Best autumn walks in the UK

Epping Forest, London and Essex

On the north-eastern edge of London, Epping Forest stretches into Essex, providing an ancient woodland escape within easy reach of the capital. Its broad-leaved trees, including majestic beeches and gnarled old oaks, put on a spectacular display of autumn colour from September through November, while fungi can be spotted across the forest floor.

With 176 miles of waymarked trails to explore, popular starting points include Chingford and Wood Street. Discover the forest on one of these 10 circular routes, or, if you fancy a challenge, tackle the Epping Forest Centenary Walk, a 15-mile route taking in all the trails.

Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey

This extraordinary natural amphitheatre puts on a spectacular show in autumn, when its heathland, heather and gorse glow in rich shades of red, gold and purple. The surrounding commons are also home to an abundance of wildlife, so keep an eye out for birds and other woodland creatures as you explore.

Start at Hindhead and discover how the rerouting of the A3 through the Hindhead Tunnel has helped return the old road to nature, creating a peaceful route for walkers and wildlife. For a rewarding autumn adventure, try the 3.1-mile Hidden Hindhead trail, a well-signposted, moderate walk taking in Gibbet Hill and the Temple of the Four Winds, with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.

Prawle Point, South Devon

The South Hams is a delight to explore at any time of year, but autumn brings an extra splash of colour to its dramatic coastline. Follow the cliff-hugging paths around Prawle Point, where vivid purple grasslands, contrasting beautifully with the rugged cliffs and sparkling sea. The area is also a fantastic spot for wildlife, with migrating birds passing through as summer visitors head south.

For a rewarding introduction to this spectacular landscape, try the 3-mile Prawle Point circular walk. Starting at Prawle Point car park, the moderate route follows the South West Coast Path around the headland, taking in Signalhouse Point, Gammon Head and ancient field boundaries before returning inland.

Boundless offer:

If you’re keen to tackle more challenging hikes, the Ramblers is a great way to start your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.

Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you.

Teign Gorge, Devon

On the eastern edge of Dartmoor, the Teign Valley is a wonderful place to experience the colours of autumn. Begin at Castle Drogo and follow the trail through woodland and along the River Teign, where the gorge’s steep, tree-covered slopes come alive with russet, gold and amber foliage.

One of the most popular ways to explore the area is the Fingle Woods and Teign Gorge circular walk, a challenging route of around 4.5 miles that takes in woodland trails, riverside paths and spectacular views across the valley. For a well-earned rest, stop at the riverside Fingle Bridge Inn for lunch or a warming drink before completing your walk.

Boundless offer

The East Devon Ramblers group often explores the area, and don’t forget that as a Boundless Plus member you benefit from access to the Ramblers’ extensive walking routes and guided group walks.

Horner Wood and Dunkery Beacon, Somerset

Exmoor is spectacular in autumn, with the ancient woodland of Horner Wood ablaze with russet and gold leaves. Higher up, the heather, gorse and bracken around Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor’s highest point – create a stunning seasonal display, with far-reaching views across the moor and Bristol Channel.

For a rewarding adventure, try the Horner Wood Explorer route, a 3.5-mile walk through woodland and along Horner Water, with a viewpoint over the valley. Alternatively, the Exford and Dunkery Beacon circular covers 11 miles and climbs to the summit for panoramic views.

As dusk arrives, linger for spectacular stargazing: Exmoor is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making its clear autumn skies particularly magical.

Boundless offer:

Boundless Plus members can join the Ramblers West Somerset Group on its autumn walks in the area.

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire

Founded in 1131, the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey have inspired artists and poets for centuries, including William Wordsworth and JMW Turner. In autumn, the surrounding Wye Valley is especially enchanting, with woodland trails filled with shades of amber, russet and gold.

To enjoy atmospheric views, try the 5-mile Tintern Abbey and Devil’s Pulpit circular walk, a moderately challenging route that combines riverside paths, ancient woodland and a climb to the spectacular Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint, overlooking the abbey and Wye Valley. It also follows part of Offa’s Dyke, a long-distance hiking path that runs along the English and Welsh border.

If you prefer something gentler, the Wye Valley Greenway offers a five-mile shared route between Tintern and Chepstow, largely following the former railway line.

Boundless offer:

Whitemead Forest Park is just a 25-minute drive from Tintern Abbey and an ideal base to explore Chepstow and all the walks within the Forest of Dean. Boundless members get up to 20% off their stay at Whitemead Forest Park.

Gower Peninsula, South Wales

Just a short distance from Swansea, the Gower Peninsula combines dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and lush wooded valleys. In autumn, its woodland paths come alive with fungi and fiery foliage. Wildlife adds to the experience, with the chance to spot kingfishers along Ilston Cwm, horseshoe bats emerging at dusk in Bishopston Valley and seabirds including Manx shearwaters offshore.

For a scenic autumn walk, try the 4-mile Southgate, Hunts Bay and Pwll Du circular walk. This moderate route follows clifftop paths, wooded valleys and the coastline around Pwlldu Bay, with spectacular views along the way. For a longer walk, the 9-mile Three Cliffs Bay and Ilston Cwm route takes in Pwlldu Head, Bishopston Valley and iconic Three Cliffs Bay.

Sugar Loaf, Monmouthshire

Rising above Abergavenny on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Sugar Loaf is a spectacular autumn destination. The surrounding hills and valleys are transformed by rich seasonal colour, while the mountain’s heather-covered slopes add vivid splashes of purple to the landscape. From the 596-metre summit, walkers are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the Usk Valley and, on a clear day, towards the Severn Estuary.

For a rewarding day out, try this 5.2-mile Sugar Loaf circular walk, a moderately challenging route starting from the National Trust car park by BBC Countryfile Magazine. The well-established trail climbs steadily to the summit before looping back, combining open hilltop scenery with far-reaching views. For refreshments after your walk, head to The Skirrid Inn, Wales’ oldest pub and, apparently, one of its most haunted.

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire

The waterways and wetlands of the Cambridgeshire fens take on a wonderfully atmospheric quality in autumn, when low sunlight turns the sedge and reed beds rich shades of copper and gold. It’s also a fantastic season for wildlife, with migrating thrushes, waders and wildfowl arriving. WWT Welney is nearby and worth a visit to see migrating birds up close, with a chance of seeing cranes.

For a rewarding introduction to Wicken Fen, try the Four Lodes Trail, a four-mile circular route following the waterways around Adventurers’ Fen. The moderate walk passes reed beds, open grassland and wildlife hides, with opportunities to spot Konik ponies, Highland cattle, waterfowl and marsh harriers.

Boundless offer:

As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Brancaster, Norfolk

North Norfolk’s coast becomes a spectacular haven for wildlife in autumn, as migrating birds arrive from the north and the saltmarshes and beaches take on a wonderfully atmospheric feel. Look out for pink-footed geese arriving from Iceland and Greenland, alongside eider, egrets, spoonbills and avocets. As winter approaches, thousands of geese can also gather around the coast, making for an unforgettable sight overhead.

For a scenic introduction to the area, try the 5-mile Brancaster Staithe circular walk. The moderate route follows the coast, crosses Barrow Common and passes Branodunum Roman Fort, with sweeping views towards the sea and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Alternatively, the 4.3-mile Burnham Deepdale circuit follows the coast around Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale.

Clent Hills, Worcestershire

Just outside Birmingham, the Clent Hills offer a beautiful blend of ancient woodland, open heathland and panoramic hilltop views. In autumn, the oak and ash trees turn shades of gold and copper, while redwings and fieldfares arrive for the winter. Look out for historic features including the distinctive Four Stones, an 18th-century folly with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

For a rewarding autumn outing, try the 3.2-mile Butterfly Trail, which takes around 90 minutes and explores both Clent and Walton hills. The waymarked route passes woodland and open countryside before reaching the Four Stones, with plenty of seasonal scenery along the way. Be prepared for some steep inclines and uneven ground.

Much Wenlock, Shropshire

Wenlock Edge is a spectacular limestone escarpment stretching through the Shropshire countryside, with ancient woodland, open grassland and far-reaching rural views. In autumn, field maples turn brilliant shades of bronze and red, while squirrels and hazel dormice gather nuts ahead of winter. Look out for remnants of the area’s industrial past, including old quarries and lime kilns, as you explore.

For a rewarding autumn adventure, try the 3.5-mile Major’s Leap circular walk from Much Wenlock. The moderate route follows an old packhorse trail through woodland and along the Edge, with panoramic views towards the Wrekin and Shrewsbury. Named after a Civil War legend, it’s particularly atmospheric as the evening light catches the surrounding hills.

Boundless offer:

With a Boundless membership, you can enjoy a discount of 10% off National Trust Gift Cards via Daily Discounts. These cards can be used to explore more than 500 historic houses, castles, gardens and other sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to shop and dine in National Trust stores and cafés.

Aira Force and Gowbarrow walk, Ullswater, Cumbria

Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Ullswater, when the surrounding fells glow with seasonal colour and the woodland becomes a haven for wildlife. The heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell add rich purple hues to the landscape, while the spectacular Aira Force waterfall is often at its most impressive after heavy rainfall.

For a classic Ullswater adventure, try the 4.5-mile Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park circular walk. Starting at Aira Force, the moderate trail winds through woodland before climbing to the summit of Gowbarrow, where panoramic views stretch across the lake and surrounding fells.

The landscape also has literary connections, with the beauty of Ullswater and Aira Force inspiring William Wordsworth, making this a particularly atmospheric autumn walk.

Howgill Fells, Cumbria

Tucked between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells offer a wilder, quieter alternative for autumn adventures. After seasonal rain, Cautley Spout, England’s highest above-ground waterfall, tumbles dramatically down the mountainside, surrounded by russet bracken, berry-laden trees and sweeping fell scenery. Keep an eye out for dippers along the River Rawthey, too.

For a rewarding challenge, try the Cautley Spout and The Calf circular walk, an approximately 7-mile route from the Cross Keys inn layby or a longer route starting in Sedbergh. The trail climbs alongside the waterfall before crossing the high fells to The Calf, the highest point in the Howgills, with panoramic views across Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. Autumn sunsets can be particularly spectacular from the higher ground.

Boundless offer:

To help plot your route, don’t forget that Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, providing access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map.

Members also benefit from thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails. For adventures off the beaten path, these maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.

Longshaw, Derbyshire

Set in the heart of the Peak District between White Edge and the Dark Peak, Longshaw Estate is a beautiful autumn destination, with woodland paths, open moorland and dramatic gritstone edges. As the season changes, the Derwent Valley is transformed by russet, gold and copper foliage, while red deer can often be seen rutting on Big Moor during September and October.

Don’t miss atmospheric Padley Gorge, where ancient oaks, moss-covered rocks and colourful waxcap fungi create a magical woodland setting. For a classic introduction to the estate, try the 5.5-mile Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge circular walk. The moderate route takes in woodland, moorland and spectacular views from Froggatt Edge, with Padley Gorge providing a peaceful highlight along the way.

Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire

Known locally as the “Middlesbrough Matterhorn”, Roseberry Topping is one of North Yorkshire’s most recognisable landmarks and looks particularly striking in autumn. The distinctive summit is framed by russet bracken, while nearby Newton Woods bursts into shades of gold as ash, oak and sycamore trees turn. Look closely among the leaf litter for seasonal fungi, and listen out for green woodpeckers and other woodland birds.

For a rewarding autumn adventure, try the Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument circular walk, a 7-mile route combining woodland, open countryside and hilltop views. The trail climbs Roseberry Topping before continuing across the Cleveland landscape to Captain Cook’s Monument, with panoramic views towards the North York Moors and Teesside. Situated at the bottom of the hill, The King’s Head inn is a lovely spot for a meal and drink after your walk.

Campsie Fells, Stirlingshire

Situated just north of Glasgow, the volcanic hills of Campsie Fells are an impressive backdrop for an autumn walk, with the surrounding hills and woodland taking on rich shades of gold, amber and russet, while Campsie Glen comes alive after rainfall, with waterfalls cascading through the wooded valley.

There are numerous walking trails to explore, but for a rewarding challenge, try the Campsie Fells circular walk to Earl’s Seat, a demanding route of around 7 miles. The trail climbs through Campsie Glen and across open moorland to Earl’s Seat, the highest point in the range at 578 metres. Expect scrambling in places and uneven terrain. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views towards Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the West Highland Way.

Boundless offer:

If you’re keen to tackle more challenging hikes, the Ramblers is a great way to start your walking journey, with thousands of guided walks and routes available to members. What’s more, Boundless Plus members benefit from free access to the Ramblers.

Finding a group couldn’t be simpler: just enter your postcode on the Ramblers website and you’ll see which of their 500 local groups is nearest to you

Killiecrankie and the Vale of Atholl, Perthshire

The dramatic wooded gorge Killiecrankie is at its most spectacular in autumn, when ancient beech trees turn rich shades of copper and crimson and the surrounding woodland comes alive with seasonal colour. Keep an eye out for red squirrels among the trees, while fungi emerge across the forest floor and autumn rainfall sends waterfalls tumbling into the River Garry.

For a solid day of walking, try the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie circular walk, a challenging route of around 8 miles. The trail follows woodland paths and the River Garry, passing beneath the slopes of Ben Vrackie before reaching the historic Killiecrankie Gorge. The return journey offers beautiful riverside views and plenty of opportunities to soak up the autumn scenery.

Boundless offer:

Killiecrankie is just one of the many historic sites and natural places looked after by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). With a Boundless Plus membership, you can enjoy unlimited access to over 100 National Trust for Scotland properties, including free admission for up to six children per visit and complimentary car parking.

Getty ImagesGlen Affric, Highlands

Often hailed as one of the Highlands’ most beautiful glens, Glen Affric is a spectacular autumn destination, with freshwater lochs, rugged mountains and ancient woodland creating a dramatic landscape. The glen is also home to one of Scotland’s largest surviving Caledonian pine forests that once covered much of the country.

For a taste of the wilderness, the 11-mile Loch Affric Circuit offers a scenic challenge for experienced walkers. Starting at Glen Affric car park, the trail follows the shores of Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain, winding through ancient pinewoods and beneath the surrounding mountains.

River Lagan, Northern Ireland

Before reaching Belfast, the River Lagan winds through the picturesque Lagan Valley, where woodland, meadows and riverside paths provide a peaceful escape from the city. The stretch between Minnowburn and Belvoir Park Forest is particularly beautiful in autumn, when beech, oak, ash and sycamore turn golden and russet, carpeting the woodland floor with fallen leaves. Keep an eye out for red squirrels darting through the trees, as well as kingfishers and other wildlife along the river.

For an accessible walk, try the 2.5-mile Riverside Circular Walk at Minnowburn. Starting at Minnowburn car park, the route follows the River Lagan through woodland and meadows, crossing the river and returning along the towpath. Alternatively, for a longer walk, the Lagan Towpath is a popular route stretching between Belfast and Lisburn, following the river through the heart of the valley.

Getty ImagesTollymore Forest Park, County Down

The River Shimna rises high in the Mourne Mountains, flowing over granite and heather-clad slopes before descending into Tollymore Forest. In autumn, the woodland fills with burnt-orange beech leaves, ferns and fungi, making it a wonderful place to experience the changing season. Look out for follies, stone arches and atmospheric riverside scenery, which are particularly beautiful when the autumn colour is at its peak.

There are a variety of marked walking trails to explore, ranging from the shorter Arboretum Path to the more strenuous Mountain and Drinns Trail. At around 8.9 miles, the longer route takes in the River Shimna, picturesque bridges and ancient woodland, with dramatic views towards the Mourne Mountains.