7 Best Autumn Walks in the UK

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we find ourselves drawn to the outdoors more than ever. Autumn is without question one of the best times to enjoy walking in the UK. The countryside is at its most colourful, wildlife is more active, and many of the most popular routes are quieter than in the peak summer months. For us, it’s a chance to slow the pace, take in the changing scenery, and experience familiar landscapes in a completely different light.

Whether you’re after a short woodland stroll surrounded by golden leaves or a full-day hike across moorland dressed in heather and bracken, there’s something special about walking in the UK in autumn. Over the years, we've walked routes across England, Scotland and Wales at this time of year, and there are a few places that we always return to. In this guide, we’ve pulled together our favourite autumn walks in the UK, based on our own experience and what we know offers the best combination of scenery, variety and accessibility in the cooler months.

Grizedale Forest, Lake District

Tucked between Coniston Water and Windermere, Grizedale Forest is an ideal place to enjoy autumn’s colours without needing to tackle steep mountain paths. With miles of waymarked trails through mixed woodland, it’s perfect for walking at a relaxed pace while enjoying the changing leaves. What we especially appreciate is how peaceful it feels – even on busy weekends, the sheer size of the forest means it’s easy to find a quiet trail.

There are a number of art sculptures hidden throughout the forest, and the views open out in places to show glimpses of the fells beyond. For families, the shorter trails near the visitor centre are ideal, while more experienced walkers can take on the Silurian Way, a 10-mile circular route with varied terrain and plenty of interest along the way.

The New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest is a real autumn favourite of ours. Ancient woodlands, open heath, and free-roaming ponies give it a character that’s unique in the UK. In autumn, the beech and oak trees turn vibrant gold and copper, and early mornings often bring a low mist that lingers over the landscape, creating an atmosphere you won’t find in summer.

We tend to recommend the Blackwater Arboretum Trail for an easy, tree-filled walk, or the longer Lyndhurst Circular for those wanting a bit more distance. The New Forest National Park Authority maintains clear route maps and signage, making it easy to plan your day. The forest is also steeped in local history, so it’s a great place to combine walking with learning more about the region.

Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland

There’s something especially rewarding about walking along Hadrian’s Wall in the cooler months. The path runs for 84 miles across northern England, but you don’t have to walk the full route to get the benefit. The section near Housesteads and Steel Rigg is a personal favourite – it offers some of the most dramatic views of the wall, with sweeping hills and wide skies all around.

In autumn, the surrounding fields turn a deeper shade of green, and the heather-covered moorland changes colour, creating a brilliant contrast against the stone of the wall. It’s a walk where you’ll need proper gear – the wind can really pick up on the ridges – but the experience is unforgettable. English Heritage manages several of the key sites along the wall, and we’ve found their facilities reliable and well signposted.

Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands

Widely considered one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, Glen Affric is stunning in autumn. The native Scots pines, birch and rowan trees offer a rich variety of colour, and the reflections across Loch Affric on a still day are something we’ve never quite seen anywhere else. If you’ve got experience walking in more remote areas, this is a rewarding place to explore.

There are well-maintained paths for shorter walks near the car park, but we tend to recommend the 11-mile Glen Affric Circuit for a more challenging hike that loops around the loch with outstanding views throughout. Autumn also brings the deer rutting season here, and you’ll often hear the stags calling across the hills. It’s a wild, atmospheric place that leaves a strong impression every time we visit.

Wye Valley, Wales

Running along the border between England and Wales, the Wye Valley is another brilliant option for autumn walking. The area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes a mixture of woodland, river walks and historic landmarks. For us, it’s one of the best places to enjoy the seasonal colours without venturing too far off the beaten track.

One walk we often recommend is the route from Tintern Abbey up through the woods to the Devil’s Pulpit – a limestone outcrop with panoramic views across the valley. The contrast between the medieval abbey ruins and the natural beauty around it is especially striking at this time of year. The Woodland Trust and Wye Valley AONB websites both provide helpful resources for planning walks in this area.

Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire

If you’re after a gentler day out, the gardens and estate at Stourhead offer some of the best managed autumn scenery in the UK. The 18th-century landscaped gardens include classical temples, a lake and woodland walks that are perfectly designed for autumn. The National Trust manages the estate, and the trees have been carefully planted to provide a striking display of colour from mid-October onwards.

We usually suggest combining a walk around the lake with some of the longer trails that lead into the wider estate. It’s an easy place to access, with good facilities and options for lunch or coffee nearby. While it doesn’t offer the wildness of some of the more remote routes, the autumn experience here is second to none in terms of visual impact and ease of access.

Epping Forest, London

For those based in or near London, Epping Forest provides an excellent autumn walking destination without the need for long travel. The forest stretches over 6,000 acres and includes ancient woodland, open heath and grassland. In autumn, it comes alive with colour – particularly in the areas around High Beach and Loughton.

What stands out here is the sheer variety within the space – one moment you're in dense woodland, the next in open glades or beside quiet ponds. It’s a perfect place for regular weekend walks, and thanks to its historical status as a former royal hunting ground, there’s a real sense of connection to the past. The City of London Corporation manages the forest and keeps paths well maintained, even in wetter months.

Where to Stay for an Autumn Walking Holiday in the UK

Once you’ve planned your walking routes, choosing the right place to stay is just as important – especially if you want to make the most of peaceful evenings after a long day outdoors. That’s where we’ve found Together Travel really stands out. Their collection of handpicked holiday properties is ideally located near some of the UK’s best autumn walking spots, including the Lake District, Yorkshire, North Wales and the Scottish Highlands.

What we appreciate most about Together Travel accommodation is the way it combines comfort with convenience. Their luxury lodges, cottages and coastal escapes are designed to make you feel at home, with warm interiors, local touches and plenty of space to relax after a full day on the trails. Many of their properties are dog-friendly too, so your four-legged walking companion doesn’t have to miss out.

If you’re planning a UK walking break this autumn, combining one of these stunning walks with a stay in a Together Travel property gives you the best of both worlds – unforgettable days outdoors and restful nights in high-quality, carefully managed accommodation.