19 best autumn walks in the UK
Fallen leaves, sweet chestnuts and a kaleidoscope of colours are all things that spring to mind when we think of the British countryside in autumn. It’s the ideal season to venture outdoors and explore the UK’s many walking trails! Whether you want to get lost in enchanting forests or soak up dramatic coastal views, here’s our round up of the best autumn walks in the UK.
1. Hardcastle Crags
Location: West Yorkshire
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Three miles
Terrain: Rocky
Spectacular views of West Yorkshire and wonderful woodland scenery await at Hardcastle Crags. The three-mile walk (known as the Railway Trail) begins at Gibson Mill and winds its way past streams, centuries-old mills and huge forests.
Address: Gibson Mill, Midgehole Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AW
2. Blickling Hall
Location: Norfolk
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Four miles
Terrain: Flat
Holidaying in Norfolk? This gorgeous National Trust site features the perfect autumn walk! Brady’s Walk at Blickling Hall gives you a lovely glimpse of the grand house’s 4,500 acre grounds which really are as pretty as a picture in autumn! Why not finish off your walk with a pint of local ale at the Bucks Arms pub?
Address: Blickling, Norwich NR11 6NF
3. Devil’s Dyke
Location: West Sussex
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Three miles
Terrain: Hilly
Despite its name, this walk really is heaven on Earth. Devil’s Dyke is another National Trust site and you’ll find it just outside Brighton. There’s numerous walks to choose between, but the Devil’s Dyke Chasm trail offers a chance to enjoy stunning views of West Sussex and delve into a valley said to be the resting place of the devil himself…
Address: Devil’s Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 8YJ
4. Brownsea Island
Location: Dorset
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: One mile
Terrain: Gentle hills
If you think going to the seaside isn’t particularly an autumn activity, think again! Brownsea Island lies along the Dorset coast and it’s home to a spectacular area of woodland, plus a colony of rare red squirrels. Begin at the National Trust visitor’s centre and set off on the Rich Reds of Brownsea trail.
Address: National Trust – Brownsea Island, Poole BH13 7EE
5. Castle Ward
Location: County Down, Ireland
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two miles
Terrain: Flat
If Northern Ireland’s dramatic scenery is calling you, make a beeline for County Down. The region is the home of Castle Ward, a magnificent estate featuring 820 acres of lush scenery, plus an 18th century manor and farmyard which was used as a set in the Game of Thrones TV series.
Address: Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA
6. Nant Gwynant Circular Walk
Location: Gwynedd, Wales
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Five and a half miles
Terrain: Hilly
Wales is no stranger to stunning countryside scenery, especially in Snowdonia National Park. One fantastic option for an autumn hike is the Nant Gwynant Circular Walk. It takes you around the shores of Llyn Gwynant and over the foothills of Snowdon in Gwynedd.
Address: Caernarfon LL55 4NQ
7. Teign Gorge
Location: Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Four miles
Terrain: Rocky
Teign Gorge is located within Devon’s Dartmoor National Park. It’s circular walk, beginning at handsome Castle Drogo, is one of the most popular picks for keen hikers. Visit in autumn to crunch your way across fallen leaves and spot wonderful wildlife, from roe deer to hedgehogs and robins!
Address: Castle Drogo Drive Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PB
8. Dunham Massey
Location: Cheshire
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two and a half miles
Terrain: Flat
Another place where you can often spot deer on a walk is Dunham Massey. Found in the heart of rural Cheshire, it’s a grand 18th century house with incredible gardens which turn various shades of red, orange and gold in the autumn. Stroll through an age-old forest when you follow the ancient trees trail across the estate’s parkland.
Address: 52 Woodhouse Ln, Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 5SE
9. Aira Force
Location: Lake District
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Four and a half miles
Terrain: Rocky
If the lush Lake District is calling your name, a hike to the tumbling cascades of Aira Force should be on your itinerary. The beautiful Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail begins on the shores of Ullswater, near Penrith, and winds its way up Aira Beck. You’ll then circle around Gowbarrow Park, passing huge trees teeming with autumn colours.
Address: Penrith CA11 0JS
10. Ashridge
Location: Hertfordshire
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Six miles
Terrain: Hilly
Tucked away near Ringshall in Hertfordshire, Ashridge is a wonderful woodland to explore in every season. In autumn, the ancient forest is particularly stunning thanks to vibrant fallen leaves and amazing wildlife. Soak it all up by following the Ashridge Autumn Colour Trail – and don’t forget your camera!
Address: Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT
11. High Close
Location: Lake District
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: One mile
Terrain: Hilly
After another awesome autumn walk in the Lake District? High Close Estate and Arboretum sits between Grasmere and Ellswater and was designed in 1866. It features hundreds of incredible trees, many of which were brought over from America. The High Close tree trail begins at the YHA Langdale and it’s a sublime option for those keen to explore the woodland in autumn.
Address: High Close Cottage, Loughrigg, Ambleside LA22 9HJ
12. Emmetts Garden
Location: Kent
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Five miles
Terrain: Hilly
There’s a reason Kent is nicknamed ‘the Garden of England.’ The lush county is criss-crossed with scenic walks that take you through some spectacular countryside, with the Emmetts Garden walk near Sevenoaks being one of them. It passes two enchanting woodlands and Chartwell, the handsome former home of Winston Churchill.
Address: Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6BA
13. Stourhead
Location: Wiltshire
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Five and a half miles
Terrain: Hilly
Admire an 18th century tower with a backdrop of orange and red leaves at Stourhead. The elegant estate’s King Alfred’s Tower walk is one of the best autumn walks in Wiltshire! As well as passing through beautiful countryside, the trail takes you close to several historic monuments, including an Iron Age fort and the tower itself.
Address: Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QF
14. Gibside Skyline
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Difficulty: Hard
Walk length: Four and a half miles
Terrain: Hilly
The Derwent Valley just outside Newcastle is a treat for the eyes during the autumn months – and you can see it all on the gorgeous Gibside Skyline trail! The walk takes you around the Gibside Estate which boasts beautiful grounds, virgin woodland and several sites of historic interest, including the ruined Gibside Hall and attractive Gibside Chapel.
Address: Rowlands Gill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 6BG
15. Broaks Wood
Location: Essex
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Six miles
Terrain: Flat
Wonderful wildlife and an amazing giant redwood grove are just two of the things to look forward to at Broaks Wood. The ancient woodland is located in Essex and it’s a real treat for the eyes in autumn! Admire its famous redwood trees on one of five trails, including the six-mile walk to Halstead and back.
Address: Sible Hedingham, Gosfield, Halstead CO9 1UP
16. Sherwood Forest
Location: Nottinghamshire
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Four miles
Terrain: Flat
For an adventure linked to local legend, you can’t beat an autumn walk in Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest. In addition to its links to Robin Hood, the woodland has a handful of great walks. The Wildwood Trail is the longest and most diverse, with walkers having the chance to see the forest’s famous oak tree, vibrant heathland and lively birdlife.
Address: Broad Dr, Mansfield NG21, UK
17.Bolderwood
Location: Hampshire
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Two miles
Terrain: Hilly
Once a royal hunting ground, the New Forest in Hampshire is one of the most popular places to walk in the South. Acres of woodland and vast moors home to wild ponies and rare birds await. In autumn, the Bolderwood trail is particularly spectacular and has a viewing point where you can often spot fallow deer feeding among the trees.
Address: Lyndhurst SO43 7GE
18. Great Wood
Location: Somerset
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Two miles
Terrain: Hilly
Stroll alongside huge Douglas fir trees and enjoy awesome vistas of rolling hills from the Great Wood. Tucked away in Somerset within the Quantock Hills, it’s one of the biggest forests in England! Its Red walk is a natural choice for an atmospheric, autumnal stroll.
Address: Adscombe Ln, Over Stowey, Bridgwater TA5 1HN
19. Lady Mary’s Walk
Location: Perthshire, Scotland
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Seven miles
Terrain: Hilly
Scotland is dripping in picturesque landscapes which really come into their own in the autumn months. Among its many photo-worthy walking trails is Lady Mary’s Walk in Perthshire. Named after the favourite daughter of Sir Patrick Murray (a 19th century nobleman), it takes you past colourful woodland and along the banks of the River Earn.
Address: Lady Mary’s Walk, Crieff PH7 4JJ
