Dare we say it? Is autumn the best time of the year? Yes, summer starts to fade, and the evenings grow shorter, but those of us who love being outdoors are gifted with a display of glorious colour!
Walks in Autumn are nothing short of magical, the leaves turn from green to reds, yellows, oranges and every conceivable colour in between. These colours are sewn into the very fabric of FINDRA, so it is hard not to be excited at the prospect of the autumn months.
Here is our guide to the best walks around the UK to experience our autumn at its most vibrant!
Alfred's Tower walk at Stourhead
Stourhead Lake by BBC
Starting at the very south of England, there is a stunning 5-mile walk that is not just historically interesting, but is celebrated for its autumnal colour.
The circular walk takes you up through a beautiful woodland to Alfred’s Tower and returns through an Iron Age Fort and Paddock. The tower is believed to be the site where King Alfred the Great rallied his troops in 878 and was the location of George III’s accession to the throne.
There are a few options for walks, some covered by the National Trust and require payment. The walk around Garden Lake is one of these areas, however, it is worth it for its array of different trees which turn jewel like shades in the autumn, all reflected in the water. Make sure you stop and admire the Watch Cottage on the lakeside.
Grizedale Forest - Lake District
A walk which encompasses a love of art and the beauty of autumnal nature sounds like a dream, and this is what you will find in Grizedale Forest. The forest itself is a whopping 8,000 acres of mixed woodland with a series of walks mapped with waypoints. Among the trees are outdoor sculptures which have been created by artists “in response to the landscape”. There are around 80 to be found - a magical walk for families, intriguing young and mature minds alike.
There are guides to the various options for walks through the forest, but make sure that you take yourself to Carron Crag, one of the best viewpoints in England, where you can experience the changing colours in all their glory!
The Birks of Aberfeldy
You cannot write about autumn displays of colour without mentioning the Scottish Highlands, and in particular, The Birks of Aberfeldy.
Shortly, this woodland will be alive in colours comparable to an artist’s palette! The woodland, split by the Moness Burn, is a hotspot for autumn beauty. Following the burn for about 2 miles will take you to the highest point with views over the waterfall and of course the autumn leaves.
A location fit for the pages of Robert Burns - "The Birks of Aberfeldy" becoming one of his most famous works. At the start of your walk you will find "Rabbie" sitting, watching over the changing seasons on the banks of the Moness.
If you are so inclined, the Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery is open for tours and an end of walk dram.
Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands
Getting to Glen Affric is a bit of an epic journey in itself as this is one of the more remote locations on the list. But you will be rewarded. The 11 mile walk around the shores of Loch Affric will allow you to experience one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens.
The pine forest that used to cover much of Scotland still has remnants here and for centuries the glen was blanketed in birch, rowan and Caledonian pines. However, much of this was felled in the Industrial Revolution.
Fortunately, determined efforts to regenerate the area have seen a resurgence in the forest. Along with it, the wildlife is now abundant.
Sugar Loaf walk, Monmouthshire
If you are looking for an eerie, Halloween walk, then the south-west hike up to Sugar Loaf Mountain will fit the bill. As you head through the woodlands, the crooked trees have created a landscape described as “something out of a Tolkein novel” and while you won’t see any hobbits in the woods, you will find an abundance of rich golds, yellows and reds.
Sugar Loaf mountain itself is often overlooked for the more challenging heights of Pen y Fan and Cribyn, but the modest climb (8.4kms and 336metres ascent) reaps great rewards with views over the majestic Brecon Beacons National Park.
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
Over in Ireland, you will find Tollymore Forest Park in County Down. This is cited as one of the UKs most enchanting forests with a remarkable number of tree species including oak, cedar, maple, giant redwood, firs and Monterey pines.
The result is a kaleidoscope of colour in the changing seasons, which is embellished by the fast moving River Shimna, the banks of heather and feathery ferns.
If the fauna doesn't fully blow your mind, then the wildlife might. Stay quiet and you might experience otters at play in the water, or a kingfisher diving for its dinner. This is a magical day out, and if you are near County Down, we urge you to experience it.
We wish we could give you an exhaustive list of all the ways you can embrace the colours of autumn, but it just isn’t possible. The UK is full of wondrous walks as well as tended public gardens where the colours will come to life. Make sure that you continue to explore the outdoors as the colder weather comes in. You will absolutely be rewarded!
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
The Heritage of Trees by Jon Stokes
Every tree could tell a story, and fortunately many of these have been documented by Jon Stokes. This is a book of "portraits" of trees of great importance around the UK. Some have a human story to tell, planted in honour of someone. Some are way points, and over time have been marked for their tasks by coins, pressed into their bark. It is a really intriguing book, and perhaps, some of these great trees will be near enough to visit.
Quote of the Week
Song of the Week
