According to a new study, The Forest of Dean has been named the best location in the UK for autumn walks, thanks to the stunning array of seasonal colours the area offers.
Using satellite imagery and digital colour analysis, the research undertaken by Hot Tub Hideaways found that the Forest of Dean boasts over 378,000 unique shades of orange, yellow, and red, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers this autumn.
Visitors to the forest have a variety of scenic routes to choose from, making it easy to immerse themselves in the vibrant autumn landscape.
The Forest of Dean, historically a medieval royal hunting ground and a key source of timber for Tudor warships, became the UK’s first-ever National Forest Park in 1938. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, especially during the autumn months.
Visitors can explore not only the vibrant seasonal colours but also the forest’s fascinating industrial past, with remnants of its extensive Victorian-era history scattered throughout.
For the best leaf-peeping experiences, visitors are encouraged to explore some key spots within the park grounds. Symonds Yat Rock for example is a famous viewpoint overlooking the River Wye, offering an incredible display of autumn colours.
Wildlife enthusiasts might also be in with the chance to spot Peregrine Falcons, Goshawks, or Ospreys during their seasonal migration.
According to the Visit Dean and Wye website, the rock offers “unspoilt panoramas of the rich mixed forest landscape. Look below the rock to see an ancient woodland of small-leaved lime trees changing from a rich green to a golden yellow”.
“For an extra special view, take the Mailscot Wood trail turning right from Yat Rock car park for a lower viewpoint of the River Wye.”
Another popular area of the forest is Beechenhurst, a lively hub for families and outdoor adventurers and a prime location for anyone looking to enjoy the vivid autumnal landscapes.
As Britain’s oldest and largest woodlands, it offers a family activity trail, play area and the Go Ape high ropes course.
Visitors can explore on foot, bike along the Colliers Trail, or discover hidden artworks on the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, before enjoying a cup of something warm at the café.
There are also picnic tables in the scenic area and a pre-bookable gas barbecue for a family feast to ward off the seasonal chill.
For a quiet meander through the forest, the Cyril Hart Arboretum offers walkers the chance to discover over 200 tree species. The short circular trail has no waymarkers and there are paths all the way around, with plenty of benches available to sit and take in the natural beauty.
For visitors who would prefer to take in the scenery from the comfort of their cars, there is a Leat Peeping Drive through the region for a total of 50 miles.
Considered to be the first of its kind in the UK, visitors can enjoy the whole route or pick up sections of it to take in the best autumn hotspots, allowing them to disappear into a world of glowing oak, ash and beech trees that contrast against thick pines and yews.
The best autumn walks in the UK:
- The Forest Of Dean, Gloucestershire
- Richmond Park, London
- Delamere Forest, Cheshire
- Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
- Epping Forest, Essex New Forest National Park, Hampshire
- Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
- Thetford Forest, Norfolk
- Gwydir Forest Park, Conway
- Grizedale Forest, Cumbria