With three weather warnings during my autumn holidays, I didn't travel very far afield but made the most of the rich colours closer to home. With the colder weather as well, I start to increase my running mileage and getting out running is a great way to enjoy autumn.
One of my favourite running routes is a loop through the woods and fields from Ormiston to Pencaitland then back via the Winton Estate. The trails here are always quiet and often muddy in winter which is perfect because I do think the muddier you are when you get home, the more you have enjoyed your run!
Another favourite run close to home is from Aberlady Bay along the coast to Gullane then back via the John Muir Way and the Postman's Path through Luffness Estate. The coast path is quite rugged and exposed here but in autumn there are huge numbers of geese and waders to distract your attention. This run was early morning as the sun was rising over a frosty landscape.
Further afield, I love to run to family visits in Newport from the train station at Dundee as the route goes over the Tay Bridge which has expansive views up and down the river, then along the Newport Nature Trail. There's a particular point on the trail when the trees and low sunlight conspire to create a little bit of magic.
There were plenty of nice walks too in my autumn holidays including a wander round the Gosford Policies, always stunning at this time of year. Gosford House is the seat of the Earls of Wemyss and March, and dates from 1800. But it's the grounds that steal the show with pretty ponds and woodland.
A wander up at Dunkeld is also beautiful at this time of year with the surrounding woods creating a rich backdrop of colour. In late autumn it's the beech trees that steal the show here. Or maybe it's the red squirrel at the Loch of the Lowes visitor centre.
Autumn is giving way now to winter, my favourite season. While there will no doubt be more storms, let's hope there's plenty of running and nice walks too.
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