Nick Drainey's Extra Mile

A riot of autumnal gold

MEIKLEOUR BEECH HEDGE, PERTHSHIRE

Autumn is officially here and although some of the weather we have had this week is more summery than virtually anything seen in August, the leaves will start turning before we know it.

That is not a sign that the light nights have gone and we must stay indoors for six months - more a chance to go and see one of the best displays nature puts on.

Perthshire is marketed as Big Tree Country but it also boasts the world's highest hedge. The Meikleour Beech Hedge is one of those phenomena you remember as you drive past, promising to stop the next time and admire it properly.

The 580 yard wall of beech stands at an average height of 100 feet next to the A93, apparently impervious to the traffic thundering past.

In a week or so the leaves will have turned a golden hue, making it one of the most impressive sights of the season.

The story goes that it was planted in 1745 by a Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne, to mark a boundary. When he died at Culloden a year later she moved to Edinburgh but the hedge has grown strongly ever since.

Park by the side of the A93 Blairgowrie road, 11 miles north of Perth. There is a layby at the south end of the hedge from which you can follow a footpath next to it to get a good view from the north end.

It is best to walk beyond the hedge and cross the road to see it in all its glory.

Remember that the A93 is a busy road so take care with children. Also, note that it is not really a place to walk a dog.

Afterwards, head for refreshment at the Meikleour Hotel - turn off left (if heading from Perth) at the north end of the hedge and follow the road for half a mile.