Colourful Walks

Get out into the fresh air this autumn with our route suggestions.

As the days begin to draw in you may think it's the perfect excuse to stay indoors but you'd be wrong. Now is one of the best times of year to get out into the countryside and breathe in the sights and sounds of autumn - what is better than walking through a gloriously golden wood and hearing the crunch of leaves under your feet? Here are some of the best locations to experience autumn colours or enjoy a bracing stroll.

Ashridge in Hertfordshire is a majestic estate only 27 miles from the centre of London with towering ancient trees including beech and oak. The 2 mile wildlife walk is perfect for families and during the late autumn is awash with yellows, golds and reds as the leaves on the trees start to turn. It’s also worth looking out for gliding red kites above and a great time to see the annual spectacle of the deer rut. This walk is free to download from the National Trust website. For further information contact 01442 851227.

Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast is exposed to all the elements and the power of the North Sea and is one of the best examples of Suffolk Sandlings Heath which once ran the length of the coastline. During the 3.5 mile circular walk you’ll see fungi and gorse, ideal locations for kestrels, sand martins and wintering birds. You can stroll along the shingle and sandy beach in either direction. For further information contact 01728 648505 or visit the National Trust website.

Crom in Northern Ireland is a real winter wildlife treat. Follow a 3.5 mile route along the shores of the Upper Lough Erne through a tranquil landscape of islands, woodlands and historic ruins. Marvel at the ancient trees in the winter when they’re bare, see the twisted and tangled roots of the ancient yew trees, spot some wading birds, pass the barns where bats hibernate and keep your eyes open for the elusive pine marten. A free downloadable walk is available on the National Trust website. For further information contact: 028 6773 8118.

Westonbirt National Arboretum's special celebration of the season takes place between mid-October and mid-November. The unseasonably wet weather earlier this year will result in a profusion of autumn shades. The Year of the Cotswolds Gardens was originally created to help commemorate some landmark horticultural anniversaries. It features a money-saving Garden Gate Pass, special otel packages, and a year long series of events. Free copies of the 2007 - Year of the Cotswolds Garden brochure are now available, and can be obtained by telephoning 01452 525673 or e-mailing tourism@gloucestershire.gov.uk. Full details also appear on www.cotswolds.com.

In Lancashire, Viridor Wood offers large open spaces, great views, and sculptures. See the changing autumn colours through Richard Caink's "Window Frame" sculpture or watch the big poplars turn golden marking the place where Mains Colliery used to stand. The wood links to the Three Sisters Country Park and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, so people can explore further afield. Set within the foothills of Winter Hill, Horrocks Wood is a fantastic place to visit. On clear days views to Jodrell Bank Observatory and beyond can be enjoyed from the many paths which link together areas of open grassland and young woodland. In Autumn people can watch the young trees change colour and the green grasslands put on their browny coat of winter. You can visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland for further information.

There are many places to take good photos of autumn colours in North West England, or simply to enjoy a walk. Delamere Forest Park is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a place for families to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest . There are many easy to walk forest roads and trails ideal for families with children or the less able to enjoy the seasonal displays. For more information about the Forestry Commission in the North West, log on to its website www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland.

In the Inverness district, take a walk through Reelig Glen, this stunning woodland in the sheltered lee of Tor Clunes, straddling the Moniak burn, and experience the radiant colours offered by magnificent examples of old and young trees. In Torrachilty Forest, the beautiful woodland setting of Rogie Falls is an ideal spot for viewing the changing colours of autumn. Whether walking or cycling, you can enjoy the marvellous spectacle of reds, yellows and golds lining the waymarked walks and trails. More information on all the walks, cycling routes and viewpoints in national forests taking part in the Autumn Colours campaign can be found on www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn, or call the public enquiry line, 0845 FORESTS 0845 367 3787.

The Moray district includes Monaughty. Whether you are following the trails by the Black Burn, heading up Heldon Hill or taking advantage of one of the other waymarked walks, you will experience the contrast of the dark green foliage of evergreens against the russets and golds of birches, beech and oak. Alternatively visit Whiteash Woods where waymarked walks and cycle trails will take you through some stunning scenery in a landscape that is also home to colonies of Capercaillie. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn or call 0845 FORESTS 0845 367 3787 for more details.

Bookmark with:

• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• StumbleUpon

Don’t know what this is?

Read the 50connect Guide To Social Bookmarking.