10 October 2024
Discover the beauty of autumn: Forestry England’s top 10 walks
Explore woodlands draped with shades of gold, red and orange as you gather fallen conkers, jump into leaf-piles, and capture the perfect autumn photo. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll or a seasonal adventure, Forestry England offers something for everyone.
Embrace the uplifting beauty of autumn and enjoy a budget-friendly day out that will make you feel refreshed this season.
To help you plan the perfect autumn visit, here’s Forestry England’s list of top 10 walks from across the country:
Forestry England Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Take in the views of surrounding lakes and mountains as you stroll along one of Grizedale Forest's many forest trails. Although beautiful at any time of year, the Lake District is particularly spectacular in autumn, with a patchwork of colour making its way across the landscape.
Forestry England Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
This delightful 2,000-hectare oasis, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley, is a lovely place to visit in autumn. You’ll be met with beautiful colour from the moment you arrive along the drive. Make sure to walk the Bedburn Valley trail to soak up the rich red and gold hues of the ancient oak trees.
Staindale Lake, Forestry England Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Set in the heart of Dalby Forest, Staindale Lake is the perfect place for an autumn walk. The accessible trail circles the lake along boardwalks and well-surfaced paths giving great views out across the water and its wildlife. Soak up the colours of the trees which fringe the lake and enjoy a moment of calm.
Forestry England Alice Holt Forest, Surrey
Weave through native trees including oak, beech and rowan, as well as mature pine, and explore the forest at your own pace. Alice Holt Forest’s Lodge Pond trail is a scenic route which takes you into the heart of the forest and autumn's magic.
Forestry England Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Choose your perfect autumn route, from a brisk 1.2km stroll to freshen up your morning to a 10km walk around the whole of the forest. Whilst you’re crunching through leaves, keep an eye out for one of the many veteran oaks that can be discovered throughout the ancient woodland and look out for the rare species of butterflies regularly spotted in Salcey Forest.
Forestry England Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
The most popular forest in the East Midlands has something to offer everyone for an autumnal day out. Although this forest has long been a destination for mountain biking, there is an array of waymarked trails for walking and running too.
For something a little different, there are play areas, Go Ape and Disc Golf to try, with Sherwood Pines campsite for those that are looking for the perfect autumn escape. Be sure to finish up at the Sherwood Pines Cafe – a tasty end to an autumn adventure.
Forestry England Haldon Forest Park, Devon
Explore the changing landscape of Devon with panoramic views across Exeter, the Exe Estuary, and Dartmoor. See the colours change and the sun dip low as you breathe in the scent of the forest. From lazy strolls to brisk, warming hikes, there’s something for everyone to clear their mind and stretch their legs.
Forestry England Bolderwood, New Forest, Hampshire
Autumn in the New Forest is hard to beat. Expect stunning displays of burnt oranges, reds and yellows, beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife. Forestry England Bolderwood is home to one of the New Forest’s Arboretums with a wide collection of trees from the UK and around the world. It’s also near the site of King Edward III's hunting lodge which was built in the fourteenth century. The car park is located just off the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, next to majestic Douglas firs and ancient oak trees. Choose between a variety of fantastic walking trails and head out on a gentle stroll to explore more.
Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Prepare to be dazzled by this world-famous breathtaking autumn colour spectacle. Located near Tetbury, this is one of the finest tree collections in the world and with such variety the arboretum never fails to put on a fantastic colour display. Stroll through Acer Glade, with its riot of reds, oranges and purples and then head over to Maple Loop in Silk Wood to see more of the National Collection of maples looking truly glorious.
Forestry England Symonds Yat Rock, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Forest of Dean is one of England’s largest areas of woodland making it an ideal place for a colourful walk this autumn. Enjoy the view over the River Wye from Symonds Yat Rock. Not only can you see an incredibly stunning display of autumn colour along the river valley, but if you’re lucky you may spy peregrine falcons, goshawks or ospreys on their autumn migration.
Notes to editor
- Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 285 million visits in 2023/24. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality, predominantly broadleaf woodlands
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media Contact:
Becky Ulewicz, Media Relations Officer | media@forestryengland.uk