
When the warm, lazy days of summer fall away, autumn is a time we can embrace the air being a little fresher to pull on the walking boots and get the blood flowing on a good old romp. Autumn walks are good for the soul, and with days getting shorter, what better way to top up that vitamin D than with a side of scenery?
With crunchy leaves beneath your feet, a gentle breeze in your hair, and vibrant russets and golds providing a feast for your eyes, set your cares aside and find comfort in the beautiful reality of the present.
We’re sure you’ll already have your own top autumn walks, but here we’ve gathered together some of the best walks across the UK to help you explore somewhere new this autumn. As proud partners of Ordnance Survey, we’ve linked to the route maps for each walk to help you. Why not set your sights further afield and book a cottage break for a walking holiday? Click the button below …
Holiday cottages for autumn
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Best autumn walks in England
Variety is the spice of life, and it’s certainly the flavour of autumn in England, with plenty of walks near you to choose from, wherever you might be. From blustery, breathtaking rambles along the South West coast, to history-steeped hikes along Hadrian’s Wall, not to mention everything in between, England never fails to deliver top walking routes.

Chapel Porth, Cornwall
The iconic engine house of Wheal Coates is a highlight of this spectacular coastal route, which takes in the dramatic red cliffs, caves and natural arch at Chapel Porth Beach. Muster your strength for a steep climb at the beginning of the walk as you ascend from Porthtowan along the South West Coast Path – one of the best autumn walks in Cornwall.
Atop the cliff, you may be lucky enough to spot kittiwakes, skuas and gannets against a backdrop of jaw-dropping coastal scenery. Then come the delights of Chapel Porth Beach before you turn inland along the stream to Chapel Combe. Here, Charlotte United engine house is a vestige of Cornwall’s once thriving copper-ore mining industry. Head back to Porthtowan, and the promise of a cuppa in the beach café to warm the cockles.

Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor, Devon
This enchanting walk encircling the gnarly and ancient oak woodland at Wistman’s Wood takes you through scenery reminiscent of many a fantasy film. Moss-clad rocks and twisted oaks create a fairytale setting which is steeped in myth and legend – a landscape which has been present for more than 6,000 years.
The woodland itself is subject to erosion, which is damaging the slow-growing lichens and moss. For this reason, the path encircles the woodland, and visitors are asked not to enter it. This is a lovely Devon walk to enjoy in autumn, particularly around the time of Halloween if you’re looking for a slightly spooky walk to celebrate the season.

Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
This gentle route in Norfolk is popular for autumn walks, passing through beautiful woodland, full of colour and interest. A treat on a chilly autumn day is to reward your efforts with a visit to the Sandringham Estate tearoom, to feast on home-cooked meals, tasty bakes and light refreshments.
Amidst the attractive grounds of the royal estate, you’re likely to spot all manner of wildlife, including squirrels, rabbits and deer. While you’re there, don’t miss a tour of the house and gardens (tickets can be purchased online from £24).

Loughrigg Fell, Lake District, Cumbria
Dazzling views of copper-top trees and sparkling Rydal Water, Grasmere and Loughrigg Tarn await on this fabulous family walk in the Lake District, suitable for older children. Towards the end of autumn, you may even be treated to an icing-sugar sprinkling of snow on the tops of the distant mountains.
There aren’t many autumn walks in the UK which promise such a commanding view as this one up to the 335-metre peak of Loughrigg Fell. A less strenuous option hugs Grasmere and Rydal – don’t miss a visit to the large cave, a vestige of slate quarrying. If you’re looking for autumn walks in the Lake District, make sure this one’s on your list!
Best autumn walks in Scotland
With gorgeous cities to explore, and wonderful landscapes draped in a haze of autumnal hues, Scotland is a top destination for an autumn holiday. You’ll find the colours of the season at every turn, and we’ve picked out some of the best autumn walks in Scotland to add to your holiday or staycation itinerary.

Mam na Gualainn, Scottish Highlands
This spectacular walk takes in the jaw-dropping vistas along the grassy ridge north of Loch Leven, incorporating Beinn na Caillich, the eastern summit of the ridge. As you’re gazing out over the glittering water of Loch Leven, you’ll realise why we’ve included this route among the best autumn walks in the UK.
The ascent begins through birch woodland, daubed with the rusty palette of autumn, continuing on to astound with dramatic view after view. With lungs full of clear autumn air, the ridge stretches out in front of you, the highest point of which is a Corbett (Scottish mountain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet), marked by a cairn and trig point. The descent offers wonderful views of the Mamores, making this one of the best autumn walks in the Highlands of Scotland.

Loch an Eilein, Scottish Highlands
This pretty, circular walk around Loch an Eilein is a popular one, and you won’t find that surprising when you’re there and drinking in the beautiful scenery yourself. Scots pines line the lake, a majestic backdrop for a walk that is suitable for children.
There’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted en route – keep your eye out for birds within the woodland, including little treecreepers. A highlight of this walk is a ruined 13th-century castle on a small island – talk about Famous Five vibes!

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland
For the very best in autumnal flora, head for the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. No need for a route map here, the fun is in ambling around at your leisure, spotting plants from all over the world and enjoying the sedate atmosphere of this impeccably kept garden, which is free to enter.
Lying to the north of the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden sprawls across 70 acres, not only dazzling visitors with its array of plants, but also affording fabulous views of the city skyline. Accessible for all, there are pushchair and wheelchair-friendly paths, accessible WCs, and wheelchairs/mobility scooters to hire for free.
Best autumn walks in Wales
Wales – what an incredible landscape for an autumnal jaunt! With the Brecon Beacons serving up majestic views and routes for all abilities, and the mountains of Snowdonia staging an awesome backdrop for North Wales walks, not to mention the meandering coastline, the choices are almost endless.

Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales
The impressive cascade of Swallow Falls makes a dramatic focus for this autumn walk in Snowdonia, Wales. Surrounded by golden leaves rustling in the breeze, you’ll climb up through the woodland and rocky terrain with viewpoints to catch your breath while you admire the mountain of Moel Siabod, and if visibility allows, the Snowdon Horseshoe.
There are great views of Swallow Falls waterfall itself, perfect for filling your phone camera with autumn-hued memories. The circular trail is uneven, slippy and muddy in places – suitable footwear is required.

Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire, West Wales
What could be more apt for an autumn walk in Pembrokeshire than a hike along the elegantly named Golden Road? A high-ground trail, tracing the spine of the Preseli Hills, it promises far-reaching views which can stretch to Ireland on clear days. Some archaeologists believe this route was used for trading – transporting gold mined in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains to the south-east of England.
The climb up imposing Foel Eryr, with its Bronze Age burial cairn at the top, is a tough start to the route, and further on, a detour can be taken up the highest point in the Preselis, Foel Cwmcerwyn. Sprinkled liberally along this trail are points of historic interest, including what could be the graves of some of King Arthur’s knights, and continuing on, you’ll see the grave of King Arthur himself (purportedly)!

Pontymoile Basin, Torfaen, South Wales
The picturesque and tranquil Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal offers plenty of routes perfect for autumn walks. This section incorporates Pontymoile Basin, taking in interesting landmarks along the way. You’ll notice old mile markers which used to help boatmen work out how far they’d travelled, and you’ll find bridges and tunnels of all shapes and sizes.
One of the highlights of this leisurely route are the cascades, a stepped section of the canal; and the Five Lochs Flight. Halfway along the route, the Open Hearth Pub provides respite for thirsty walkers!
Map of the best autumn walks in the UK
Discover the best autumn walks in the UK on our handy map below. We’ve plotted the car parks that mark the start of the routes.
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Cottages for walking holidays
Autumn is a lovely time of year for a UK cottage break. Think roaring fires and evenings spent reading books, complemented by days out in the fresh air – adventures in nature, and plenty of autumnal things to do. We have cottages available for half term breaks with the children, gorgeous little romantic boltholes for off-peak getaways, and larger properties perfect for walking groups or trips with friends. Have a browse of our cottages for autumn below.
Holiday cottages for autumn