Where to enjoy an autumn walking holiday in November

Mary Novakovich picks out the top spots for walkers in the coming month

Take a hike and explore beauty spots like Garajonay National Park on foot (Getty/iStock)

Now that a few more destinations have been added to the travel corridor list, there’s more scope in November to get your walking boots on and clear the cobwebs.

Whether you’re staying in the UK or heading somewhere a bit warmer, here are a few places for a mellow autumn walking holiday.

La Gomera

One of the smallest of the Canary Islands is also one of the most exhilarating places for some proper hiking. In the centre of La Gomera is the Garajonay National Park, where footpaths wind through 40,000 hectares of rainforest and along dramatic ravines. Strike out for the beaches and follow some of the coastal paths that overlook black volcanic sand. 

Inntravel has a seven-night self-guided Hidden Gem of the Canaries walking holiday in La Gomera from £845pp for departures throughout November. The price includes transfers, B&B accommodation, three dinners and two picnics, but not flights.

Lake District

Explore the hugely varied landscapes of the western Lake District on foot with Ramblers Walking Holidays, which offers breaks from three to seven nights. 

Based in Hassmere Country House near Lake Buttermere, you’ll have the choice of guided walks including gentler valley walks as well as tougher treks in the High Fells and some of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite high ridge walks. Five nights from 9 November costs from £425pp, including breakfast, packed lunches and three-course dinners.

Peak District

Base yourself near the lovely market town of Bakewell and you’ll have some gorgeous walks in the Peak District within reach. And the beauty of Dovedale is an easy drive away if you book a stay at Sunnylea Cottage. 

This two-bedroom limestone cottage in the White Peak village of Great Longstone features a double and a single bedroom, as well as a fireplace and attractive garden. Booked through Rural Retreats, it costs £485 for four nights in November, and includes a welcome hamper.

Devon

You’ll have the wilds of Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep when you stay at Burham Cottage in the aptly named village of Walkhampton. This cosy terrace cottage has a double and a single bedroom, as well as a wood-burning stove and an outbuilding for muddy boots. Dogs are welcome, and there’s a pub just 20 metres up the road as well as the absurdly picturesque Huckworthy Bridge. 

It’s available for short and longer breaks through Classic Cottages – four nights in November cost from £330.

Dartmoor offers walkers plenty of trails (Getty /iStock)

Sweden

Sweden’s own Lake District – about a 90-minute drive from Gothenburg – is ablaze with autumn colour, which you can enjoy in the Store Mosse National Park and its 40km of hiking trails. The birdlife here is astonishing, and you can admire it even more closely from the various observation towers. 

Sunvil has a week’s holiday at Hestraviken hotel, surrounded by pine forests on the banks of the River Nissan, where you can also rent bikes, boats and canoes for free. Seven nights’ B&B cost from £1,009pp, including flights and car hire, departing 12 November.

New Forest

If you’re at a loose end over a weekend and fancy some company while exploring the heart of the New Forest, join one of the walking weekends offered by Friendship Travel. You’ll be based in the Beaulieu Hotel, a cosy former coaching inn that’s a short walk from Beaulieu Road railway station. A guide will take you on walks through the ancient woods of the New Forest, stopping at a country pub, before dinner back at the hotel. 

Two nights over 13-14 November, including breakfast and dinner with wine, costs £355, and there’s no single supplement.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at www.101holidays.co.uk