Golden October

Enjoy fall in the wild places where bracken turns russet on the hill-slopes – though more than color adds to the ambience. Journey, say, through the glens of Perthshire – perhaps to the road-end at Rannoch – and walk out on to the moor. Above the golden birch trees, on the open hill, you will hear one of the most stirring sounds in nature’s calendar. During the red deer rut, the stags battle it out for the biggest ‘harem’ and proclaim their strength by bellowing out challenges to their rivals. It’s very impressive – and totally safe for walkers (unless you wear antlers).