Top 10 UK Autumn Walks
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than stepping into autumn with a good walk through the most picturesque paths the UK has to offer. If you're one of those people who loves the sound of crunchy leaves underfoot, a bit of brisk fresh air, and a cosy café for a well-deserved post-walk snack, you're in for a treat. Here's a guide to 10 of the best UK autumn walks.
Grab your jackets and a woolly hat and let’s explore the best places to visit this season.
- Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Location: Cumbria
Post-walk treat: Cafe Ambio
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest offers a magical autumn experience. With towering trees shedding golden leaves and quiet, winding paths, it’s a peaceful retreat. There are walks for all abilities, from shorter, easy-going trails to more challenging routes with stunning views over the Lakes. After your adventure, head to Cafe Ambio for a hot cuppa and a slice of cake while soaking in the woodland views.
Autumn highlight: The contrast of the golden leaves against the evergreens, and sculptures hidden among the trees.
- Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales
Location: North Yorkshire
Post-walk treat: Tea Cottage Cafe
Bolton Abbey is iconic for its serene beauty, particularly in autumn when the woods transform into shades of amber and ochre. The 12th-century ruins of the Abbey sit along the River Wharfe, offering plenty of scenic walking routes. You can cross the famous stepping stones, enjoy riverside strolls, or explore the forest trails surrounded by crunching leaves. A stop at Tea Cottage Cafe afterward is a must for a warm drink and a scone.
Autumn highlight: The mix of ancient history and vibrant woodland, especially around Strid Wood.
- Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
Location: West Yorkshire
Post-walk treat: The Weaving Shed Cafe
Just outside the charming town of Hebden Bridge lies Hardcastle Crags, a wooded valley perfect for an autumn wander. The trails here are thick with fallen leaves, and you'll find bubbling brooks, waterfalls and even the historic Gibson Mill. The paths lead you through old woodland with towering beech and oak trees. Afterward, warm up at The Weaving Shed Cafe with a delicious hot chocolate, where you can bask in the cosy autumn glow. This cafe is dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you too.
Autumn highlight: The blanket of golden leaves and moss-covered rocks along the riverside paths.
- Derwentwater Circular, Lake District
Location: Cumbria
Post-walk treat: The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant
For a gentle yet rewarding autumn walk, Derwentwater in Keswick is hard to beat. The 10-mile circular route around the lake offers some of the best views in the Lake District, with the surrounding hills glowing in autumnal colours. If 10 miles feels too long, you can always shorten the walk by hopping on one of the Keswick Launch ferries. After your adventure, The Chalet Tearooms is a short drive away, offering delicious coffee and homemade cakes for you and your furry friend.
Autumn highlight: Mist rising off the lake on crisp mornings, framed by fiery red and orange foliage.
- Rydal Water, Ambleside
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Post-walk treat: The Badger Bar
Rydal Water offers a more intimate experience than some of the bigger lakes, with wooded paths and gentle slopes. The reflections of autumn colours in the still water are breathtaking, and you can explore the nearby Rydal Caves as part of your walk. Post-walk, head to The Badger Bar at the Glen Rothay Hotel just a stone’s throw away from the lake. It’s dog-friendly, serves great food and you may even spot a badger in the grounds.
Autumn highlight: The mirrored autumnal colours in the water and the easy access to Rydal Caves.
- Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales
Location: North Yorkshire
Post-walk treat: The Old Barn Tearoom, Malham
Malham Cove offers one of the most dramatic autumn landscapes in the Dales, with its towering limestone cliffs and the tumbling Gordale Scar waterfall. The circular walk to the top of the cove is well-marked, offering incredible views over the countryside, especially when framed by the burnt oranges of autumn. Afterward, warm up at The Old Barn Tearoom, a cute cafe offering some of the best cakes you’ll taste – make sure to try a slice of the Oreo cake.
Autumn highlight: The stunning view from the top of Malham Cove and the golden fields stretching into the distance.
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Location: North Yorkshire
Post-walk treat: Studley Tearoom
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are beautiful in any season, but they truly come alive in autumn. The ruins of the medieval abbey sit amid landscaped water gardens, surrounded by vast woodlands. You can easily spend a whole day wandering here, and don’t forget to stop at The Studley Tearoom for a post-walk coffee and views over the lake lined by trees showcasing their autumnal colours.
Autumn highlight: The contrast of the stone ruins with the autumn leaves, and the deer roaming freely around the estate.
- Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
Location: County Durham
Post-walk treat: The Forest Café
Hamsterley Forest is one of the largest forests in County Durham, and its dense canopy of beech, oak and pine trees creates a magical autumnal atmosphere. With plenty of trails for all abilities, it's a great place for families or solo walkers to explore. The crisp air, earthy smells, and crunch of leaves make for an ideal autumn walk. Hamsterley Forest Café is perfect for a hot drink afterward.
Autumn highlight: The golden carpet of leaves covering the forest floor and the wildlife darting about as you walk.
- The New Forest, Hampshire
Location: Hampshire, South England
Post-walk treat: The Lyndhurst Tea House
If you’re heading south, The New Forest offers some of the best autumn walks in the country. It’s known for its ancient woodland, wild ponies and endless trails that take you through some of the most colourful landscapes in England. Walks around Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst are particularly beautiful. After your stroll, stop by The Lyndhurst Tea House in Lyndhurst for a scrumptious scone or cream tea.
Autumn highlight: Wild ponies against a backdrop of fiery autumn colours – it doesn’t get much better than this.
- Hampstead Heath, London
Location: North London
Post-walk treat: The Brew House Café
Hampstead Heath, with its sprawling woodland and panoramic views over London, offers an autumn retreat in the heart of the city. Wander through the tree-lined paths with views of ponds and ancient woodlands before stopping at The Brew House Café in Kenwood House for a warming cuppa and delicious delights.
Autumn highlight: The mix of rural and urban views, and the beautiful colours of the Heath as the city buzzes below.
There’s something special about an autumn walk in the UK, with the crunch of leaves underfoot, the crispness in the air, and the landscape transforming into a palette of reds, golds and browns. Whether you're exploring the tranquil lakes of the Lake District or strolling through the ancient woodlands of the New Forest, there's a perfect autumn walk waiting for you.
Best of all, these walks are all near some fantastic cafés. So after soaking in the autumn magic, you can reward yourself with a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and maybe even a cheeky slice of cake. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots and head out for the perfect autumn adventure.
