As autumn arrives, woodlands start to change colour, countryside trails become quieter and some of Britain’s best-loved landscapes start to look completely different. So, what better time to lace up the walking boots and book a walking break?
We’ve picked out a few walks that offer something a little different, taking you through colourful arboretums, forest trails, around reservoirs and estuaries, and along former railway lines.
After a long day on foot, there’s nothing quite like heading back to a pub for some hearty food, a refreshing drink and a comfortable room for the night. Stay a little longer and make a few days of it, with even more to explore nearby.
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
With more than 4,600 acres of parkland and countryside to explore, Blickling Estate is a great place to see Norfolk on foot. Come autumn, the woodland begins to change colour and the estate takes on a completely different look as you wander between ancient trees, open parkland and views of Blickling Hall.
For a good introduction, follow the 4.5-mile Blickling Estate walk, which takes you through the park and into Great Wood, where oak, beech and sweet chestnut line the route. If you fancy going a little further, there’s also a 7.5-mile route heading deeper into the surrounding countryside and nearby villages.
Make a weekend of it at The Feathers, Holt
Rather than heading home afterwards, travel around eight miles towards the North Norfolk coast and spend the night at The Feathers in Holt.
Set right in the centre of this Georgian market town, The Feathers combines comfortable bedrooms with a lively pub and restaurant, making it a good spot to settle in after a day outdoors. The next morning, take some time to explore Holt’s independent shops and galleries or continue towards the coast for another walk and a day by the sea.
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Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
If changing leaves are one of the reasons you love autumn, Winkworth Arboretum should be high on your list. The National Trust arboretum in the Surrey Hills is home to an impressive collection of trees, which bring plenty of reds, oranges, yellows and golds as the season progresses.
There are three waymarked routes to choose from, ranging from a gentle 1km wander to a more challenging 3.7km walk. Along the way, you can explore woodland, follow paths down towards the lake and stop at viewpoints across the surrounding Surrey countryside.
Stay nearby at The Ragged Robin, Godalming
Just two miles away, The Ragged Robin gives you somewhere nearby to continue your autumn break.
The pub sits on the edge of Godalming, within easy reach of the Surrey Hills, so there’s plenty more countryside to explore if you’re staying for a couple of days. After visiting Winkworth, head back for dinner and drinks before settling into your room for the night.
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Mawddach Estuary, Eryri
For a change from woodland walking, head to the Mawddach Estuary in Eryri, where mountains, wetlands and wide-open views provide the backdrop instead.
The Mawddach Trail follows a former railway line for around 9.5 miles between Dolgellau and Barmouth. It’s largely level, making it an accessible way to take in the landscape without tackling one of Eryri’s mountain routes, and you can choose to walk the whole trail or simply pick a section.
Autumn brings its own reasons to visit, with the changing landscape reflected across the estuary and plenty of birdlife to look out for as you go.
Stay at George III, Penmaenpool
You won’t have to venture far from the trail to find your pub for the night. George III sits right beside the Mawddach Estuary at Penmaenpool, with views across the water and surrounding mountains.
Its position makes it particularly well suited to a walking break, with the Mawddach Trail passing close by and plenty more of Eryri waiting to be explored. Finish the day with food and a drink overlooking the estuary, then wake up ready to head out again the following morning.
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Bolderwood, New Forest
The New Forest is made for autumn walking. Ancient woodland begins to turn, fallen leaves cover the forest floor and the changing season gives you another reason to keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls it home.
Bolderwood is a good place to start, with three waymarked trails leaving from the car park. The 1.9-mile Radnor Trail takes you through woodland filled with sweet chestnut, oak and beech trees, while longer routes give you the chance to explore more of the surrounding forest.
Make time for the deer viewing platform too, where fallow deer can often be spotted amongst the trees.
Stay at High Corner Inn, near Ringwood
Around three miles away, High Corner Inn keeps you right in the heart of the New Forest for the night.
Tucked away amongst the trees, the pub feels suitably removed from the busier parts of the forest and gives you plenty of opportunities to continue exploring straight from your doorstep. Head back after your walk for food, a drink and a comfortable room, then pick another New Forest route for the next day.
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Entwistle & Wayoh Reservoirs, Lancashire
Reservoirs might not be the first place that springs to mind for an autumn walk, but Entwistle and Wayoh offer a quieter alternative to some of the country’s better-known walking destinations.
The reservoirs sit amongst woodland and countryside north of Bolton, with footpaths following the water and connecting into the surrounding landscape. As the trees begin to change colour, the combination of woodland and waterside views makes this a particularly attractive spot for an easy-going autumn wander.
There are several ways to explore the area, so you can keep things fairly leisurely or join routes together for a longer day on foot.
Stay nearby at The Red Lion, Hawkshaw
Continue your break at The Red Lion in Hawkshaw, surrounded by the countryside of the West Pennine Moors.
The pub is well placed for anyone wanting to spend a couple of days walking in the area, with reservoirs, moorland and countryside all within easy reach. Once the boots are off, settle in for dinner and drinks before heading upstairs for the night.
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Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds are always popular in autumn, but you don’t have to stick to the usual village-hopping itinerary. Just outside Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum offers a very different way to enjoy the season.
Its 60 acres are home to trees and plants from around the world, with Japanese maples amongst the highlights as the autumn colour develops. There isn’t one set walking route to follow, so you can take your time wandering the paths, crossing streams and stopping to enjoy views across the surrounding countryside.
It’s a gentler option than some of the walks on this list, making it ideal if your idea of an autumn break involves plenty of exploring without necessarily clocking up miles.
Stay at The Manor House, Moreton-in-Marsh
Just two miles away, The Manor House puts you in the centre of Moreton-in-Marsh for the rest of your stay.
The historic manor house has individually designed bedrooms, a restaurant and plenty of space to relax after your visit to Batsford. Stay for another day and you’ll also be well placed for exploring more of the North Cotswolds, whether that means another countryside walk or a trip to one of the surrounding towns and villages.
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Monsal Trail, Derbyshire
For our final walk, we’re heading to the Peak District, but swapping the hills for tunnels, viaducts and an old railway line.
The Monsal Trail runs for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill at Chee Dale, following part of the former Midland Railway. Along the route you’ll pass through old railway tunnels, cross the impressive Headstone Viaduct and walk through some of the Peak District’s limestone scenery.
There’s no need to cover all 8.5 miles. With several access points along the route, you can choose a section to suit you and spend the rest of the day exploring Bakewell and the surrounding area.
Stay at The Castle Inn, Bakewell
Finish the day around two miles away at The Castle Inn, right in the heart of Bakewell.
With rooms above the pub, food downstairs and the shops, cafés and sights of Bakewell on the doorstep, it makes an easy base for a Peak District weekend. Stay overnight and you can head back onto the trails the following morning or venture further into the national park.
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Find your next walking break
From colourful woodland and quiet reservoirs to coastal estuaries and former railway lines, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Britain on foot as the seasons change.
Turn your next walk into a few days away and discover more pub stays for walking holidays across the UK, with great routes and countryside waiting just beyond the doorstep.
For more pubs perfectly placed for walking escapes, check out our walking collection.
