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Two UK walks named among the country's best autumn strolls

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 17 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Hampstead Heath in London and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent have been named among Britain's best walks for autumn.

GO Outdoors has created a top 10 list of the UK's best Sunday strolls designed to 'slow down, reset, and make the most of nature, with the promise of a warming meal at the end.' Two locations feature prominently in media coverage of the recommendations.

Hampstead Heath Circular in London was named on the list. The walk can be accessed via Gospel Oak station and features a lido, small ponds, statues and the well-known spot of Parliament Hill. The route can be followed using AllTrails, though walkers can choose their own path through the centre of the heath.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest near Goudhurst in Kent was ranked the fifth-best autumn walk in the UK, behind sites in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire. It achieved an overall score of 8.18 out of 10 and was the only location in Kent to make the list. Researchers assessed recommended autumn walks using woodland coverage, the proportion of broadleaved woodland known for vibrant seasonal colours, and average autumn rainfall.

Bedgebury scored highly thanks to its extensive woodland surroundings, with 67.4 per cent woodland coverage within 1km of the walking route, of which 43.7 per cent was broadleaved-dominant woodland. The National Pinetum stretches across 350 acres and is home to more than 12,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. Forestry England describes it as home to the world's most complete collection of conifers, while the wider Bedgebury Forest extends across around 2,200 acres.

Autumn colour at Bedgebury emerges in stages throughout October and November rather than all at once. Maples and acers turn shades of amber, bronze and bright red during October, while Cherry Tree Avenue's 111 great white cherry trees produce fiery orange, copper and auburn displays earlier in the season. Marshal's Lake, where swamp cypress and dawn redwoods develop rich shades of red, copper and bronze, is described as one of the site's most striking autumn locations. Later in the season, beech trees provide golden yellow and deep copper colours into November, contrasting with Bedgebury's evergreen conifers.

Two UK walks named among the country's best autumn strolls
Image: Wandsworth Guardian

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In this story: Hampstead Heath · London · Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest · Kent · GO Outdoors · Forestry England

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