Best UK and Ireland autumn walks – Kingfisher Visitor Guides

Autumn in the UK and Ireland is idyllic, with its cool, crisp weather and colourful landscapes. The best way to enjoy the scenery is to take it slow with an autumnal walk. Here are 7 of the best in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland…

Buttermere, the Lake District

The unspoiled natural beauty of the Lake District glows with brilliant colour in the autumn. Buttermere is a stunning lake with an accessible 4.5-mile walking path around its edges, and if you want to go further, it links to fell walks such as Haystacks, High Stile, and Red Pike.

Buttermere takes its name from the beautiful lake and is owned by the National Trust

Derwent Valley Heritage Way, Derbyshire and the Peak District

Follow the River Derwent through beautiful Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District National Park. The route includes the Chatsworth estate and its stunning gardens. Starting in Heatherdene and ending near Shardlow, the route stretches 51 miles.

The River Derwent flows first through Howden Reservoir, then Derwent Reservoir and finally through Ladybower Reservoir (pictured)

Read more about Derbyshire and the Peak District

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

This National Trust site is especially striking in the autumn. There are easy, accessible walks around the estate that take you around the abbey ruins and water gardens, with their follies and statues.

Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England

Dartmoor, South Devon

Walkers are spoilt for choice at Dartmoor, as there are routes for all levels and interests. For the best in autumnal colour, don’t miss Stone Lane Gardens on the edge of the park.

Dartmoor is a vast, rugged and beautiful moorland in South Devon and boasts numerous walking trails

Lady Mary’s Walk, Perthshire

This leafy, varied 5.5-mile route takes you along the River Earn and gently up Laggan Hill. It starts and ends at Glenturret Distillery, home of the Famous Grouse.

Lady Mary’s Walk, Crieff, is a popular 4-mile track walking route that loops around the River Earn

Wye Valley Walk, Monmouthshire

Made famous by Wordsworth and Turner, Wye Valley is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to Tintern Abbey. It’s particularly stunning in the autumn when its leafy hills explode into a range of colours. The full walk extends 136 miles.

Tintern Abbey is a national treasure and sits on the banks of the River Wye

Dingle Way, County Kerry, Ireland

This breathtaking loop around the Dingle Peninsula is filled with gorgeous coastal cliff views and cultural gems. Don’t miss the ancient Fahan Beehive huts and the Celtic writing of Ogham Stones in Dunloe. The full loop, starting and ending in Tralee, covers 101 miles.