Get Back To Nature: The Best Autumn Hikes In The UK

Autumn is now in full swing - and while change in the weather has definitely been noticeable (we're looking at you Storm Amy), autumn does bring its own delights as the leaves work their way through the colour spectrum into winter.

Autumn really is all about colour but it’s easy to miss out on the true spectacle of it all if you don’t head out into the wide open countryside over the next few weeks.

Of course, you can get a vague idea of what it’s all about in your local park - but to really experience it in all its earthy green, red, purple, yellow and orange glory, you do have to do some exploring a bit further afield than down the road.

But where to go?

We’re incredibly lucky here in the UK to have some stunning countryside right on our doorstep, from the top of the country to the bottom, so no matter where you are you’ll find some amazing autumn hiking destinations with no trouble whatsoever.

So, with this in mind, here are a few of our top picks for autumnal hikes this year. And don’t forget to take full advantage of all the student travel discounts we’re running at the moment, helping you to explore for significantly less! Job done!

1. Grizedale, Cumbria

Grizedale forest, found in the heart of the Lake District, is a brilliant place to escape to and discover the delights of autumn. There are so many different walking trails to explore, with something to suit every ability and every level of fitness - so no one gets left behind!

From Carron Crag (for those not afraid of steep inclines) to High Bowkerstead, Bogle Crag, Machell’s Coppice, Millwood trail and Silurian Way, you’ll find everything you need right here to really help you scratch that autumn itch.

And to help you get from A to B without breaking the bank, check out our deal with CrossCountry where you can enjoy a nice ten per cent off Advance train travel. Autumn adventures await!

2. Holystone Wood, Northumberland

As well as an overabundance of stunning autumnal colours, Holystone Wood in Northumberland is home to everything from gorgeous waterfalls to rocky outcrops and crags… so perfect if you want a bit of drama while out and about.

Holystone itself was once the site of a 12th-century nunnery, so it’s one for the history buffs among you as well. Take yourself off along the short Lady’s Well walk that will take you to the National Trust landmark where it’s said that St Paulinus baptised 3,000 Northumbrians during Easter week AD 627.

And if you’re about to get yourself a new railcard, you might be tempted by the discount we’re running with Trip where new users can enjoy a lovely discount of 25 per cent. Score!

3. Wyre Forest, Midlands

If it’s colour you’re after, you could do a lot worse than popping off to Wyre Forest, the biggest woodland National Nature Reserve in England, just west of Birmingham.

There are plenty of walking and running trails to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to go horse riding through the ancient woodland - and there are all-terrain mobility scooters available for hire, so everyone can enjoy the great outdoors with ease. There’s also a Go Ape site here, so you can head up into the treetops as well.

Wondering how to get there without splashing loads of cash? Maybe our student discount with National Express is the deal for you, with up to 25 per cent off coach travel available all over the UK. Bag a bargain, why don’t you?

4. West Walk, Hampshire

Known locally as Hundred Acre Wood (although not the fictional forest of Winnie the Pooh fame), West Walk historic woodland is ripe for exploration at this time of year, with both walking and cycling trails available, outdoor play spots, picnic areas and lots more.

With 350 acres to discover, you’ll come back time and time again to what is the biggest remaining fragment of the ancient Forest of Bere. And thanks to all the oak and beech trees, you’ll be spoiled to the nth degree for autumn colours. The displays are second to none!

In need of somewhere to stay while off traversing the countryside in search of autumn tones? Check out our deal with Travelodge where you can secure a top-notch room for yourself for £35 or less. Can’t say fairer than that!

5. Let’s go further afield…

If you’d rather not have a little staycation and would prefer to hop on a plane, might we suggest that you pop off to upstate New York, where some of the very finest fall foliage can be found.

Prime destinations include the likes of the Adirondacks and the Catskills, as well as Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley. Alternatively, head to Rochester, which has just been named as the second-best place to visit for fall this year by USA Today’s 10 Best, so you can get your fill of city and countryside in one fell swoop.

Autumn colours across the pond will be peaking now, however - so it’s all about the last-minute deals you can find.

And because we’re good to you here at TOTUM, we have plenty of those for you to take full advantage of.

Our top travel discounts right now include £30 off Lastminute.com, savings of up to £300 on long-haul holidays with TUI, up to 35 per cent off hotels with Skyscanner, savings of 20 per cent with Holiday Extras… and many, many more.

Wherever you go, you’ll have a great time - so make sure you drop us a line to tell us all about it!