AUTUMN IN ARGYLLSHIRE

For weeks now, foresters have been monitoring the colour changes at woods across the country as part of the Forestry Commission's national Autumn Colours campaign.

James Bickley of Forestry Commission Scotland says now is a good time to enjoy an autumn walk in the woods:

"Autumn is a brilliant time of year to get out and enjoy the woods and forests of Scotland. Now that the weather has turned the corner and we are getting colder nights we are starting to see more of the leaves turning red, brown and gold.

"In Argyllshire we've been busy taking in the autumn scenery and logging our findings on our website so that everyone can see when it is the best time to go out and enjoy an autumn walk in their favourite woods.

"At this time of year a walk or cycle ride might just be the tonic to blow away the cobwebs. You could enjoy a healthy walk around the network of scenic trails at Tarbert Castle overlooking Loch Fyne, or take in the views over the eastern side of the Kintyre Peninsula at Carradale. There's plenty of places to get away from it all."

The key autumn hotspots being monitored in Forestry Commission Scotland's campaign in Argyllshire are at Beinn Ghuilean, Carradale, Tarbert Castle, Knapdale Forest, Ardcastle and Inverleiver Forests.

More information on all the walks, cycle rides and view points is available on the Autumn Colours website www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn, or alternatively, callers to the public enquiry line 0845 367 3787 (0845 FORESTS) can get a special Autumn Colours pack with details.

Media enquiries to: James Bickley, West Argyll Forest District, 01546 602 518 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.