Call me superstitious but there was a chill in the air as I left Edinburgh on a train bound for Dunkeld & Birnam railway station in Highland Perthshire. Autumn had arrived – a season synonymous with the supernatural. As the ScotRail train dashed northwards, the light faded over the horizon, leaving a pink glow in the sky before all was dark.
This might be my favourite time of year in Scotland, when the leaves curl and fall in a kaleidoscope of yellows, browns and pale gold. It’s very atmospheric and the perfect time to go walking. Just make sure you’re dressed appropriately as it can get cold – especially at night…
My destination was roughly 1hr 45m from Edinburgh – a good time to read and reflect. I put down my book and checked my handy ScotRail app, we were approaching the station. Mind the gap. The train sped off into the night towards Inverness. I plotted a course through the dusky streets, streetlamps leading the way, and crossed the bridge over the gushing River Tay towards Dunkeld’s ancient centre.