As this year’s hot summer gives way to cooler temperatures, Britain’s landscapes are set to put on a spectacular display of colour this autumn. As the air becomes crisper, trees burst into brilliant shades of gold, amber and crimson. Incredible colours and cooler temperatures make autumn one of the best times to explore the UK’s countryside on foot, together with like-minded people.
Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative HF Holidays has shared a round-up of where to find some of the best autumn landscapes. With 16 country houses based in the UK’s most spectacular walking destinations and up to three different levels of guided walks to choose from each day; walkers can take their pick of the best autumnal displays.
Incredible colour in Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are spectacular year-round, but autumn is special. The air is crisper, the woodlands shift to copper shades, and the landscape is transformed by the changing season. Walks around Glen Coe and Loch Leven weave between mountains, beside scenic lochs, and through ancient woodlands of Scots pine, birch and oak, with golden larches adding vibrant autumn colour to the glen.
HF Holidays 4 Night Scottish Highlands Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £759 per person staying full-board at HF Holidays’ country house, Alltshellach, based on the shores of Loch Leven, including a choice of up to three guided walks with experienced leaders and transport where necessary. Departures throughout autumn 2026.
Rare trees in Coniston, Lake District
From HF Holidays’ country house, Monk Coniston, overlooking Coniston Water, guests can enjoy a gentle wander around the grounds’ rare tree trail, providing an idyllic opportunity to watch autumn colours take over Wollemi Pines, one of the world’s oldest and rarest trees. Tarn Hows, rewarding climbs up the Old Man of Coniston, and lakeside strolls into the nearby village make this Lake District location tick all the boxes.
HF Holidays 3 Night Southern Lake District Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £519 per person staying full-board at HF Holidays’ lakeside country house, including a choice of up to three guided walks with experienced leaders and transport where necessary. Departures throughout autumn 2026.
Grand gardens in the Peak District
HF Country House, Peveril of the Peak, is perfectly placed for exploring the Peak District. The viewpoint at the top of Thorpe Cloud offers sweeping views of the landscape, whilst Chatsworth House’s landscape gardens look magical bathed in the brassy tones of the season. From magnificent trails to historic attractions, the Peak District offers a magical glow in autumnal colours.
HF Holidays 7 Night Peak District Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £1,049 per person staying full-board at HF Holidays’ characterful country house, including a choice of up to three guided walks with experienced leaders and transport where necessary. Departures throughout autumn 2026.
Malham magic in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales always deliver on scenery, but come autumn, the rust colours add an extra layer of richness to the landscape. Passing natural wonders including Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss waterfall and Malham Tarn. Guests of HF Holidays’ guided walking break will experience sweeping autumnal views and as the leaves change, so do the coats of the resident roe deer which roam the Tarn, shifting from red to grey for the winter.
HF Holidays 7 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £1,049 per person staying full-board at HF Country House Newfield Hall, including a choice of up to three guided walks with experienced leaders and transport where necessary. Departures throughout autumn 2026.
Beavers in Exmoor
HF Holiday’s country house, Holnicote House, sits within the Holnicote Estate, one of the most wildlife-rich parts of Exmoor National Park. From wild ponies to native beavers, guests on the Exmoor guided walking holiday will be treated to exciting wildlife spotting opportunities as they discover the dramatic landscapes. With forests, moorland and valleys to explore, there’s no better place to experience the change in seasons.
HF Holidays 7 Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £949 per person staying full-board at HF Holidays’ cosy country house, including a choice of up to three guided walks with experienced leaders and transport where necessary. Departures throughout autumn 2026.
Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865
