The UK’s Best Autumn Hiking Spots

Even your most loved hiking spot can completely change from season to season, and with its bright days and brisk winds, seas of orange yellow and dramatic silver clouds, Autumn is certainly one of the more magical-looking times of the year. That’s why we think it’s the perfect season to take to the hill and really see how our landscape changes into its winter coat.

We’ve selected some of the UK’s most picturesque circuits for you to try this Autumn, whether it’s a walk, a more adventurous hike or a new fell running spot you’re after, this guide will have a place to add to your list of adventure spots.

Cader Idris Pony Path - Snowdonia

Being one of the most loved mountains of Snowdonia, Cader Idris has three well-trod paths to the top, the least popular is known as the Pony Path. Starting at Ty Nant it slopes up the North side of the mountain. Becoming very steep at parts, a good level of stamina is required, and when ascending a mountain like this in Autumn a knowledge of map reading/navigation is essential.

That’s not to say it’s tough from start to finish, you’ll first find yourself passing through small woodlands on narrow paths, hopping gentle streams along the way, and at parts, the trail will open to wide clearings, peppered with all kinds of stones and boulders from the mountains volcanic past. You’ll see views across Snowdonia toward Bala and look down on lakes as you make the final scramble to the trig point which sits 2,384 feet high. If you’re looking for a more challenging Hike with a big payoff, the Pony Path is the Autumn hike for you.

Carbisdale Circuit - Scottish Highlands

This fairly short four-mile walk down woodland paths above the Historic Carbisdale Castle by birch and pine trees has amazing points of interest such as lochs, waterfalls, bridges, and viewing platforms, not to mention the stunning early twentieth-century castle emerging from tree-covered hillsides, that even has its own ghost to keep an eye out for!

If a more gentle scenic hike is what you’re after the Carbisdale circuit is for you, however, if you prefer a more fast-paced activity, we think this spot is perfect for getting the trail running shoes on and trying to set a personal best around a true autumnal wonderland.

Savernake Forest - Wiltshire

Located to the south of Marlborough, the ancient Savernake Forest covers an area of around 3000 acres and is listed as an area of scientific importance due to it being thought to be one of the highest concentrations of ancient trees in Europe, a concentration that included one celebrity tree named The Big Bellied Oak, thought to be over 1000 years old!

If it’s flatter terrain you’re after then this location is for you, with Wiltshire being one of the less hilly parts of the country. Don’t think there aren’t challenges to be found here though, there are many routes to walk or run around the forest, with numerous surfaced and unsurfaced paths for you to choose from, all with named trees and points of interest to pass. If you choose to take in Savernake during Autumn, we strongly suggest including The Grand Avenue on your route. A long corridor of orange and red beech trees that were incorporated into the forest by the famous landscaper Capability Brown. So, whether you are looking for somewhere for a long dog walk, or looking for some new trails to run, we think Savernake is an Autumn hike must.

Loch Affric Circuit - Inverness

What list of Autumn hikes would be complete without a hike around a highland loch? And there’s no loch more stunning in Autumn than Lock Affric. Without a doubt, the most adventurous location on our list, this circuit sprawls for just over 11 miles through misty pine forests and orange and brown moorland. With narrow paths in parts and streams that can become somewhat dangerous to cross in wetter weather, it’s one to be mindful of the forecast when taking on.

However, the views of the loch below and the striking surrounding mountains such as A’ Chralaig and Sgùrr na Lapaich surround this hike and create a skyline that has to be seen to be believed. This hike is laden with old bridges to cross and smaller ancient lochs to pass, such as Loch Salach a Ghiublais. Make no mistake, this route is not for first-time hikers, but the views are more than worth the effort. And for the truly adventurous there are plenty of spots to camp to see the mountains cloaked in morning mists, provided they’ve got the right kit to take on the cold autumn nights of course!

Mam Tor - The Peak District

Emerging from Hope valley in the Peak District is the much-visited Mam Tor, a peak that offers amazing views of the autumnal woodland, rolling hills and little towns in the valley below. There are several easy terrain paths that lead to its 517m high summit, and it’s a favourite of dog walkers, children and older people. Along with it’s 360 views of the Peaks District, Mam Tor leads to many other points of interest, for anyone wanting to carry on their hike or run. Such interesting features as caves and caverns, a Norman castle and a secret valley that looks like it’s been ripped straight from a fairy tale. Not to mention the many pubs in the town of Castleton to end your day at.

Shop Walking and Hiking