6 October 2026
Autumn’s calling: Forestry England’s best walks to enjoy the changing colours
Autumn colour is beginning to emerge across the nation's forests, with hundreds of observations submitted to Forestry England's Autumn Leaf Watch revealing the first signs of seasonal change. While green remains the dominant colour in many woodlands, splashes of yellow, orange and red are now appearing in forests including Forestry England Bolderwood in the New Forest, Forestry England Delamere in Cheshire and Forestry England Leigh Woods near Bristol, signalling that autumn's annual transformation is just beginning.
Now is the perfect time to pull on your walking boots, enjoy one of Forestry England's top 10 autumn walks below and discover the changing colours for yourself.
Why not become an autumn spotter too? By taking part in Autumn Leaf Watch, Forestry England's new autumn colour tracker, you can help build a long-term picture of how autumn colour develops across the nation's forests while enjoying the season's spectacular display firsthand.
To help you plan the perfect autumn visit, here is Forestry England’s list of top 10 autumn walks.
Carron Crag Trail, Forestry England Grizedale, Cumbria
Climb to the highest point in Forestry England Grizedale for stunning panoramic views across the Lake District and towards Morecambe Bay. Autumn adds a patchwork of gold, copper and bronze to the surrounding landscape, making this one of the most rewarding seasonal walks in the North West.
Bedburn Valley Trail, Forestry England Hamsterley, County Durham
This gentle trail winds through one of northern England's largest forests beneath ancient oak trees which put on a striking display of autumn colour. The sheltered valley setting makes it particularly beautiful on crisp autumn mornings.
Lakeside Trail, Forestry England Dalby, North Yorkshire
Circling the tranquil waters of Staindale Lake, this steady trail offers boardwalks, woodland paths and excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities. Reflections of autumn colours shimmering on the water make this a seasonal favourite.
Hill Fort Trail, Forestry England Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire
Explore beech woodland blazing with autumn colour as you follow this circular route around the Iron Age Boddington Hillfort. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views across the Chiltern Hills and Vale of Aylesbury.
Lodge Pond Trail, Forestry England Alice Holt, Surrey
This picturesque route leads walkers through a mix of native broadleaf trees and towering pines before reaching the peaceful waters of Lodge Pond. It's an ideal walk for slowing down and soaking up the season.
White Horse View Trail, Forestry England Friston, East Sussex
Combining forest trails with open views across the South Downs, this route offers a wonderful contrast of landscapes. The changing colours beneath the canopy are matched by far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.
Rangers' Path, Forestry England Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
The Rangers' Path winds through the heart of Sherwood Pines, offering walkers the chance to enjoy towering pines, open forest views and a peaceful autumn escape beneath the forest canopy.
Coppice Trail, Forestry England Leigh Woods, Bristol
Wander through the ancient woodland of Forestry England Leigh Woods on the Coppice Trail and immerse yourself in the colours of autumn. Golden beech leaves, veteran oaks and glimpses across the Avon Gorge make this one of the South West's most rewarding seasonal walks, all just minutes from Bristol city centre.
Deer Watch Trail, Forestry England Bolderwood Arboretum, Hampshire
Follow the Deer Watch Trail through the heart of Forestry England Bolderwood Arboretum, one of the New Forest's most beautiful locations for autumn colour. This gentle walking route winds through a remarkable collection of trees, where rich shades of red, orange and gold create a spectacular seasonal display. Along the way, pause at the deer viewing platform for the chance to spot fallow deer among the changing woodland, making this a classic New Forest autumn experience.
Symonds Yat Trail, Forestry England Symonds Yat Rock, Gloucestershire
Follow the Symonds Yat Trail through the ancient woodlands of the Wye Valley to one of England's most spectacular viewpoints. This circular walk weaves through beautiful broadleaf woodland, where autumn brings a rich display of gold, amber and copper leaves, before arriving at Symonds Yat Rock's famous panoramic view over the River Wye. The dramatic river valley and surrounding forest create an unforgettable autumn scene.
Notes to editor
Images available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown Copyright
- Forestry England grows and cares for the nation's forests for this generation and the next. We live and breathe forests, using our scale and expertise to look after more than 1,500 woods and forests across England. We're creating places where wildlife can thrive and people can connect with nature. And we’re producing high-quality sustainable timber.
In 2025-26, the nation’s forests inspired 326 million visits, from everyday walks and family adventures to volunteering and wellbeing activities. At the same time, we're adapting our forests today so they can thrive in a changing climate for generations to come.
By 2031, we're committed to:
- creating more than 38,000 hectares of productive forests with nature recovery at their heart, alongside 15,000 hectares of nature networks that will allow nature to move.
- welcoming a broader range of visitors and supporting one million hours of volunteering.
- planting at least 5,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodland.
Find out more at forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media contact:
Forestry England Press Office | media@forestryengland.uk