Scotland is famous the world over for its rugged landscapes and stunning wildlife. So when these two areas combine, it makes for an experience of a lifetime. This is what happens if you catch the annual sight of deer rutting season in the wild. It’s an almost magical experience that captures the imagination and reveals the true beauty and strength of our majestic deer.
So, what is deer rutting, when can you see it and, most importantly, where are the best spots?
What is deer rutting?
Deer rutting is how male Red Deers decide who gets to mate with the female deers each year. Of course, this isn’t accomplished by civil discussion or a flip of the coin. Rather, the males (or stags) become pumped up with testosterone and get ready to fight any other stag who stands in his way. By rounding up the female deer (a doe or a hind) they protect their territory and thus their mating rights.
A deer rut scene is dramatic – often better than any action film you might see in the cinema! The stags’s hot breath is visible in the cold Scottish air. They smash and crash down on each other’s antlers. The deer have put on weight for this, so it’s serious business. They can lock horns and really take it out on each other. Rutting stags rarely hurt each other, even if it starts to look a bit rough.
The best times to see a deer rut in the Highlands
In the Scottish Highlands, deer rutting takes place in the autumn. The best times to try and view it is from the end of September until the start of November. Rutting can take place at any time throughout the day. However, most of the action is going to be early in the morning (around three hours after dawn) and late at night, (about three hours before dusk). So make sure you bring plenty of coffee to keep you going! It can never be guaranteed though, and weather can often hinder rutting activity, but don’t give up! Come back again because it’s a sight worth seeing.
Where to see deer rutting
Rutting takes place all across the Highlands. You can listen out for the bellows! However many companies offer rutting safaris and tours to make sure you get the best possible chance of seeing it.
Some places to stay near Loch Ness, like Eagle Brae, occasionally have deer rutting take place on their land! If you’re lucky, you can hear the noises from your cabin. Do be careful if you chance across a Red Deer rut though. These are wild animals, and they are huge! Keep your distance and respect these beautiful creatures. If you take any photos, be sure to let us see on our social media!
So join us in autumn for the annual deer rutting season and prepare to be amazed at nature’s beauty and strength. Bring your binoculars, camera and a sense of adventure. You won’t forget this experience in a hurry.
Best Places to Visit in the Autumn when on the Loch Ness 360 ° Trail
If you are looking for some of the best places to visit in the Autumn, when on the Loch Ness 360 ° Trail, then read on. Here we have pulled together a list of where we think you would love to visit when you visit us here in the Highlands. Crunching leaves, earthy smells and a canvas of red, gold and yellow… a Scottish experience to behold.
The Great Glen Way
No matter what time of year you visit, The Great Glen Way is truly spectacular. This fabulous trail forms part of the North Side of the Loch Ness 360 trail leading you through some of Scotlands most beautiful scenery. Connecting Fort Augustus and Dores you can walk run or cycle it and are guaranteed to have an experience of a lifetime. Given this side of the trail is high up you get magnificent views of the Autumn scenery and Loch Ness below. Furthermore, you can choose to explore the full length of this section. Or you can simply meander parts of it at your own leisure. Snaking through the dramatic landscape the beauty of this trail in Autumn is breathtaking. Absorb scenes, as you ramble along… golden trees licking the lochside and river, enveloping picturesque pathways and carpeting the landscape around you. High on the north side of the trail colours of yellow and gold blanket the valley, hugging the loch. As a result, making this one of the best Autumn destinations in Scotland.
Being one of our famous occupants in Scotland and drawing many visitors, this is a great time of year to spot deer. Autumn marks the beginning of the Deer Rutting Season. To explain, this is when red stags gather groups of female deer to mate with. And of course, with other stags to contend with, frictions rise for the female attention. Thus resulting in a battle. During this dramatic act the stags roar and lock antlers in an exhausting feat. Consequently, they can lose up to 20% of their body weight. And the winner then has the task of covering his ladies! If you are lucky, from September to early November, you can hear the sounds of this battle as it commences as you are unlikely to see it. But remember, if you do, stay safe, stay quiet, keep a distance, keep dogs on leads and respect these magnificent animals.
As you head north of Fort Augustus, 7 miles along, you enter the small village of Invermoriston. Arching across the River Moriston, and built-in 1813, is the Thomas Telford bridge. Formally, it was used to bridge the road between Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. Since a new bridge has been built and the public can now walk across the original and stand in awe of the dramatic scene that unfolds beneath you. As you can imagine this place is spectacular in the Autumn time. Trees cocoon the ravine and beneath the falls put on an exuberant display. Additionally, at this time you can watch the salmon leaping as they make their way upstream to reproduce. Early morning and evening, especially after rain are the best times to see this in action.
Invermoriston Thomas Telford bridge in Autumn
Cruise your way along Loch Ness
There is no better way to absorb a large expanse of Autumn landscape than with a cruise along Loch Ness. Jacobite Cruises in Dochgarroch and Cruise Loch Ness in Fort Augustus offer a fabulous experience. As you cruise the waters the vista before you is dressed in Autumnal colours. Therefore, making this one the best places to see autumn leaves in all their glory. And if you are lucky you may spot our famous monster lurking beneath the dark waters beneath you trying to catch a glimpse!
A view from a Cruise going along Loch Ness
Falls of Foyer
South of Loch Ness is the breathtaking Falls of Foyer. Here this dramatic gorge is home to a spectacular waterfall and is one of the best places to visit in the Autumn. A short walk along a well-maintained path guides you down a steep slope. Here you end up at a viewpoint overlooking the falls. Gasp in awe as this 140ft waterfall plunges to the deep, dark pool below. Trees and vegetation burst from the surrounding rocks and landscape, dressing this scene in colours of red, gold, yellow and brown in the Autumn. And a little drive on you can stop for refreshments in a magical tearoom. Cameron’s Tearoom serves up delicious food in a spectacular, secluded location and is well worth a visit.
Falls of Foyer in Autumn
Loch Tarff
Coming from Fort Augustus and just before the Falls of Foyer lies Loch Tarff which is stunning in the Autumn. Encased by rolling hills and lush landscape you find your own little piece of heaven. In Autumn the loch is swathed by Autumn colours creating a place of beauty and tranquillity to escape to. Here you can walk a section of the south section of the Loch Ness 360 trail. From here you have a spectacular view as the path meanders gently up the hillside. Blanketed beneath you is an array of bursting vibrant colour.
Loch Tarff in Autumn
Dores
No trip is complete without a trip to Dores. Situated on the East side of Loch Ness this famous pebbled beach is home to the famous viewpoint up the loch. Additionally, it is home to the famous Nessie hunter Steve Feltham whose caravan nestles on the shores. Furthermore, you can have a go at some Nessie hunting yourself through the binoculars stationed on the beach. And if you want to stretch your legs you can follow a circular walk then enjoy some refreshments at The Dores Inn. Given its location the Autumnal views here are spectacular. Mountainous hills drop either side of the loch crowning it in flourishing colours of Autumn.
Dores beach with the famous view up Loch Ness
Wildlife
And of course, any location you visit this Autumn you can look out for some of our famous wildlife along the way. Red squirrels, deer, pheasants, salmon, Highland cows, otters, eagles are just a handful of what you can spot. As you meander the golden landscape and absorb the views keep an eye out for what may make a special appearance. Important to point out is respecting animals and their environment so they can live in peace while we enjoy seeing them.
A red squirrel among Autumn leaves
Loch Ness 360 Trail
Much of the surrounding areas of Loch Ness can be explored via the Loch Ness 360 trail. And there is no better time than Autumn to explore when the landscape is at its most spectacular. Explore all six sections or simply sample parts. Whatever you choose to see and do we can guarantee that Autumn in the Highlands is an unforgettable experience. We look forward to welcoming you!
