The best walking holiday locations to make the most of autumn leaves

Whether you prefer a quieter coastal walk or an opportunity to explore the breathtaking countryside on offer throughout the United Kingdom, there are autumn walks to warm your soul and leave you with wonderful walking memories.

There is something really special about the mosaic of autumn leaves shifting from butterscotch to crimson blush, the glowing sunset cascading through the trees and the magical shadows that are cast across the landscape from the late afternoon. These are the golden months for walkers.

Coast and Country Hotel Collection wanted to find the very best walking holiday locations so that when you book your next ramble, you know exactly where to go!

Where are the best walking holiday locations in autumn?

There are so many glorious gems to discover that the only way Coast and Country Hotel Collection could truly be impartial was to conduct thorough research into 30 holiday locations that took the following into consideration; the number of walking and hiking routes in the area, average temperatures in the areas through autumn, the percentage of woodland coverage and the number of national trust properties.

The results showed the following ranking order:

1. Sandown
   Enjoy an ambient temperature of between 12 and 16 degrees on the Isle of Wight as you enjoy the 6 popular trails. There are a total of 12 National Trust areas to discover in between resting up at The Broadway Park Hotel.
    
2. St Ives
   Not much beats a quiet coastal path and St. Ives boasts 12 walking trails to tackle when you stay at St. Ives Bay Hotel. Bask in autumn days of between 9 and 15 degrees on your adventures or walk one of 10 large National Trust estates.
    
3. Eastbourne
   Eastbourne offers an impressive 16 trails to delve into plus highs of 15 degrees. You can’t go wrong staying at either The Burlington Hotel centrally located, ideal for walkers who are after a good few days of walking experiences.
    
4. Weston-Super-Mare
   Weston-Super-Mare is home to more than The Grand Atlantic Hotel, it also showcases impressive Victorian history within the town. There are 5 nearby walking trails to sample and a selection of 8 National Trust Estates as well.
    
5. St Mawes
   St Mawes is an idyllic choice for autumn walkers with 6 walking trails to take to and highs of 14 degrees. There are also 6 National Trust properties nearby so best check into The Ship and Castle Hotel for a good few nights.
    
6. Hunstanton
   Norfolk’s coast is a delightful place to soak in the change of season with an impressive 17 trails to explore as well as 7 National Trust estates, Hunstanton’s very own Golden Lion Hotel awaits you!
    
7. Hexham
   20 walking trails to take in every angle of Hexham welcomes you to this beautiful area where you will be absolutely spoiled for choice. Rest your head at The George Hotel overlooking the North Tyne River.
    
8. Torquay
   The Torbay Hotel in Torquay can be the perfect base for an autumnal trip to the seaside. There are 4 trails to discover as well as 6 National Trust estates. This quintessential resort is alive all year round!
    
9. Fort William
   Are you even a walker if you haven’t visited the outdoor capital of the UK? Stay just two miles outside of Fort William at The Caledonian Hotel and jump into exploring the highlands on any of 18 trails or woodland areas.
    
10. Exmouth
    Go on a National Trust treasure hunt and visit all of the 8 estates.  Drink in the spectacular coastline with mild temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees. There are also 2 popular walking trails nearby.
     
11. Windermere
    The Lake District is infamous for walkers and Windermere is no exception with 19 rambling trails nearby. Settle in to The Windermere Hotel and spend your days visiting any of the 11 National Trust properties.
     
12. Arrochar
    Arrochar is a leader in available trails with 20 hiking routes to ramble along and an impressive 11 National Trusts. Make sure to book a stay at The Claymore Hotel long enough to give you ample time to explore.
     
     
13. Keswick
    There are 14 trails around Keswick and 4 National Trust properties, plenty to do over an autumn break. Opt for The Derwentwater Hotel or choose a self-catering Derwent Manor Apartment as a base for your adventures.
     
14. Oban
    The west coast of Scotland is surrounded by miles of shoreline to ramble along with 2 established walking trails and natural woodland areas. The Great Western Hotel is a fantastic base for walkers and bird watchers alike!
     
15. Llandudno
    North Wales highlights the best of nature with an impressive coastline as well as majestic areas of natural beauty. There are 5 well known hiking trails in the area and 2 National Trust sites. There are two Coast and Country Collection Hotels in the area; The County Hotel and The Marine Hotel.
     
16. Melrose
    The Scottish borders are wild and glorious in the autumn surrounded by woodland and 14 walking routes to delve into this exquisite  corner of the world. Waverley Castle will give you the warmest welcome after a long day out in the nearby forests and hills.
     
17. Scarborough
    Here you will find 9 walking trails, 2 National Trust estates and several woodland areas to discover. The New Southlands Hotel and The Norbreck Hotel are both perfectly equipped to welcome you on your rambling holiday in Scarborough.
     
18. Pitlochry
    Get lost in Scotland’s vistas along one of the 12 hiking routes or in the woodland near Pitlochry. The Pitlochry Hydro Hotel is more than a resting place, it offers a full leisure centre as well so you can soak your muscles after a day of walking. A part of Scotland not to be missed particularly at this time of year.
     
19. Blackpool
    Liberty’s Hotel in Blackpool is near 1 hiking route and 2 National Trust properties. A great choice if you’d like a balance of exploring during the day and entertainment when the sun comes down!
     
20. Morecambe
    Last but not least, Morecambe is near The Forest of Bowland which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a picturesque area to enjoy any of the 6 walking routes nearby or the 2 National Trust properties. Morecambe is quieter than neighbouring Blackpool and The Strathmore Hotel is the perfect place to stop over.

Stay with The Coast and Country Hotel Collection anywhere around the UK and go on countless invigorating autumn walks where you can admire the changing season and colourful palettes mother nature shows off during this season!