The 8 Best Autumn Walks in the UK

There is a distinct chill in the air, a crunch under the feet and a definite brown hue has taken over what was once green. That’s right, autumn is here and whilst it may mean goodbye to summer for another year, it also means a big hello to all of the beauty that the season brings.

There is no better way to see the beautiful colours and textures of autumn than by heading out on a walk. From the fells of the Lake District and peaks in North Wales to coastal walks in Northumberland a picturesque villages in the Cotswolds; the UK is not short of locations for your next Autumn walk.

So grab yourself a warming drink and read on to discover the best Autumn walks in the UK…

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• The Best UK Autumn Walks
• The Best UK Autumn Walks Map

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The Best UK Autumn Walks

1. Bamburgh to Seahouses, Northumberland (approx. 8 miles)

First up on our list of best autumn walks in the UK, is the Bamburgh to Seahouses coastal walk, which features not only one of the best castles in Northumberland but the whole of the UK too!

Begin this autumn walk by heading to the selection of car parks along ‘The Wynding’ street as both car parks have good access to the beach where you will begin your walk. Then it is a straight line down the breathtaking Bamburgh Beach until you start to get closer to the town of Seahouses. Follow one of the pathways through the dunes and head into Seahouses, home to a number of great shops and eateries, the perfect pit stop before you make the journey back.

When you reach  Bamburgh again,  be sure to spend some time marvelling at the beauty of Bamburgh Castle. The castle has towered over this part of Northumberland’s coastline for 1400 years and still looks incredible today; make sure you bring your camera with you to take your own incredible photo in the autumn season.

The walk is around 4 miles one way, so if you don’t feel like doing an 8-mile round trip you can always catch the bus back to Bamburgh. The x18 bus arrives 3 or 4 times a day and is around a 10-minute journey back to Bamburgh.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8 Miles
Postcode: NE69 7DD
Parking: The Wynding, Bamburgh NE69 7DD
Parking charge: Free
Full Route: Bamburgh to Seahouses Full Route

2. Llyn Elsi, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales (approx. 4 miles)

Next on our list of the best Autumn walks, is the Betws-y-Coed/ Llyn Elsi walk, this 4-mile walk is a hilly one, with a 968ft elevation to the top of the lake but the wonderful view at the top is worth it!

The walk starts in Betws-y-Coed, with a number of great shops for walking and hiking, you can always pick up a couple of items you may have forgotten to pack. The start of this autumn walk begins behind the back of St Mary’s Church, the hill trail is the most demanding part of the walk but luckily there is a bench halfway should you need a rest, just have to hope that nobody else is doing the same.

The walk will take you through the woodland area; if you have binoculars, look out for Crossbills and Bullfinchs which can be seen and heard around the area. Once you have reached the lake, if you turn right on a crossroads and turn around the track it will take you towards the Ancaster Memorial, this memorial commemorates Lord Ancaster permitting the dam to be built and the lake to be used as a water supply.

From here continue your circuit around Lake Elsi, heading back to the initial crossroads and back down the track to the village of Betws-y-Coed, luckily this time the ground is mainly downhill which is slightly better than the climb up. After completing this walk, I would recommend rewarding yourself with a visit to the Y Stablau – Stables Bar to the left-hand side of the church, with perfect food and drink on offer, it is a nice way to top off a great walk in stunning part of North Wales.

My Top Tip: To see the image above for yourself, head up the main road from the church until you see the Pont-y-Pair Bridge on the right-hand side. The small waterfall can be seen on the left-hand side of the bridge.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 Miles
Postcode: Walk trail starts behind St Mary’s Church, LL24 0AA
Parking: Cae Llan Pay & Display Car Park, LL24 0AE
Parking charge: Up to fours – £5.00
Full Route: Betws-y-Coed & Llyn Elsi Full Route

3. Wessenden Valley Walk, West Yorkshire (approx. 8 miles)

A trip to West Yorkshire, sees us head to Butterley Reservoir for another of the best walks in autumn. Although the walk is called the Wessenden Valley Walk, it is the stunning views of the reservoir that make this walk truly unforgettable.

Begin in the Marsden Moor car park and head out of the entrance, opposite the Railway Pub Marsden. From here turn left down Station Road and as you come to a T junction travel right down church lane, past St Bartholomew’s Church, and then straight ahead down Fall Lane. Follow the road, under the tunnel bridge until you get to the roundabout, from here, head across the roundabout on Binn Road, and take the next turn-off marked with a public bridleway sign. This is Wessenden Road which takes you down to Butterly Reservoir.

This track meanders past a number of reservoirs, including Butterley, Blakeley and Wessenden, offering fantastic views across the moors and over the reservoirs. The larger track finishes at Wessenden Reservoir but you can continue on the Pendine Way across the moors. The Pendine Way trail is around 250 miles long starting at the hills of the Peak District up to the Scottish Borders, luckily this autumn walk is not that long!

Once you reach the Wessenden Reservoir, you can turn back and head back to Marsden. This beautiful walk allows you to truly appreciate the stunning autumn colour changes as well as West Yorkshire; you’re sure to get some fantastic images.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 Miles
Postcode: HD7 6DH
Parking: Marsden Moor Estate Office
Parking charge: Free
Full Route: Wessenden Valley Full Route

4. Bourton-on-the-Water Walk, Cotswolds (approx. 4.5 miles)

Next on the list of the best autumn walks, we come to the picturesque location of the Cotswolds, highlighted by many as home to some of the prettiest villages in England. There are several fantastic walks to enjoy around this part of the UK in the autumn, the one we have chosen is a circular route from the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-Water.

From the car park, take a left on Station Road and then an immediate right to the signpost for Greystones Nature Reserve, and then a left onto Greystones Lane,  you’ll pass barns on your right before you reach the first pedestrian gate. Enjoy this part of the walk which weaves through fields before crossing the River Eye and River Dikler. You’ll then cross a small bridge where you can turn left along a bridleway leading to the outskirts of Wyck Rissington.

Enjoy a picturesque still through the village where you’ll pass St. Laurence Church on the left-hand side. Rejoin the bridleway where you’ll pass through two gates on a path before turning left to follow a trickling stream. Turn left after reaching a metal bar gate and head through a gap in the hedgerow on the bridleway until you reach the road.

Head right along the drive, before diverting left through a gap among the evergreen hedges, following footpath signage. Continue along the path, crossing over two stone bridges then over another field to a third bridge where you will soon arrive at a fishing lake. Follow the path around the lake clockwise until you reach Cemetery Lane, this road will then take you back to the first turning just off the car park.

After finishing the walk, why not head back into the village of Bourton-on-the-Water and enjoy a number of shops, eateries and the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection? Or simply enjoy more gentle strolls alongside the River Windrush.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 4.5 miles (Circular route)
Postcode: GL54 2LU
Parking: Bourton Vale Car Park
Parking charge: 4 hours – £6.50 | 5 hours – £7.50
Full Route: Bourton-on-the-Water Walk Route

5. Glen Affric, The Highlands (approx. 11 miles)

Our first trip to Scotland on this list of the best UK autumn walks sees us head to Glen Affric, often highlighted as the ‘most beautiful glen in Scotland’. This 11-mile walk around Loch Affric is stunning, with views of one of the best Scottish lochs, mountain ranges, and woodland this is a truly picture-perfect location; especially in autumn!

Starting at River Affric car park, head west along the northernmost track, which runs alongside Loch Affric until you reach the gates of Affric Lodge. Keep right along a small path and make the climb away from the loch, where you will meet a kissing gate. Head west-southwest for the next 1¾ miles, climbing gradually to 330m. This stretch is an area of woodland regeneration, once through, head through another gate and continue onto a footbridge over the Allt Coire Leachavie burn.

As you follow the path you will spot the Sputan Ban waterfall to your right. The next section of this autumn walk can be quite tricky over the Allt Coulavie, as the stepping stones can be slippy when wet and after rain the track can be boggy and not as well highlighted as other parts of the route. Continue on the path and you will spot Loch Coulavie on your left, the path then heads south until it turns into a T-junction.

Head left and follow the track towards a bridge over the River Affric, the track then takes you east beside the river and onto the southern shore of Loch Affric. Here the track is almost a stone track road, the perfect place to enjoy the natural surroundings you find yourself in, if you have brought your camera, now would be an amazing time to use it.

The track continues across a bridge over the Allt Garbh Burn, here you can soak in the splendid views of Affric Lodge from across the loch. Follow the path to a T-junction, head left and you will then cross a bridge to return to the car park. There are public toilets at the car park too before you head off.

If you fancy another view of this stunning location. From the car park, you can head to the Glen Affric viewpoint, this is only a short walk up the hill but it is worth the trek. Keep an eye out for crossbills, bullfinches and other rare types of birds in the pine trees covering parts of this of this autumn walk.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11 Miles
Postcode: IV4 7LY
Parking: River Affric car park
Parking charge: Free
Full Route: Glen Affric Full Route

6. Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, Glenfinnan, Scotland (approx. 2.5 miles)

Now, of course, you may know this iconic structure in the Scottish Highlands as one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations; but it is also the perfect place to appreciate the colours of autumn on a wonderful stroll.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct trail is one of the best walks in the UK as it allows you to marvel at this stunning monument that outside of the wizarding world is used by West Coast Railways for the Jacobite steam train, which runs from Fort William to Mallaig, an activity for your autumn bucket list.

From the Glenfinnan Monument car park, head out onto the A830 and cross the bridge over the river Finnan, turn right and begin your trek towards the Viaduct. The circular walk then takes you to a number of fantastic viewpoints, from the viaduct viewpoint, to a viewpoint of Loch Shiel and the last being of Glenfinnan station, tucked into the hillside.

You then head towards the station, where you can stop for some snacks in the dining car before following the road from the station to Glenfinnan Pier Road. Within close distance to Loch Shiel, the road then takes you back to the junction where you previously crossed the river Finnan.

There are a number of different walking opportunities when you arrive so you could choose a longer walk if you fancy or enjoy this circular walk, taking in the views and maybe even spotting a train going across the viaduct, I will be surprised if you see a flying blue car though!

Key information about this autumn

Difficulty: Easy but there is a hill path with a stony surface
Distance: 2.5 Miles
Postcode: PH37 4LT
Parking: Car park at Glenfinnan Monument – Can get busy quickly so beware
Parking charge: £5.00
Full Route: Glenfinnan route options

7. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Chirk to Llangollen, Wales

If you’re looking for an autumn walk that combines fantastic views as well as bridges and tunnels, then this Chirk to Llangollen walk is for you!

Starting at a small car park close to the canal in Chirk, you can either walk right and then turn left down a steep hill to view the incredible Chirk Aqueduct and Viaduct, this also gives you access to walking the 421 metres through Chirk canal tunnel, known locally as the ‘darkie’, constructed between 1796 and 1801, you will need a torch and a coat when venturing through.

If you don’t fancy the thought of walking all that way in the dark, you can turn right down Station Road to Chirk train station, where if you turn left across the bridge and then right through a little gate, you’ll find yourself canalside. From here you can walk all the way along to canal to Llangollen, with another 175-metre-long tunnel in Whitehurst and then into Froncysyllte and across the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Highlighted by UNESCO as a world heritage site and a ‘masterpiece of creative genius’, the area containing the viaduct has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why! Taking the signpost to Llangollen along the canal path will see you head the rest of the way along the towpath with stunning views of the River Dee and the Dee Valley.

As you head closer to Llangollen, you can even spot Castell Dinas Bran sitting high on the hilltop, this 13th-century castle is mainly ruins now but it is a must-see for anyone into history, but beware it is quite a steep climb, especially after doing 8 miles to get here. If you choose to forego this, the picturesque town of Llangollen awaits! Known around the world for its International Musical Eisteddfod, a musical festival which has seen over 140 nationalities and 400,000 competitors appear on the stage over the years since 1947, the town comes alive around the month of July.

There is a wide range of fantastic shops and eateries to keep you busy and plenty of opportunities for a well-earned meal. If you fancy heading further, continue along the canal until you reach the beautiful Horseshoe Falls, designed by Thomas Telford. It is an extra 3km from Llangollen but is worth the extra walk. Don’t worry if you don’t fancy the walk back to Chirk as the number 64 bus can take you all the way back, so be sure to check bus times.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8 Miles one way
Postcode: LL14 5BS
Parking: Caffi Wylfa Car park, also possible parking spaces along Station Rd.
Parking charge: Free
Full Route: Chirk to Llangollen route

8. Richmond Park, London (approx 2.2 miles)

Now, you might not think a walk in London would make the list of the best autumn walks in the UK but it does. Tucked away in Richmond Park, this 2.2-mile section of the 6-mile-long New Malden to Barnes Common walk is perfect for a delightful autumn stroll.

The walk starts in the Roehampton Gate car park to the north of Richmond Park. Take a left from the exit of the car park into Richmond Park and head along the trail until you reach the Beverley Brook bridge. From here, take the trail along the river bank and make your way as far as you like before turning back, if you continue heading along the trail you will come to another car park towards the south of Richmond Park.

This part of the trail is an unmissable beauty spot, the brook running alongside the trees coupled with the colours of autumn make this a picture-perfect setting. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dippers and kingfishers which will also frequently use this stretch of the river.

If after completing this section of the trail you find yourself craving more, then you’re in luck as its location in Richmond Park means there are a plethora of other walks and trails to extend your stay. But we found this was the perfect bite-size trail to experience the beauty of autumn.

Key information about this autumn walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.2 miles
Postcode: Roehampton Gate car park, SW15 5JP
Parking: Roehampton Gate car park
Parking charge: Free – Vehicle gates are open 7 am-8:45 pm
Full Route: Beverley Brook Wall Full Route

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The Best Autumn Walks in the UK Map

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If these fabulous autumn walks have got you excited to book an adventure this autumn then there are plenty of autumn breaks in the UK to choose from! When you’re out and about on these walks see how many signs of autumn you can spot!