In pictures: Isle of Man's glens transformed into a sea of spectacular autumn colours

After a long, hot summer, autumn has finally arrived.

The mellow golden hues and earthy scents have taken their time to appear, following unseasonably warm weather and a series of storms.

But anyone venturing into one of the island’s glens over the past couple of weeks will have been struck by the vivid shades of brown, red and gold surrounding them.

It might be a little muddy underfoot, but there is no better time to enjoy a spot of forest (or glen) bathing.

It has also been a bumper year for fungi, which can still be found in abundance, with varieties ranging from the beautiful to the downright bizarre.

There are plenty of places to enjoy the autumn colours, although the glens are generally a better bet than plantations dominated by coniferous trees.

Over the past week or so, I visited Groudle Glen, Tholt-y-Will and Glen Helen to take in the spectacular scenery. Other excellent spots include Ballaglass Glen, Ballaugh Plantation, Glen Maye, Silverdale and Dhoon Glen.

Some paths remain closed following recent storm damage, with significant sections of Groudle and Tholt-y-Will still affected. However, there are plenty of other routes and glens where visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery.

With predictions of a stormy season linked to an unusually strong ‘super’ El Niño, it may be worth getting out and enjoying the autumn colours before further strong winds take their toll.

Here is a selection of photographs taken across the glens over the past week or so, offering a glimpse of what awaits anyone who has yet to enjoy an autumn stroll.