Autumn in the National Park

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As the seasons continue to change, and the first proper snow falls across the towns and villages of the Cairngorms, we look back on an incredible and vibrant autumn.

Fogbow

When the low sun shines through finer water droplets in fog or mist it can create a colourless rainbow. This is referred to as a fogbow, white rainbow or cloudbow, spotted here over Insh marshes.

Adam Alexander

Wildlife

Autumn is an important time of year for wildlife in the National Park, including these adorable red squirrels! During this time they prepare for a potentially cold and snowy winter by eating lots of food, and storing it away in stock piles for the months ahead.

Neil McIntyre

Reflections

Light winds and bright colours mean an autumn day can deliver amazing reflections in the lochs around the National Park. Shown here is Uath Lochan in Glen Feshie.

Adam Alexander

Juniper berries

Known as juniper berries, these are technically berry-like cones, but they are a tasty staple for birds like fieldfare, song thrush and goldcrests throughout autumn and winter.

Adam Alexander

Autumn walks

The Cairngorms is famously home to one of the few remaining strongholds of Caledonian forest, and woodland walks never fail to disappoint. Anagach woods, pictured here, is home to crested tits and even Scottish crossbills.

Adam Alexander

Flourishing fungi

Dry sunny autumn days are great, but for fungi in the National Park a damper day is unbeatable. Lots of species of mushroom thrive in the Cairngorms, and for many years their sudden presence has been linked to tales of faeries and folklore.

Adam Alexander

First snow

Though the days are getting shorter at this time of year snow on the mountains, shown here on Cairn Lochan, brings a chill (and a thrill) to many people living here, a reminder that winter is just around the corner.

Louise Took