A picturesque forest has been named the best spot in the UK for a stroll this autumn. The ancient woodland, which has seen many transformations over the centuries, served as a royal hunting forest in medieval times before becoming a source of timber for the Navy’s Tudor warships.
By the Victorian era, it had become a major industrial site and, in 1938, the forest made history when it was designated the first National Forest Park. This beautiful spot is the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire. Claiming the title as the prime location for an autumn walk the forest scored an impressive 9.3 out of 10 in the Go Outdoors study. The company analysed TripAdvisor reviews and average rainfall data, and the forest boasts a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8 out of 5, with 84 reviews mentioning the word ‘autumn’.
Nowadays, the Forest of Dean is also a haven for nature, harbouring vast areas of woodland and open spaces which provide a patchwork of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
Coming in second place is Winkworth Arboretum, scoring 8.51 out of 10. With over three-quarters (78.2%) of reviews mentioning ‘autumn’, it’s clear that this Surrey-based arboretum truly comes alive during this season.
The National Trust oversees the location, which boasts more than 1,000 tree varieties, with numerous specimens transforming their hues during the autumn period.
With comparatively modest precipitation, recording merely 62mm between September and November, guests can typically anticipate drier weather for their autumnal walks.
Derbyshire’s Padley Gorge completes the top three, achieving a rating of 8.35 out of 10. Featuring stunning woodland scenery, this ravine flourishes during autumn, with almost one in four (23.9%) reviews referencing ‘autumn’.
The gorge also offers various straightforward-to-moderate paths, including the Padley Gorge and Burbage Brook route, making it a reachable location for ramblers of all abilities to discover during this period.
Natalie Wolfenden, writer and walking enthusiast at Go Outdoors, commented: “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.”