The UK's Best Autumn Hiking Trails

Autumn is arguably the finest season for hiking in the UK. The summer crowds have thinned, the light is golden and dramatic, and the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Here are the UK's best trails to experience autumn at its most spectacular - plan now and publish your dates in your diary before the season arrives.

1. The Trossachs, Scotland

The Trossachs National Park in central Scotland is one of the UK's finest autumn destinations. The forests around Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond turn extraordinary shades of gold and copper from late September, and the low autumn light reflecting on the lochs is simply magical. Ben A'an (461m) offers a short but rewarding summit with panoramic views over the autumn colours.

Best for: Autumn colour, loch reflections, accessible summits. Peak colour: Late September to late October.

2. The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District in autumn is a photographer's paradise. The deciduous woodland around Ullswater, Grasmere, and Borrowdale turns spectacular shades of gold, and the lower crowds make popular routes like Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes far more enjoyable. The Aira Force waterfall walk near Ullswater is particularly stunning in autumn.

Best for: Woodland colour, waterfalls, lake reflections. Peak colour: Mid-October to early November.

3. The Brecon Beacons, Wales

The Brecon Beacons offer dramatic moorland walking with sweeping views that are enhanced by autumn's low, golden light. The ridge walk from Pen y Fan to Corn Du is superb in autumn, and the Waterfall Country area near Pontneddfechan is at its most dramatic when the rivers run high after autumn rain.

Best for: Moorland walking, waterfalls, ridge views. Peak colour: October.

4. The New Forest, Hampshire

For a gentler autumn experience, the New Forest is unbeatable. Ancient oak and beech woodland turns golden from mid-October, and the forest ponies, deer, and pigs (during the autumn pannage season) add to the magical atmosphere. The New Forest is perfect for families and those seeking a more relaxed autumn walk.

Best for: Ancient woodland, wildlife, family walking. Peak colour: Mid-October to early November.

5. Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands

Often called Scotland's most beautiful glen, Glen Affric is home to one of the largest remaining fragments of ancient Caledonian pine forest. In autumn, the combination of golden birch, ancient Scots pine, and the reflections in Loch Affric creates scenes of extraordinary beauty. The circular walk around Loch Affric (16km) is one of Scotland's finest.

Best for: Ancient forest, loch reflections, remote beauty. Peak colour: Early to mid-October.

6. Derwent Valley, Peak District

The Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District, with its three reservoirs and surrounding moorland, is a superb autumn destination. The mixed woodland around Ladybower Reservoir turns golden from mid-October, and the circular reservoir walk offers easy, accessible autumn colour for all abilities.

Best for: Reservoir walks, woodland colour, accessible routes. Peak colour: Mid to late October.

Autumn Hiking Kit

Autumn conditions demand proper preparation. Temperatures can drop quickly, especially at altitude, and wet leaves make paths slippery. Layer up with a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell. Waterproof hiking boots are essential from October onwards, and warm, cushioned hiking socks from Stride Outdoors will keep your feet comfortable on long autumn days.