Discover dazzling autumn colours with the National Trust’s Cambridgeshire walking trails
At this time of year, there’s a palette of colours waiting to be discovered across breath-taking landscapes looked after by the National Trust.
With dozens of walking trails to choose from, whether you’re looking for a bracing coastal hike or a gentle woodland stroll, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature.
To celebrate the season and inspire days out this autumn, the National Trust has pulled together a list of the best places for an autumnal stroll.
Wimpole Estate
With the colours of the trees ever-changing at Wimpole, meander around the estate on a circular walk.
From here you’ll be able to enjoy views of the lakes, Chinese bridge and 18th-century folly, as well as the magnificent trees that create the perfect backdrop.
Why not explore the wider estate with our new multi-use trail? Designed for runners, walkers, cyclists and adapted wheelchair users, this safe off-road trail is ideal to explore the great outdoors and witness autumn in all its colourful glory.
Anglesey Abbey
Lord Fairhaven purchased Anglesey Abbey in 1926, transforming the grounds into a year-round garden, with a highlight for every season to be found within its 114 acres.
Highlights during the Autumn include Jubilee Avenue, where the changing leaves of hornbeams create a golden tunnel at this time of year, and Temple Lawn, a sculpture of large columns set against a colourful mixture of beech, alder and sycamore trees.
The three-mile circular walk that circumnavigates the estate takes in all the of the autumn highlights, from the majestic avenues of trees in shades of russet, gold and brown, the dense woodlands of Hoe Fen, and the riverside views along the Lode, where the autumnal hues of poplar trees are reflected against the water.
Houghton Mill
With riverside views and a whole host of walking trails to choose from, Houghton Mill is ideal to visit in the cooler autumn months.
Take in the picturesque mill pond, framed in the autumnal hues of surrounding trees before setting off to explore.
The St Ives and Hemingford walking trail, a five-mile circular route, is particularly scenic at this time of year, traversing the Ouse Valley landscape and water meadows.
The tea room at Houghton Mill is the perfect pit stop for a warming soup, hot drink or sweet treat to re-fuel after a walking adventure.
Wicken Fen
The change in seasons at Wicken Fen is clear to see as the vibrant green of the summer fenland foliage changes to soothing ochres and golds.
At this time of year, the sedge turns russet, which becomes golden in the evenings as the setting sun shines through the leaves.
It’s also the ideal time to spot some of the resident wildlife with orb-weaver spiders spinning their delicate webs and bright blue flashes of kingfishers diving into the waterways.
Enjoy a gentle stroll along all-weather boardwalk trail, taking in the autumn colours along Sedge Fen and the low autumn sun glinting off the water.
The Adventurer’s Trail, a three-mile circular route is perfect for those looking to explore further – look out for the grazing herds of Highland Cattle and Konik Ponies along the way.
Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves.
In 2021/22 the Trust received 20 million visitors. The National Trust is for everyone and currently has 5.7 million members and more than 44,000 volunteers support our work to care for nature, beauty, history for everyone.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here