Autumn is the perfect month for hiking in the South West. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and a beautiful autumnal colour palette. We love autumn. Here our favourite trips for this wonderful time of year:
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds really comes into its own in autumn. As the season progresses, the crowds disappear from even the most popular towns, villages and trails, leaving you free to wander and explore the peace and quiet of this beautiful region. The sun sits lower in the sky, bathing traditional Cotswolds stone cottages and drystone walls in a gentle, golden light.
From mid-October onwards, the leaves start to turn. As they fall, you’ll feel the crunch of leaves under your boots as you walk from village to village, ending your day at a characterful village inn. Is there a better way to finish a day’s hiking in autumn than cosying up next to a warm fire with a delicious meal, a local ale and memories of a great day’s walking?
Kings & Kingdoms
Autumn is the perfect season for exploring the counties of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset on foot. When morning mists hug the valleys and the clear skies open up views of the colourful autumnal landscape. We love walking through the rolling chalk downs, secluded valleys and ancient hunting grounds at this time of year. The countryside starts to slow and settle: hedgerows burst with fruit and baskets of windfall apples are left outside houses for passers-by to take.
The countryside is dotted with tiny villages, little changed in centuries. Norman and Saxon churches, romantic ruined castles and beautiful thatched cottages, all part of a landscape made even more picturesque by the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. Our Kings & Kingdoms trip takes you through the very best of this little-known region in autumn.
Bath & The Avon Valley
The section of the Bath and the Avon Valley | Foot Trailsthat runs through Wiltshire and Somerset to Bath is an incredibly scenic, richly diverse and historically rich landscape. A little-known oasis that wends its way from the Cotswolds to the Georgian city of Bath.
In autumn, this tranquil river corridor transforms into a spectacular canopy of golds, oranges and reds. Early morning mists often cover the waterways while brightly coloured barges pass slowly by, their woodsmoke wafting on the autumn breeze. On our Bath & the Avon Valley trip, you’ll discover delightful villages, charming stone cottages and the stunning architecture of Bath – with characterful inns along the way providing a warm welcome, delicious food and a great night’s sleep.
If you’re inspired to book your own autumn hiking adventure in South West England this autumn, send us an email or book a video chat with our Senior Itinerary Consultant Alastair. We’d love to share our corner of the South West with you.
