Ten must-do short autumn walks across Britain
Despite the cooling temperatures and an over-generous amount of rain, autumn is considered by many to be the prettiest season. The reds, yellows, purples, blues, oranges, magentas, and browns blend to produce carpets of colour in parks and landscapes, creating a stunning spectacle, unique to this time of year.
BCH Camping customers are, in the main, walking enthusiasts who need little encouragement to hike through the British countryside, so we’ve put together a guide of ten short, autumn walks where the countryside can be appreciated in all its splendour. We’ve split the guide into areas to offer suggestions to all our customers, near and far.
The Hermitage is a beautiful forest, home to many Douglas firs, one of the tallest trees in the UK. Ossian Hall, a refurbished Georgian folly, overlooks the landscaped grove of trees and, below it, the River Braan.
The woodland walk stretches for two miles and is said to have been favoured by Queen Victoria. The Blank Linn Falls can be observed from Ossian’s Hall. There is a car park and take-away café available at the site.
Queen’s view is a popular viewing point in Perthshire with iconic panoramas over Loch Tummel. The Visitor Centre is found at the eastern edge of Loch Tummel, adjacent to the Tay Forest Park. The area offers a range of woodland walks including Allean Forest which offers two trails. Clachan Trail climbs steadily through varied forest to a 300-year old farming settlement and some incredible views across the Tummel Valley. The Ring Fort Trail takes you even further back in time to an ancient Pictish ring fort.
Often called “Little Switzerland” because of the valley sides, pathways, river and spring-time bluebells, the wooded valley of Hardcastle Crags has a circular walk from Gibson Mill. Streams trickle down the valley sides, and there are reminders along the way that there was once a railway here to transport workers from temporary homes at Dawson City up to the reservoirs at Gorple, Widdop and Walshaw Dean.
During autumn there is an abundance of fungi and it’s possible to spot a roe deer or two.
Throughout the route, the views are stunning. Towards the end you can peer down on Allan Bank before the path descends through a Victorian tunnel which brings you out behind the house.
Starting at Fairholmes car park, this walk stretches along the Ladybower Reservoir, through farmland and up steep wooded climbs before popping out on top of the moors. Here you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Derwent Valley and the Dark Peak area. If you love wildlife, this is the walk for you as you will encounter many types of habitats with residents such as mountain hares and golden plovers.
There are many walks in the Carding Mill Valley area. One of the most popular is the circular walk that passes through the valley and follows the curve of the stream to reach the green plateau of The Long Mynd. It starts in Church Stretton and takes you to the spectacular Lightspout Waterfall. Rich in wildlife, The Long Mynd offers views across the Shropshire Hills and is a great place to explore. Alternatively, you can indulge in half-way refreshments at The Bridges pub.
The award winning visitor attraction of Bedgebury offers something for everyone looking for the perfect autumn walk. At the National Pinetum you will find a world-leading collection of conifers, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy tranquil walks. After your exercise, you may want to visit the Bedgebury café with its relaxing views over the pinetum. Bedgebury Forest is known for its cycling, mountain-biking, walking and running trails. For families, there is also a Go Ape adventure park and play trail.
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walking in the Quantock Hills brings you wilderness, tranquillity, panoramic views, a rocky Jurassic coastline, exposed summits, woodland, quaint villages and farmland. As you’d expect from such a long list, there is a wide range of wildlife, beautiful vistas and historic and cultural points of interest.
Beacon Hill and Bicknoller Hill are particularly popular walking spots in the north-west corner of the Quantocks, above the village of West Quantoxhead.
Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia
If you’re a fan of rock formations, a walk at Cwm Idwal, the oldest national nature reserve in Wales, is for you. The three mile, circular route takes you around Llyn Idwal lake, where you can look up at the majestic mountain peaks that surround you. Some of the best views of the national park can be found on this trail, all without too much of a climb. The Idwal Slabs on the route have been used for mountaineer training by the likes of Sir Edmund Hilary. You will also find Twll Du, or “Devil’s Kitchen”, named as such due to the mist that can often be seen coming from a chasm in the rock.
BCH Camping customers are, in the main, walking enthusiasts who need little encouragement to hike through the British countryside, so we’ve put together a guide of ten short, autumn walks where the countryside can be appreciated in all its splendour. We’ve split the guide into areas to offer suggestions to all our customers, near and far.
Autumn walks in Scotland
The Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire
The Hermitage is a beautiful forest, home to many Douglas firs, one of the tallest trees in the UK. Ossian Hall, a refurbished Georgian folly, overlooks the landscaped grove of trees and, below it, the River Braan.The woodland walk stretches for two miles and is said to have been favoured by Queen Victoria. The Blank Linn Falls can be observed from Ossian’s Hall. There is a car park and take-away café available at the site.
Queen’s View, Lock Tummel, Perthshire
Queen’s view is a popular viewing point in Perthshire with iconic panoramas over Loch Tummel. The Visitor Centre is found at the eastern edge of Loch Tummel, adjacent to the Tay Forest Park. The area offers a range of woodland walks including Allean Forest which offers two trails. Clachan Trail climbs steadily through varied forest to a 300-year old farming settlement and some incredible views across the Tummel Valley. The Ring Fort Trail takes you even further back in time to an ancient Pictish ring fort.
Autumn walks in the north of England
The Railway Trail at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
Often called “Little Switzerland” because of the valley sides, pathways, river and spring-time bluebells, the wooded valley of Hardcastle Crags has a circular walk from Gibson Mill. Streams trickle down the valley sides, and there are reminders along the way that there was once a railway here to transport workers from temporary homes at Dawson City up to the reservoirs at Gorple, Widdop and Walshaw Dean.During autumn there is an abundance of fungi and it’s possible to spot a roe deer or two.
Allan Bank, Grasmere, Lake District
The Allen Bank garden path makes its way through the walled garden and climbs through trees to stunning views of surrounding Grasmere. The circular walk through the woods takes around 45 minutes. The path opened during the winter and spring of 2012/13 after a fire at the house which was once the home of William Wordsworth.Throughout the route, the views are stunning. Towards the end you can peer down on Allan Bank before the path descends through a Victorian tunnel which brings you out behind the house.
Autumn walks in the Midlands
Carding Mill Valley and The Long Mynd, Shropshire
There are many walks in the Carding Mill Valley area. One of the most popular is the circular walk that passes through the valley and follows the curve of the stream to reach the green plateau of The Long Mynd. It starts in Church Stretton and takes you to the spectacular Lightspout Waterfall. Rich in wildlife, The Long Mynd offers views across the Shropshire Hills and is a great place to explore. Alternatively, you can indulge in half-way refreshments at The Bridges pub.
Autumn walks in the south of England
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
The award winning visitor attraction of Bedgebury offers something for everyone looking for the perfect autumn walk. At the National Pinetum you will find a world-leading collection of conifers, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy tranquil walks. After your exercise, you may want to visit the Bedgebury café with its relaxing views over the pinetum. Bedgebury Forest is known for its cycling, mountain-biking, walking and running trails. For families, there is also a Go Ape adventure park and play trail.
Beacon Hill and Bicknoller Hill are particularly popular walking spots in the north-west corner of the Quantocks, above the village of West Quantoxhead.
Autumn walks in Wales
If you’re a fan of rock formations, a walk at Cwm Idwal, the oldest national nature reserve in Wales, is for you. The three mile, circular route takes you around Llyn Idwal lake, where you can look up at the majestic mountain peaks that surround you. Some of the best views of the national park can be found on this trail, all without too much of a climb. The Idwal Slabs on the route have been used for mountaineer training by the likes of Sir Edmund Hilary. You will also find Twll Du, or “Devil’s Kitchen”, named as such due to the mist that can often be seen coming from a chasm in the rock.
