15 Best Autumnal Hikes

Head for the hills ' it's hiking season

There are few places in the world where autumn is as spectacular as it is in the UK. With vast amounts of countryside washed with stunning colours; a (normally) cooperative sun wishing to do its bit before the impending winter hibernation; the chill of the not-quite-yet-freezing breeze; and yes, the likelihood of finding a locally brewed pint just around the corner. Autumnal Britain is a hiker’s paradise. Here’s the fifteen best ways to enjoy it.

1. Buachaille Etive Mor, Scottish Highlands

A hiker can never grow tired of a trip around the highlands, and this hike is as difficult as its name is to pronounce. Translated it means ‘the great herdsman of Etive’, but this pyramid of a mountain is better known as ‘the Buachaille’. It’s definitely one of the most picturesque climbs in the Highlands, with it being at its peak in early autumn just before the snow arrives.

Start/Finish: The Altnafeadh lay-by on the A28

Length: 9 miles

Source: http://walkhighlands.co.uk

2. Mynydd Mawr, Snowdonia?

The Welsh answer to the Highlands is the famous Snowdonia region. Mynydd Mawr, rather aptly translates to ‘Big Mountain’, and that should be your first hint to what to expect. Needless to say, it is not a hike for Sunday strollers, so bring along your boots and a ‘can-do attitude’. From the summit you will realize that it was well worth the effort, with glorious views your reward for the predominantly vertical trek.

Start/finish: Y Fron

Length: 11 miles

Source: http://tgomagazine.co.uk

3. Lydford Gorge, Devon

The Lydford Gorge, near Okehampton, is the deepest of its type in the South West. This National Trust run/walk encircles the River Lyd, and despite being only 3 miles long it is packed full of lovely sites and things to see. The walk takes you through Tolkien-esque ancient woodlands, containing a vast variety of plant life. From there things get more lively as you make your way down to the White Lady waterfall, with water streaming down from 90ft above your head. The excitement is not yet over as on your way back up you pass the Devil’s cauldron; which you will hear long before you see it.

Start/Finish: Lynford Gorge National Trust entrance

Length: 3 miles

Website: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-lydfordgorge

4. Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk

For a more relaxing hike the Norfolk broads are ideal during the autumn. With the wide salt marshes and creeks left behind by the retreating sea hundreds of years ago, the area is a hive for bird life. The hike up and around Blakeney isn’t for the hardcore wilderness trekker, but the Broads at this time are awash with beautiful birds taking flight as they gear themselves up for migration. Starting at Blakeney, the hike passes through Cley-next-the-sea where its excellent windmill reminds us of Norfolk’s roots.

Start/Finish: Blakeney Quay

Length: 9.7 miles 

Website:  http://tournorfolk.co.uk/cley.html

5. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Retrace the paths alongside one of the most iconic images of early Britain. The Roman wall built to defend against the Scottish hordes is steeped in history and full of excellent hiking paths. It’s best to start at Housesteads and head west along the wall to Crag Lough: from there you can turn south to Twice Brewed or east to see the Vindolanda Roman fort. It’s an excellent place to take the children along with you as they get lost in the majesty of the old ruins.

Start/finish: Housesteads’ National Visitors Centre

Length: 3-5 miles

Website: http://hadrians-wall.org

6. Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

A lot has been said about this circular hike. The town of Malham seems to have done something right in its past life as it has been littered with marvellous natural wonders, three of which you’ll experience on this walk. This hike takes you from the visitor centre down to Malham cove, forged from centuries of limestone erosion. From there a very steep assent lies between you and Britain’s highest lake, Malham Tarn. If you managed to keep a couple of MB free on your camera, you’ll soon use them up at Gordale Scar – a dramatic steep sided limestone ravine.

Start/finish: National Park Visitor Centre, Malham

Length: 7.5 miles

Sources:  http://fellscape-walks.co.uk?

7. Bowerman’s Nose, Devon

There is something ghoulish about the Devonshire Tors. The whole of Dartmoor could effortlessly slip into a scene from Lord of the Rings, with its prehistoric hut circles, menhirs and stone rows. Devonshire moorland was made for hiking, with its enormous skies and vast views of open spaces, and autumn time here is as good as it gets. The 10-mile round trip is more than worth it just to see the bizarrely stacked tor. With all sorts of legends around to explain how the pile of rocks appeared on the moorland hilltop, there’s plenty food for thought while you wander.

Start/finish: Widecombe-in-the-moor

Length: 10.2 miles

Source: http://hfholidays.co.uk

8. Carmarthen Fans, Brecon Beacons National Park

The stereotype has it that the Welsh love to sing and walk (probably at the same time). Unsurprisingly this is because the country is spoilt for choice when it comes to natural beauty. This hike is not the easiest that you will come across, and at times it can be really quite strenuous. Don’t worry though, there is plenty of time to catch your breath and find your singing inspiration as you take in the majestic views of Llyn y Fan Fawr and Llyn y Fan Fach.

Start/Finish: Tafarn-y-Garreg on the A4067

Length: 14.2 miles

Source: http://walkinwales.com

Website: http://breconbeaconstourism.co.uk

9. Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, The Lake District

There are literally hundreds of hikes to do in the Lake District, but this one is a standout favourite. What makes this a standout walk is the terrain. The rough and rocky ‘crinkles’ in the mountain make it a bit tricky to walk, but the feeling of being lost in a world of giants spurs you on. The steep ascent up to the Crags and over to the summit of Bowfell ensure you’ll be feeling the walk the day after, but not before taking in the views over the central Scafell range and down the beautiful Great Langdale Valley.

Start/Finish: Old Hotel, Great Langdale

Length: 9.2 miles

Source: http://walkingenglishman.com

10. Lulworth Cove via Tyneham, Dorset

For a change from dramatic mountain scenery and a chance to appreciate the fact that Britain is an Island nation, why not hike around the south coast? Autumn is the best time to do this, as the roads are infinitely less busy than during the summer months. The walk is a figure-of-eight that not only showcases the dramatic coastal scenery, but also takes you through the ghost-village of Tyneham that was seized by the army during WWII, but despite promises to return it, its residences never returned.

Start/Finish: Povington Hill car park, North of Tyneham

Length: 11 miles

Source: http://walkingclub.org.uk

11. Helvellyn, The Lake District

Another entry from the Lake District, but this one adds a more adventurous twist. After initially scaling the 1,500ft ascent, you reach a ridge that is known as Striding Edge. This spectacular 300-yard section falls away to the left, as well as the right. It isn’t as precarious as it sounds but nevertheless should not be underestimated. Probably best to give it a miss in bad or frosty weather, but remarkable at this time of year none the less. Throughout the hike you will have breathtaking views of the Ullswater, which has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most beautiful lakes.

Start/Finish: Glenridding, on the southern side of Ullswater

Length: 7.5 miles

Source: http://hikingtrailer.com

Website: http://ullswater.co.uk

12. Sandwood Bay, North Scotland

This hike is one for those trailblazers among you. A four-mile walk from its nearest town, Blairmore, Sandwood Bay is Britain’s most remote beach. Because of its remoteness it is an absolute jewel of a find. With a stretch of white sand nearly two miles long backed by huge dunes, as well as a loch flanked by cliffs and a picturesque sea stack, it is also one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches. However, despite all it has going for it, Sandwood is best experienced in the sunshine, so ensure that you make the trip on a day with a good forecast. 

Start/Finish: Blairmore

Length: 8 miles

Source: http://wildcamping.co.uk

Website: http://undiscoveredscotland.co.uk

13. The Devil’s Chair, Shropshire

There is plenty of walking choice in Shropshire, but the pick of the bunch may very well be the Stiperstone-littered hills south of Pontesbury. The pinnacle of this walk is a spot steeped in folklore, known as The Devil’s Chair. Legend has it that the devil himself scattered the area with boulders as he flew over carrying them in his apron. Just why the devil wears an apron is beyond us, but we challenge you for a better explanation for the rock formations. This relatively short hike means that you can spend more time appreciating taking in the surroundings than worrying about making it back to the car in time.

Start/Finish: The National Trust car parking area on the left of the Stiperstones ridge.

Length: 3 miles

Source: http://www.modernhiker.com

Website: http://shropshiretourism.co.uk/south-shropshire

14. The Hangers Way, Hampshire

Unlike the other walks in this list, the Hangers Way is not a circular walk so ensure that you plan ahead. At 21 miles long it is perhaps best to tackle this walk over a weekend, but it will be well worth it. The Hangers Way takes in the best of the British autumn as it weaves its way through the ‘hangers’, a series of steep-sided wooded hills that are at their peak in the autumn. Different from the panoramic views of mountain climbs this hike over the chalk hills and crisp woodland offers you a more homely sense of the British outdoors. The route takes you through the lovely market town of Petersfield, where you can refill your bellies, and a recommended overnight stay at the Hawkley Inn can’t go amiss.

Start: Alton Railway Station

Finish: Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Length: 21 miles

Website: http://hants.gov.uk/longdistance/hangers-way.htm

15. The Lead Mining Trail, County Durham

County Durham is forever associated with the mining industry. However, rising from the ashes of the mining industry, a rich tapestry of hiking paths have grown. The old pit sites have been converted into nature reserves and wildlife areas and the old railway lines are now used as footpaths. Any hike through the Durham dales makes you realise the transformation that the county has undergone over the past 20 years, and this solid hike over high moorland takes you past the scars and recovery of the region. Plus, they pour a fine drop up there.

Start/Finish: Blanchland village

Length: 12 miles

Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/pws/Leisure+and+Culture+-+Countryside