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Autumn walks in the National Forest

Autumn is one of the most captivating times to explore the Forest. As the season turns, trees across ancient woods and newly planted groves shift from green to gold, amber and crimson - offering a stunning reminder of nature’s resilience and the power of regeneration. Since the early 1990s, nearly ten million trees have been planted, linking historic habitats with new growth and weaving nature back into the fabric of local communities.

Whether you're seeking peaceful lakeside strolls or invigorating long-distance hikes, the National Forest offers a variety of walking routes that showcase both seasonal beauty and the story of renewal.

17 Sep 2025

Spires and stiles walk

The Spires and Stiles walk in the Mease Lowlands is a nine-mile route linking six National Forest sites and passing through farmland, hedgerows and mixed woodland. Coton Wood, planted in 1995, features oak, ash, field maple, hawthorn, cherry and other native trees, while Grangewood, planted in 1997, offers broad views across the Forest. The route passes through Rosliston Forestry Centre where you can enjoy sculpture trails, nature areas and refreshments at the café.

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Best kept villages

This eight-mile route takes in some of South Derbyshire’s most attractive villages. It passes through woodland brightened with autumn foliage and connects historic homes and churches with long established local traditions. At Coton in the Elms, walkers can see newly planted disease-resistant elm trees, and the route follows the old Procession Way, also known as the Coffin Route or Devil’s Arches, once used to carry the deceased to Lullington for burial.

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Parklands and woodlands walk

Near Melbourne, the Parklands and Woodlands walk provides a 5.4-mile circuit through countryside and ancient woodland. The woodland paths have a natural feel and in autumn the colours of beech and oak are particularly striking. The route passes through Calke Abbey – listen out for the sounds of roaring stags in the deer enclosure as they begin the autumnal rut.

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Heart of the Forest trail

Two circular trails start and finish at Moira Furnace, offering an insight into how former industrial land has been reshaped. The northern circuit (4.5 miles) passes Albert Village Lake and Bath Yard Basin, where autumn trees are reflected in the water, while the southern circuit (5.5 miles) follows woodland tracks through Hicks Lodge and Donisthorpe Woodland Park, both restored from coal extraction. Interpretation hubs along the way tell the story of how coal and clay gave way to forest and wildlife.

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Albert Village Lake circular walk

For a gentler outing, the surfaced circular path around Albert Village Lake offers a tranquil setting in all weathers, surrounded by seasonal colour. The lake attracts wildfowl, including reed warblers and water rail, and benches provide places to pause and take in the view. A nearby commemorative woodland was planted in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

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The National Forest Way

Stretching for 75 miles, the National Forest Way showcases the variety of landscapes across the Forest. The route runs from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire. In autumn the trail is particularly beautiful, with sweeping views over woodland canopies touched by red, orange and gold.

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Autumn offers quieter paths, cooler air, and dramatic scenery. Each route not only immerses you in seasonal splendour but also tells the story of how the National Forest has grown from industrial roots into one of the UK’s boldest environmental projects.

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Autumn walks in the National Forest

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