Autumn is one of the best times of year to enjoy walking in Great Britain. As temperatures cool and the countryside begins to change, forests, woodlands and parks are transformed by vibrant displays of autumn colour. Golden beech trees, fiery maples, copper-toned oaks and crimson rowans create spectacular scenery, making it the perfect season for a family walk, woodland adventure or scenic day hike.
To help inspire your next outdoor adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best autumn locations across Britain, including tried-and-tested route recommendations from our OS Champions. Don’t forget to check out our FAQ section for tips on making the most of your autumn walking adventures.
Where are the best autumn walks in Britain?
Padley Gorge, Peak District
Padley Gorge is one of the Peak District’s most enchanting autumn walks, where ancient woodland and flowing water combine to create a landscape bursting with seasonal colour. Follow Burbage Brook through a narrow wooded valley to find yourself surrounded by golden birch, copper-toned oak and vibrant rowan trees, while fallen leaves carpet the winding paths.
Families will enjoy exploring the rocky edges of the streams, looking for interesting fungi and spotting wildlife amongst the trees. Rich in colour, character and natural beauty, Padley Gorge is a fantastic place to experience autumn at its very best.
Cromwell’s Seat, Cheltenham
For a walk that captures the colours and atmosphere of the season, OS Champion Sally Thornton recommends a beautiful 4.5-mile circular route through the North Cotswolds. Full of autumn colours, sounds and wildlife, the walk has the bonus of a café finish, providing the perfect end to a crisp adventure.
The route offers far-reaching views across the Malvern Hills and, on clear days, as far as South Wales. Highlights include a stunning 2.5-mile tree-lined avenue and the historic Cromwell’s Seat Monument, a popular viewpoint overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, New Forest
Autumn brings Rhinefield Ornamental Drive to life with a spectacular display of colour. Known as the ‘Cathedral of Trees’, this beautiful section of the New Forest is lined with towering redwoods, stately beeches and ornamental trees whose leaves transform into vibrant shades of gold, orange and crimson as the season unfolds.
Wide forest tracks make for easy walking, allowing plenty of time to take in the scenery and enjoy the peaceful woodland atmosphere. Look out for free-roaming New Forest ponies grazing beneath the trees and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot as you explore one of the most picturesque autumn walking destinations in southern England.
The Hermitage, Perthshire
The Hermitage is one of Scotland’s most spectacular woodland walks, and autumn only enhances its appeal. Trails wind through towering Douglas firs and colourful broadleaf woodland, where rich hues of gold, bronze and russet contrast beautifully against the deep green forest. Alongside the path, the River Braan adds movement to the landscape, creating a route that feels immersed in nature from start to finish.
One of the walk’s highlights is the viewpoint overlooking Black Linn Falls, where rushing water is framed by vibrant autumn foliage. Autumn is also one of the best times to visit for wildlife, with salmon often visible leaping upstream through the falls as they make their annual migration.
Sugar Loaf, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
For an autumn walk that combines colourful woodland, panoramic views and a rewarding summit, OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson recommends a 6.25-mile circular route around Sugar Loaf. Beginning in beautiful oak and beech woodland, the walk is particularly spectacular in autumn. The route climbs to the summit of Sugar Loaf, where walkers are rewarded with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.
It’s a walk that Phillipa returns to time and time again, particularly in autumn. On clear mornings, early risers may be lucky enough to witness ‘dragons’ breath’, low-lying mist filling the valleys below, making you feel on top of the world. Combined with some truly spectacular sunrises, it’s an experience that makes every early start worthwhile.
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Go to the shopFforest Fawr, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Stretching across the western side of Bannau Brycheiniog, Fforest Fawr offers a wonderful mix of woodland, open countryside and far-reaching views. During autumn, its broadleaf forests are awash with rich seasonal colours, as beech, oak and rowan trees turn shades of gold, orange and deep red.
A network of walking routes lead through peaceful woodland and past dramatic natural features, including waterfalls and hidden valleys, providing a varied walking experience. The changing colours, quieter trails and abundance of wildlife make Fforest Fawr a rewarding place to explore throughout the autumn.
Tehidy Woods, Cornwall
As the largest area of woodland in West Cornwall, Tehidy Woods is a beautiful place for an autumn walk. Paths wind through mature oak, beech and sycamore woodland, where colourful leaves create a vibrant canopy overhead and seasonal shades brighten every corner of the forest.
The woodland trails loop around tranquil lakes and ponds, providing plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the changing season. Families can enjoy spotting wildlife amongst the trees, while the well-maintained paths make exploring easy for walkers of all ages.
Rhaeadr Ddu & Coed Ganllwyd, Eryri (Snowdonia)
For a gentle autumn woodland walk packed with seasonal colour, OS Champion Elizabeth Asad recommends this beautiful route through Coed Ganllwyd in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Following the River Gamlan through ancient woodland, the trail is especially rewarding during autumn, when the forest is awash with rich shades of gold, orange and bronze.
The highlight is reaching the series of waterfalls along the River Gamlan, where rushing water and colourful foliage combine to create spectacular scenery.
Doethïe Valley, Mid-Wales
If you’re looking for a peaceful autumn escape, OS Champion Tracy Purnell recommends this stunning walk through the Doethïe Valley. Combining jaw-dropping mountain views, a meandering river, tranquil woodland and plenty of opportunities to soak up the changing colours of the season, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in autumn away from the crowds.
With far-reaching views, colourful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the scenery, this is an ideal walk for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy autumn at a gentler pace. Rich in natural beauty and wonderfully secluded, the Doethïe Valley showcases a quieter, more peaceful side of Wales that’s especially rewarding during the autumn months.
Glen Affric, Highlands
Often described as one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, Glen Affric is a spectacular place to experience autumn on foot. Home to one of the largest remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forest, the landscape comes alive with colour as birch, rowan and aspen trees turn vibrant shades of gold, orange and bronze. The combination of colourful woodland, sparkling lochs and Highlands mountain backdrops creates stunning views throughout the walking routes.
Whether you’re following a gentle lochside trail or venturing deeper into the glen, autumn offers a chance to enjoy the landscape at its most striking. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, red deer and a variety of birdlife as you explore this National Nature Reserve.
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Go to the shopWestonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
When it comes to autumn colour, few places can rival Westonbirt Arboretum. Home to some of the UK’s most impressive collections of trees, its network of walking trails weaves through a breathtaking patchwork of fiery reds, glowing oranges, rich golds and deep burgundy foliage.
Every path reveals something new, from elegant Japanese acers to towering maples ablaze with colour. The ever-changing displays make each visit unique, while family-friendly routes and accessible paths make it easy for everyone to enjoy. For walkers looking to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and colours of autumn, Westonbirt is hard to beat.
Moel Siabod, Eryri (Snowdonia)
For autumnal hiking, Plas y Brenin’s Tom Laws recommends an ascent of Moel Siabod via the Daear Ddu Ridge. This route offers one of the finest seasonal outings in Eryri, trading the summer crowds for crisp mountain air and golden heather framing the slate-blue waters of Llyn y Foel.
After a steady climb through historic slate workings, the Grade 1 scramble up the ridge keeps you warm as temperature drops, leading to a summit where sharp, clear autumn skies often yield unrivaled panoramic views across to the Yr Wyddfa, Glyderau, and Carneddau. Descending off the mountain as the low afternoon sun casts long shadows over the landscape, the route brings you right back into Capel Curig—making it only fitting to cap off the day in the bar at Plas y Brenin.
Please note: While Grade 1 scrambling is a popular way to experience hands-on mountain routes, it requires a solid foundation of footwork, route-finding ability, and sound mountain judgment. Wet or icy conditions—common in autumn—can make greasy, exposed rock significantly more hazardous. If you are new to moving on unroped, broken terrain, ensure you are well-prepared, monitor changing weather closely, or consider taking a scrambling skills course with a qualified instructor
Coed y Brenin, Eryri (Snowdonia)
Coed y Brenin is one of Wales’ most popular forests for walking, and autumn is a fantastic time to explore its scenic trails. Ancient native woodland and towering conifer plantations are transformed by seasonal colour, creating a rich tapestry of gold, amber and copper tones across the landscape. Numerous walking routes weave alongside rivers, waterfalls and forest tracks, offering plenty of variety for visitors.
The crisp autumn air and colourful woodland are a perfect combination, while viewpoints across the surrounding mountains add even more drama to the scenery. Family-friendly trails and accessible routes make Coed y Brenin an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy the colours of autumn in the heart of Eryri.
Richmond Park, London
Richmond Park offers a remarkable autumn escape within the heart of London, with centuries-old trees, open parkland and abundant wildlife all contributing to its seasonal charm. As oak, beech and sweet chestnut trees take on brilliant shades of amber and gold, the park’s vast landscapes become one of the city’s most impressive places for an autumn walk.
Adding to the experience are the park’s famous red and fallow deer, often seen amongst the colourful woodland and grassy expanses. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle family stroll or a longer countryside walk, Richmond Park combines spectacular autumn colour with a sense of space and wilderness that’s hard to believe is within the capital.
Kentmere Reservoir, Lake District
For those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter side of the Lake District, OS Champion Mohammed Dhalech recommends a gentle walk from Kentmere to Kentmere Reservoir. The route passes through peaceful farmland and follows the beautiful Kentmere Valley, surrounded by dramatic fells and classic Lake District scenery, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed autumn outing.
The arrival of autumn turns the valley gold and bronze, adding seasonal colour to the landscape. The quieter nature of the route means it’s also a great place to appreciate the changing season, with crisp air, colourful foliage and reflections of the surrounding fells often mirrored in the reservoir’s calm waters.
One of the highlights is reaching Kentmere Reservoir, a peaceful spot that’s perfect for a picnic or lunch with a view. Before or after your walk, be sure to visit the historic village church, which adds another point of interest to this scenic route.
Autumn walks FAQ
Autumn colours typically begin to appear from late September, with peak displays usually occurring between October and early November. The timing can vary depending on location, weather conditions and the types of trees present.
Cooler temperatures, quieter trails and colourful landscapes make autumn one of the best seasons for walking. It’s also a fantastic time for wildlife spotting, with deer, migrating birds and seasonal wildlife activity adding to the experience.
As days become shorter and temperatures drop, trees begin preparing for winter and slow down food production. The green chlorophyll that helps leaves convert sunlight into energy gradually breaks down, revealing the yellow, orange and red pigments that have been present in the leaves all along.
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, especially on woodland trails where paths can become muddy or slippery after rain.
Autumn is a great season for wildlife watching. Depending on where you walk, you may spot red and fallow deer, red squirrels, woodland birds, fungi, and even salmon making their way upstream in Scottish rivers such as those at The Hermitage.
Walking in autumn is a great way to stay active while enjoying seasonal scenery. It can help boost physical wellbeing, improve mood and provide an opportunity to connect with nature during one of the most colourful times of the year.
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