Autumn is here and our beautiful county is slowly changing. The burnished reds and golds of autumn are starting to appear in all our favourite walking spots. If you love the change of seasons as much as we do then here are nine awesome autumn walks in Herefordshire for you to enjoy with your family and friends.
Brobury House Gardens HR3 6BS
Open 12 months of the year, Brobury’s 8 acres of dog-friendly gardens is planted for the seasons and is a riot of rich burnished colours in autumn. Its beautiful location on the banks of the River Wye adds to the many water features, woodland walks, and terraced pathways. The advantage of an onsite walled garden cafe is all the more welcome in these cooler months.
Bodenham Lake HR1 3JT
A 45 acre site, Bodenham Lake is an important overwintering and breeding area for birds and other aquatic wildlife, so approximately half of the site is managed as a wildlife refuge with restricted public access. More than 170 bird species have been seen here. You can picnic and stroll through beautiful orchards as well as river and lakeside meadows. There are surfaced and unsurfaced paths with clear signage. To prevent disturbance to sensitive wildlife there is no access to the western end of the reserve but the area can be seen from the public hides. Two easy access paths run around part of the lake, both originating from the car park.
Bircher Common HR6 0BN
Bircher Common is one of our favourite go to places in autumn. It’s a very pretty spot bustling with wildlife and the perfect place for a stroll and located close by to NT Croft Castle & Parkland. During the autumn months it’s just a sea of glorious reds and golds. With fantastic views too it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot.
Bromyard Downs HR7 4QJ
Rising to over 700 feet, the Bromyard Downs dominate the local area and form an impressive backdrop to the market town of Bromyard. With spectacular views, it is a peaceful haven with a diverse range of wildlife. It attracts walkers and nature lovers with its peace and tranquillity. An area of outstanding natural beauty and a gorgeous spot for an autumn walk.
Garway Hill HR2 8RU
If you’re looking for pure ruggedness, wildness and some of the best views in Herefordshire then head up to Garway Hill this autumn. From this point there is a view of seven counties, the 360-degree panorama taking in May Hill, The Sugar Loaf, Hay Bluff and Skirrid is both spectacular and breath-taking. It’s a fabulous spot from which to watch the gorgeous White Mountain horses and the abundance of wildlife that resides on the hill, not to mention a perfect autumn sunrise or sunset.
Haugh Wood Hereford HR1 4QX
The ancient woodland at Haugh woods is full of beauty and charm especially during autumn. A haven for cyclists, walkers, nature lovers and photographers at all times of the year. With over 850 acres to explore of walking, cycling and butterfly trails, this is a popular destination for families and dog walkers and absolutely perfect for an autumn stroll.
The two most popular walks from here are the Three Choirs Way and the Wye Valley Walk which skirt the edge of the woods, however it also links with the Mordiford Loop a circular trail taking you through traditional orchards, woodland and more beautiful countryside.
Click here for more information.
Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill Leominster HR6 0PY
The amazing 123 acre ancient woodland at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is just glorious to walk round in the autumn. The colours of the park are completely transformed and the views are just breath taking. With its fantastic arboretum, a 47 acre tree collection with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees, this really is the place to be. If you adore wildlife and nature you’ll love the dramatic show of colours, fragrances and wildlife all throughout the year.
Once part of the Hampton Court Estate during the 17th century. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
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Symonds Yat GL16 7NZ
The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that straddles the River Wye, filled with gorgeous wooded expanses, natural landscapes and captivating wildlife. It’s the ideal spot for an autumn adventure. If you fancy getting more of a bird’s eye view, head up Symonds Yat Rock which towers 120 metres above the river. Here you can look out for the peregrine falcons, goshawks, ospreys and buzzards who all feature here at different times of the year. It’s a magical place with the most wonderful views.
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NT Berrington Hall Leominster HR6 0DW
Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final garden and landscape. In the autumn the gardens are a real pleasure to explore with acres of parkland and a beautiful boating lake. So pop on your walking boots, grab the dog’s lead and head to north Herefordshire.
To find out more about Berrington Hall click here.
We hope you enjoy our nine awesome autumn walks.
Find out more about Herefordshire.
Featured image: Queenswood by ESL