The 10 Best leafy walks

Late October is the perfect time to see Britain’s woods and forests in their autumnal glory – here are 10 top routes

1. Blackbush & Twenty Acre Shaw, Bromley

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Go for a leafy ramble in this ancient woodland, close to London, and see berries ripening and leaves browning.

2. Leith Hill, Dorking, Surrey

nationaltrust.org.uk

At this, the highest point in South-east England, you can look out on to the hills and the glorious views towards London and the English Channel.

3. Brede High Woods, Cripps Corner, East Sussex

visitwoods.org.uk

Expect a gorgeous sweep of colour and species such as the great crested newt, brook lamprey, dormouse, badger and fallow deer.

4. Beacon Hill Wood, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

woodlandtrust.org.uk

You might need your hiking gear for this one as you climb up ridges and down gullies while exploring springs and glades.

5. Credenhill Park, Credenhill, Herefordshire

woodlandtrust.org.uk

This is littered with tranquil paths and early purple orchids. Hike to the top of the Iron Age hill fort to see views across Wales.

6. Swineshead & Spanoak woods, Kimbolton, Bedfordshire

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Oak, ash and field maple dominate the landscape, while woodpeckers have also been seen here.

7. Carvers Rocks, Swadlincote, Derbyshire

visitwoods.org.uk

A broad range of habitats meet in this unusual valley. This site has one of the last patches of lowland heath in Derbyshire.

8. Tyrrels Wood, Pulham Market, Norfolk

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Vast veteran oak trees spring up in unlikely locations and people are few and far between in this ancient woodland site.

9. Hackfall, Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire

woodlandtrust.org.uk

See the autumn glory of Hackfall, located at the bottom of a 350ft gorge. Wander leisurely through beech, sycamore, ash and lime.

10. Lumb Brook Valley, Warrington, Cheshire

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Four distinct woods offer plenty of shrubs and flowers. This large wooded valley goes from conifers to oaks and rhododendron.