As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the National Trust is inviting everyone to experience the magic of autumn with its handpicked walking trails.
Credit National Trust Images Chris Lacey
From gentle woodland strolls to invigorating countryside rambles, Derbyshire and the Peak District offer a spectacular backdrop for every kind of walker. With nature’s colour palette on full display, this is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors.
The National Trust, renowned for caring for some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes, is encouraging visitors to embrace the season and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a misty morning walk through ancient woodlands, an afternoon spotting fungi and wildlife, or a golden-hour wander along fruit-laden hedgerows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To celebrate the season, the conservation charity has curated a list of the top trails and scenic spots in Derbyshire and the Peak District where autumn truly comes alive. These walks are ideal for families, friends, or solo explorers looking to soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.
To find out more visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
This autumn, wander through the golden landscapes of Hardwick’s 2,500-acre estate. Whether you're out with family, walking the dog, or enjoying a peaceful solo stroll, there’s a walk to suit every mood. Choose from scenic routes: the gentle Miller’s Pond Walk, perfect for pushchairs; the historic Oak Walk, winding through old woodland and Grade 1 listed parkland; or the Sculpture Walk, where handcrafted stone sculptures reveal Hardwick’s hidden histories.
A series of free guided walks take place on Thursdays from the Visitor Reception Building at Hardwick. There's also the opportunity to join one of the ranger-led guided Veteran Tree walks and discover more about the trees that have shaped Hardwick's historic landscape and the vital role they have in the environment.
Maps are available from Visitor Reception or can be downloaded from the website: Hardwick | Derbyshire | National Trust where further information can be found about the Veteran Tree walks.
Discover spectacular views of the Peak District, stunning ancient woodlands, parkland and heather moorland, through a network of footpaths and bridleways. A wide variety of walks, for a range of abilities are on offer at Longshaw, from adventurous family trails, to exploring wide-open countryside across the moors. There’s the chance to spot red deer as you take in a 6 mile route, with views of Derbyshire’s Big Moor, or stroll for just over 2 miles and explore the ancient woodland of Padley Gorge. You can download a Longshaw map here.
Explore landscape that’s been inspiring artists and poets for centuries. Whether it's a stroll by the River Manifold, a wander through ancient ravine woodlands or a hike over the hilltops, there are plenty of walks to be discovered when you explore the White Peak.
There are glorious walks through the Manifold Valley, home to limestone crags and woodlands. Take a walk along the Manifold track through the historic Hamps valley. Or soak up iconic views of the famous Thorpe Cloud, from Ilam Park, where there are plenty of places to sit, play and walk the dog. You can download a map of Ilam Park here.
Autumn brings a blaze of colour and sound to Calke Abbey. Stroll through Serpentine Wood and the historic Lime Avenue as the trees turn amber and gold, or rustle through leaves on the Tramway Trail. In the Deer Park, listen for the roar of rutting stags and watch for clashing antlers during this spectacular seasonal display. Dogs are welcome too — don’t forget to stamp their Pooch Passport on your visit. Join the ranger team for a guided ‘Wonders of the Woodland’ walk (1 October – pre-booking online is essential) to discover some of the best fruit and fungi that the season has to offer.
Calke Abbey | Derbyshire | National Trust
Whether walking beneath canopies of ancient trees, uncovering lakeside paths lined colour, or spotting red kites, buzzards or even a deer, when autumn arrives Kedleston Hall, the season brings new ways to experience nature at one of the most scenic times of the year.
This autumn, across Kedleston's historic parkland, experience North Park and Haywood through the eyes of a ranger during a hosted 'Autumn Walk'. Along accessible parkland trails guided by ranger expertise, uncover conservation projects and explore how craft and the natural world go hand in hand. Learn about wild medicine, food foraging, and take a deeper delve into tree identification besides veteran trees such as beech, oak and horse chestnut.
To book a place, visit the upcoming events page on Kedleston Hall's website:
Kedleston Hall | Derbyshire | National Trust
Across autumn at The Children's Country House, explore a terraced garden surrounded by amber, caramel and fiery tones. Uncover lakeside meadows, wilderness walks and borders changing in colour as the season comes into its own. Across the lake look out for starling murmuration, catch a glimpse of oyster catchers and wander through a Sunken Garden dotted with varieties of flora and fungi.
During October, step into the historic parkland of The Children's Country House through hosted Deercote walks – a brand new autumn experience for this year. Led by the property's Head Gardener, discover the past use of the decorative Deercote building, encounter how it has changed over time, and learn about the historic parkland's future plans.
To find out more and book a place, visit the upcoming events page on The Children's Country House at Sudbury's website:
Children’s Country House | Sudbury | National Trust
Foremark is alive with autumn colour and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Look out for fungi in all shapes and shades, from bright fly agarics to hidden treasures among foliage. Wander up to Carvers Rocks SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) to admire imposing rocks set against russet trees.
Foremark | Derbyshire | National Trust
Soak up autumn at Staunton Harold with its reservoir views and sweeping parkland. Dogs are welcome too, making it a great choice for a walk among woodlands and meadows glowing with fiery reds, oranges and golds. Stop off at the dog-friendly café for a warming drink before setting out, or follow the blue waymarked trail for a longer adventure that links to Calke Abbey’s autumnal landscapes.
Staunton Harold | Derbyshire | National Trust