore runs the Dunmore Trail, which the operator describes as easily accessible. The Foresters’ Trail leads past the various tree species of the forest. The site originated in the nineteenth century as a planted forest at Faskally House; the paths now form a manageable walk along water and trees. The operator mentions striking autumn colouring; trail signs and current notices determine on the spot which paths are passable. For a quiet day, one forest walk is enough as a basis.

An evening in the same area can be very different. The organiser reports that The Enchanted Forest runs from 8 October to 8 November in 2026 and celebrates its 25th anniversary. After dark, the event uses light and sound in Faskally Wood; VisitScotland also lists storytelling installations. The organiser says tickets are on sale, but for a specific evening, current availability, start time and practical instructions have to be confirmed on the organiser’s site. A day walk in Faskally and an event with a ticket are separate activities.

Practical frame for 14 October: book Edinburgh Castle in good time, aim for admission well before 16.00 and keep at least two hours free. On arrival from Waverley, walk up on foot or plan other transport; do not count on parking at the castle. For a nature day around Pitlochry, choose a signposted route in Faskally and bring clothing for changeable October weather. Anyone wanting to visit The Enchanted Forest will see on the organiser’s website whether the desired evening is still available. The image of Edinburgh is from 2019 and the one of Loch Tummel from 2025: they show places, not the situation in October 2026.