Looking for an excuse to get out and explore this autumn?
When the weather turns slightly cooler and the foliage on the trees starts to turn golden, a walk to one of Scotland's famous waterfalls could be the reward at the end of a wonderful hike.
In summer, the water doesn't flow as heavily, but by autumn, you can really begin to see the waterfalls' power.
From helping to make our famous whisky to shaping the dramatic scenery that surrounds us, water plays a vital part in making Scotland what it is.
And nowhere is that more obvious than in our stunning waterfalls, here are some of the best.
Grey Mare's Tail, near Moffat
Proving that you don't have to travel to the Highlands to find spectacular scenery, the Grey Mare’s Tail can be found closer to the Borders in Dumfries and Galloway.
Falling over 200 feet from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley below, the Grey Mare’s Tail is another of the highest in the UK.
Black Linn Falls, The Hermitage, Dunkeld
Lying as it does just an hour's drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, The Hermitage in Dunkeld offers a range of incredible sights and areas of interest including the powerful Black Linn Falls.
Once owned by the Dukes of Atholl, the woodland is filled with towering Douglas Firs and a folly known as Ossian’s Hall - the perfect place to the view where the River Braan crashes down into the deep, white water pools below.
Falls of Bruar, Perthshire
One of Scotland's most famous scenic spots lies close to the picturesque town of Pitlochry.
Home to a series of beautiful waterfalls, the Falls of Bruar even inspired Rabbie Burns to write a poem for the Duke of Atholl:
"Here, foaming down the skelvy rocks,
In twisting strength I rin;
There, high my boiling torrent smokes,
Wild-roaring o'er a linn:"
Beautiful to visit, it's also an excuse to enjoy some retail therapy at the nearby House of Bruar.
Steall Falls, Glen Nevis
An Steall Bàn, which means "The White Spout" in Gaelic (usually shortened to Steall Falls), is Scotland's second highest waterfall with a drop around nearly 390 feet.
A scenic stroll along the Nevis Gorge brings you out to the fall which recently had a starring role in Harry Potter.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Home to some of Scotland's most magical landscapes, Skye also has its fair share of idyllic waterfalls.
Found at the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle, the aquamarine pools of the River Brittle are aptly named.
A short hike from the village of Carbost, they have to be seen to be believed.
Loup of Fintry, near Stirling
After winding its way along between the Campsie Fells and Fintry Hills, the River Endrick goes on to create this striking waterfall.
The 94-foot falls were once more impressive but with water being diverted to the Carron Reservoir it's best viewed after a prolonged period of rain or snow - either way, you won't be disappointed.
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