Travel: 10 Of The Best Autumn Walks In Britain (PHOTOS)

10 Of The Best Autumnal Walks
|

To help you leaf-kick your autumnal fitness regime, HuffPost UK Lifestyle has rounded up 10 of the best walks around Britain.

And if clear skies, golden trees and sharp sunshine aren't enough incentive, remember that it's also National Fitness Day.

Free events and activities are taking place across the country and all money generated by participants will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Best British Walks
Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
This forest has one of the world's finest conifer collections with 12,000 trees and shrubs. Bedgebury offers the perfect opportunity to see the autumn colours and although most of the conifers remain evergreen, there are lots of species that change colour. The Larches are the most obvious and turn bright yellow. The Dawn Redwood and Swamp Cypress trees are other must-sees with their shades of red, chestnut, ochre and copper. In autumn the beautiful Katsura tree gives off a caramel and candyfloss scent, and this is also a good time to see the last of the dragon-flies and bumble bees. Visit forestry.gov.uk (credit:Forestry Commission)
Sheffield Park, East Sussex(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Explore over 120 acres of landscaped garden, follow winding paths to enchanting lakes, where even the water takes on a distinctly autumnal hue.The five linked lakes reflect the vivid autumn colours, with flaming ochre and scarlet painted by Japanese maples, swamp cypresses and birches. (credit:Britainonview/Jennie Woodcock)
Edzell, Angus, Scotland(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
The picturesque village of Edzell in Angus boasts some great woodland walks including the Rocks of Solitude - a local favourite that lives up to its name. It follows the River North Esk upstream through a narrow wooded gorge and autumn is the best time to explore when the warm colours bring it the area to life. Look out for salmon leaping over the waterfalls to spawn upstream. Visit Scottish Tourist Board (credit:Visit Scotland)
Hadrian's Wall Path, Northumberland(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
With 84 miles of rugged moorland and rolling fields, the footpath that runs through the World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall is a real treat for keen walkers and especially glorious in autumn.The trail stretches from the east to the west coast across the North of England and ranges from flat path through remote countryside, alongside the River Eden, through Newcastle and into farmland. Visit the National Trust (credit:National Trust/Joe Cornish)
Knightwood Oak Trail, New Forest(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
The New Forest is at its most beautiful in autumn when the trees display colours of vibrant orange, yellow and red.The Knightwood Oak Trail guides you through some ancient woodland around the Knightwood Oak, the largest oak in the New Forest, which is also known as the Queen of the Forest.The tree is estimated to be between 400 and 600 years old and is protected by a wooden fence. Continue to Ornamental Drive to see some more magnificent trees before you stop at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. (credit:Britainonview)
Cardinham Woods, Cornwall(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
There are several trails in Cardinham Woods - but one of the best to see the autumnal colours is the Lady Vale Walk, which is two miles long and follows the Cardinham Water River upstream to Lady Vale Bridge.The trail takes you through forested valley where you can see the oak, alder, rowan and willow trees showing off their beautiful, warm colours. This is also the perfect time to spot deer and birds. Visit forestry.gov.uk (credit:Zoe Griffin/Forestry Commission)
Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
With over 15 miles of footpaths in this wooded valley, a walk through Hardcastle Crags in autumn gives you the chance to see the stunning changes in the plants and trees.There are beautiful ravines, streams and waterfalls throughout and at its centre is Gibson Mill, a former cotton mill where you can stop to find out about the valley's 200-year history.The four circular walks range from three to seven miles and take you through changing scenery for a varied trail. Visit the National Trust (credit:National Trust/Joe Cornish)
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
In autumn, the steep hillside of Winkworth Arboretum turns gold, brown, red and bronze, and is beautifully reflected in the ripples of its lake. The tranquil arboretum has over 1,000 shrubs and trees including Japanese maples, acers and liquidambar. Visit National Trust (credit:National Trust/Andrew Butler)
Hafod y Llan, Snowdonia(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
The hill farm of Hafod y Llan has some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales.Stone walls, woodland and Welsh mountain sheep are just some of what you'll pass on the four-mile walk.There are also three rivers - Afon Cwm Llan, Afon Merch and Afon Gorsen - that tumble over a spectacular waterfall running down a mountain and stone clapper bridge.Visit the National Trust (credit:National Trust/Joe Cornish)
Grizedale, Cumbria(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Grizedale Forest Park offers the ultimate day out in autumn with great trails, family picnic areas and an adventure playground. The changing colours of the leaves give the forest a new life and it's especially wonderful in the centre of the valley that's surrounded by ancient oak woodland. Look out for the warm colours of the ancient beech trees and Andy Goldsworthy’s famous sculptures. The kids will love it here too as they can get active on the 18-metre Go Ape platform and fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck. Visit forestry.gov.uk (credit:Gareth Browning/Forestry Commission)