Walking Holidays - the very best Autumnal Rambling Routes

Viking Coastal Trail

Margate, Kent

One of the most attractive circular routes in Kent, covering 32 miles while taking in the coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, before heading inland through the surrounding villages.

Offering family friendly cycling on level, traffic free promenades and broad sea walls, or along leisurely country lanes, this trail combined with autumnal colours is a real treat. If you’re not up for the whole 32 miles, the trail can be divided up into manageable sections and you’ll find a variety of fantastic days out passing popular attractions like the Viking Ship ‘Hugin’ at Pegwell Bay, the Ramsgate Maritime Museum and Dickens House in Broadstairs.

Hinton Ampner

Hampshire

Rich with over 700 years of history and 4 miles of estate to enjoy, Hinton Ampner is well worth exploring. Discover the ancient woodland that is home to rare native flora and fauna all year round, like the Barbastelle Bat. Explore beech avenues that stretch as far as the eye can see and endless views over the South Downs, which are awe-inspiring, rain or shine. Collect a map from reception to identify the dog friendly zones and take everyone along for a pleasant stroll back in time!

Closest parks – Solent Breezes, Chichester Lakeside

Cuckmere Valley

East Sussex

Follow this 7 mile path from the village of Alfriston and take in the far reaching views out to sea and over the Downs. Walk over the flower rich chalk grasslands with the sea air (and many circling seabirds) and enjoy picturesque Sussex. Still keeping its medieval charm, a walk in Cuckmere Valley takes you through farmlands and wildlife habitats all the way to the mouth of the English Channel.

Closest park – Pevensey Bay

Bourne Mill, Colchester

Essex

This 3-mile walk takes you around Colchester, from the River Colne and Bourne Valley to Winsley Square before bringing you to historic winding streets and wonderful traditional pubs from the 19th century. The history of Colchester goes back over 1000 years, and there’s plenty of places to pop yourself down for a picnic (pack extra blankets to huddle in) if a traditional pub isn’t your cup of tea/flagon of beer!

Closest parks – Dovercourt, St Osyth Beach, Seawick

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Suffolk

Five miles long and only accessible by ferry from Orford Quay, Orford Ness was used as a bombing and firing range for over 80 years and is still full of history with its isolated charm. This overgrown former military base is now home to a huge variety of wildlife species as nature reclaims the land – and depending on if it’s breeding season the routes you’re allowed to take around the reserve. Autumn is a great time of year to visit – most routes open and quieter than during the warmer months.

Closest park – Felixstowe Beach

Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay

Dorset

A 6 mile round trip, this path takes you from Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay and can be enjoyed all year but offers a refreshing breeze once it gets a little bit colder. Along the way you can stop at any of the beach cafes for a coffee or hot cup of tea to warm up and take the opportunity to watch passing people and boats.

A ferry runs on the weekends in the winter as opposed to everyday in the warmer months, but this is well worth catching – taking you to the other side of the harbour and on a further walk onto Hengistbury Head for an unmissable view across the sea.

Closest park – Sandhills

Greenway on the River Dart

Devon

Greenway's woodland garden is perfect for autumn explorations - you can crunch through fallen leaves, spot wildlife on the River Dart, and enjoy the last blaze of colourful plantings in the garden. Famous for being the chosen holiday spot for the family of Agatha Christie and the place that inspired her stories like “Dead Man’s Folly”, the autumn colours and the mist that rolls in can’t help but highlight where her inspirations came from.

Closest parks – Waterside, Riviera Bay, Landscove