Best autumn country walks

From bracing cliff hikes to autumn leaf-stomping riverside strolls, there’s no shortage of appealing places ramble about in this autumn. Lace up your boots, whack out the waterproofs and don’t forget some dosh for a well-deserved post-walk pub lunch.

CATBELLS, Lake District

Apart from the rather adorable name, the views from the top of Catbells make it a pretty special place to hike up to. The walk to the summit is easy peasy, too, so little ones (or lazy ones) won’t struggle. In the height of summer you’d have expected to share the peak, but now it’s chilly you might get a moment alone to take in the glorious panoramas of Derwent Water and the northwest Lakes – and choose where you’re going to head next.

HADRIAN’S WALL, Cumbria

Rich in archaeological treasures, Hadrian’s Wall Country brims over with history and the the sheer size of it (84 miles of ancient grey stone) means you can start your walk anywhere from South Shields to Ravenglass and meander happily for hours along it. It’s a much-loved UNESCO site, so be on good behaviour.

LIZARD PENINSULA, Cornwall

The Lizard Peninsula is a bit magic. This almost-island in the southwest of Cornwall is connected to the mainland by only a bridge – cross it, in fairy tale fashion, and you’ll step into an elven domain of picturesque beaches, peaceful creeks and dinky villages. If you fancy kipping on the peninsula, the Sea Acres caravan park puts all things Lizard-like on your doorstep.

GLAMORGAN COASTLINE, Wales

The dramatic landscape of the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline lures walkers from all over Britain, who carefully tread the 14-mile coastal path past towering castles, storybook lighthouses, glorious woodland and even Bad Wolf Bay (of Doctor Who fame). Stay at Parkdean Pendine Sands holiday park, a luxurious UK caravan park that puts you at the heart of the coastline.

WATER OF LEIGH, Edinburgh

It’s not just in the lush countryside where you’ll find Britain’s most beautiful walks. The Water of Leith Walkway in Edinburgh takes you along the river that intersects the city, through the area which was once Edinburgh’s industrial hub but has now been reclaimed by wildlife – both the leafy and legged kind. Keep your eyes peeled for six Antony Gormley statues rising out from the river too; you can check the National Galleries of Scotland website to find out where they are.

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE, Northumberland

You could choose anywhere to take a walk in Northumberland and be met with dazzling scenery, but the paths that lead to Dunstanburgh Castle offer some of the very best. Make your way to these imposing ruins along the relatively flat coastal route for a hit of bracing North Sea air and a bit of peace amongst the gorgeous emptiness of the castle’s surroundings.