The outdoor experts at Go Outdoors analysed TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall to reveal the best places for an autumn walk, with the Forest of Dean coming out on top
A pretty forest with little rainfall is the best spot in the country for an autumn walk, according to Go Outdoors.
The outdoor experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall to reveal the best places for an autumn walk.
Taking the top spot as the best place for an autumn walk is the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, with a score of 9.3 out of 10. The forest boasts a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8 out of 5, and it’s clear that visitors are drawn to it during the autumn, with 84 reviews mentioning the word ‘autumn’.
This ancient forest has changed many times over the centuries. In medieval times, it was a royal hunting forest, before becoming a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. By the Victorian era it was a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways punctuating the landscape.
In 1938 the forest made history when it was designated the first National Forest Park. While it is primarily a tourist spot today, it remains a working forest, producing sustainable timber for the UK market.
The Forest of Dean is also a stronghold for nature, harbouring large areas of woodland and open spaces which provide a mosaic of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
Following in second place is Winkworth Arboretum, with a score of 8.51 out of 10. With over three quarters (78.2%) of reviews mentioning ‘autumn’, it is clear that the Surrey-based arboretum comes to life during this season.
Managed by the National Trust, it is home to over 1,000 tree species, with many changing colour in the autumn months. With relatively low rainfall, averaging just 62mm from September to November, visitors can generally expect drier conditions for their autumn strolls.
Rounding out the top three is Derbyshire’s Padley Gorge, with a score of 8.35 out of 10. Home to beautiful wooded landscapes, this gorge thrives in autumn, with nearly one in four (23.9%) reviews mentioning ‘autumn’.
The gorge also has various easy-to-moderate trails, including the Padley Gorge and Burbage Brook walk, making it an accessible destination for walkers of all levels to explore in this season.
Natalie Wolfenden, author and hiking enthusiast at Go Outdoors, said: “There is still so much to explore when summer comes to an end. The UK’s natural beauty comes to life in the autumn months, with the leaves shifting colour and the changing wildlife, I simply love it!
“To fully enjoy your autumn stroll, preparation is key. Layers are essential in the autumn months as they can be added or removed depending on the weather conditions on the day. What’s more, rain can come when least expected, so be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes as well as packing a waterproof jacket and trousers. This will help you make the most of your walk, no matter what the weather throws at you.”