Discover Autumn in Scotland in the Argyll Forest

With almost a fifth of Scotland’s land area covered in trees there's plenty of opportunity to try some leaf peeping this Autumn!

Article Source: Argyll Holidays
Last Updated: 30 September 2016 14:07

Autumn in Scotland creates some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. And with its vast areas of woodland the Argyll Forest is already ablaze with gold, red and orange as the changing season gets into full flow.

With eight holiday parks across Argyll, including Hunters Quay Holiday Village in Dunoon and Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village in Lochgoilhead, Argyll Holidays knows only too well the appeal of Autumn. That’s why it’s encouraging people to come Leaf Peeping at its Holiday Parks. A popular pastime in the USA and Japan, Leaf Peeping is just as its name suggests – peeping at the beautiful array of multi-coloured leaves the season brings.

With almost a fifth of Scotland’s land area covered in trees, there is no shortage of leaves to peep. Here’s a snapshot of some of the trees you can expect to see across Argyll Holidays’ parks:

Native trees
· Common Oak – these trees can live for over 1000 years and can grow to up to 35m tall. An important habitat tree for all types of flora and fauna the Oak has strong durable timber traditionally used for ship building and house frames. The acorns which fall from the tree are an important food source for wildlife.

· Rowan – this tree can reach heights of up to 20m with an open canopy. It’s berries are rich in vitamin C and were traditionally used to make a jelly that was eaten with game. The tree was connected with witchcraft in ancient times and on
Mayday a sprig of Rowan was hung over doors and wells to ward off evil witches and spells.

· Silver Birch – One of the world’s hardiest trees, mature trees can reach 30m in height and form a feathery canopy. Often referred to as the holy tree by Pagan, Celtic and Germanic tribes the tree is believed to have powers of renewal and purification. In autumn the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow.

· Beech – When fully grown this tree creates a dome shaped canopy and can grow up to 36m high. In autumn the leaves turn yellow followed by a burnt orange and then deep red. The tree also produces beech nuts which contain triangular nutlets, another common food for wildlife.

· Scots Pine – these trees can live for up to 700 years. Mature trees have a brown bark from the base turning red towards the crown of the tree. The pine cone is a popular site in autumn and is also a favourite food of the native red squirrel.

Non-native trees
· Norway Maple – Arrived in the UK in the 17th century, this tree can reach a height of around 30m. Their winged seeds, known as samara, are often played with by kids because they look a bit like helicopters. In autumn the leaves turn yellow through to a scarlet red.

· Horse Chestnut –This tree was introduced to the UK from the Balcans in the late 16th Century. The wood is idea for toys, and artificial limbs as it’s light and unlikely to fracture. Traditionally the tree is known for its fruit called Conkers which are still collected by children for ‘conker fights’ where the conker was drilled and a lace threaded through to hang the conker.

Leaf peeping is a great activity to do as a family, couple, group of friends or even solo and best of all it’s completely free. All you need is a pair of wellies, an outdoor jacket and an inquisitive mind and it’s a great way to pass a morning or afternoon.

The Scottish Highlands is one of Britain and Europe’s last remaining wildernesses and Argyll Holidays takes its role in protecting the local landscape very seriously. For the past 12years, the company has participated in the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme, which awards organisations who protect and enhance Britain’s natural environment. As a result, the company has been awarded six gold and two silver awards to their parks.

Jackie McBurney, environmental coordinator at Argyll Holidays said: “The Argyll Forest is nothing short of magical in autumn. From its array of golden colours to its endless variety of nature and wildlife, it’s where real adventures take place. Leaf peeping is an easy, educational and fun way to spend some quality time outdoors – there really is nothing better than getting out into the fresh Scottish air to re-engage with the natural environment.”

Hunter’s Quay in Dunoon and Drimsynie Estate in Lochgoilhead are ideal locations for an autumn family break. Both have a brilliant selection of caravans and lodges, many with hot tubs for an extra bit of luxury. Both holiday destinations feature an all weather complex for the unpredictable Scottish weather, a Go Active activity zone, on site restaurants and regular entertainment.

Breaks can last from three nights to 14 nights and prices start from as little as £39.60 per night for a caravan and £45.90 for a lodge. For further information on any of Argyll Holidays resorts visit argyllholidays.com.