Wild Trails Wales Guide: Ten Best Autumn Walks in Wales

Taf Fechan forest and the Pentwyn reservoir

Autumn can be the best time for walking in Wales…and the worst! If you are lucky, you may have clear skies, see-your-breath-in-the-air mornings, dramatic light, mist rising through the trees, a spectrum of colour and crunchy leaves. If you are not, then storms, floods, and lots of mud awaits. Taking the rough with the smooth is worth it for the precious moments of light, stillness and colour, highlighted by the contrast against the dark and wild. If you’re willing to give it a go, you’ll be rewarded with places to yourself, wonderful wildlife encounters, and the magic of fleeting light on the chameleon landscapes. Here are ten places that are particularly special to walk in Autumn.

View from the Eagles Nest between Tintern and Chepstow

Wye Valley

All of the Wye Valley - from the source at Pumlumon in mid Wales - to it’s meeting with the Severn at Chepstow, is beautiful for walking in Autumn. The wooded riverside walks north of Builth Wells and Rhayader at Gilfach are particularly beautiful, but it is the Lower Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around Monmouth, Tintern and Chepstow that I particularly enjoy at this time of year.

Waterfall Country

So-called Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is home to steep sided woodland gorges of Atlantic Temperate Rainforest, one of the rarest types of rainforest. The mosses, lichens and ferns provide colour year round, and low light in Autumn filters through the higher leaves of the tree canopy. Deep in the gorge trees don’t have as much light and their leaves tend to turn sooner than others, so late September to early October can be best for Autumn colours, depending on the conditions.

Fleeting light passing over the Preselis

Preseli hills & woodland

As storms roll in from the Atlantic, these coastal hills, peppered with prehistoric remains, catch the fleeting light between showers. The views are atmospheric and evocative as the shadows race across the hillsides. Climb up to Mynydd Carningli for infinite coastal panoramas, delve into the ancient twisted oak woodland at Ty Canol, or wander the Golden Road along the top of Mynydd Preseli, steeped in history and legend.

Coed y Brenin

Coed y Brenin, in South Eryri, has miles and miles of forest trails, riverside walks, waterfalls, and a mix of ancient native and plantation forestry. The colours here in Autumn are spectacular, with mist rising through the trees in the mornings, greeted by low sunlight bathing the tree tops in golden light. My favourite walks are from Tyddyn Gladys and Ty’n y Groes, not far from Dolgellau. Head to the visitor centre for maps and waymarked trails.

Betws y Coed

Betws y Coed - the little chapel in the woods, is a bustling tourist gateway on the east of Eryri National Park. There are riverside and forestry trails for miles, and several popular waterfalls nearby, some of which are impressive after heavy Autumn rainfalls. Don’t miss the short trail to the Fairy Glen, just outside the village. Throw a few pounds in the honesty box at the entrance.

Berwyn Range

The jewel in the Berwyn' range’s crown is the impressive Pistyll Rhaeadr, a waterfall which cascades from the mountains, surrounded by forest which displays a spectrum in Autumn. To fully appreciate this area, head up onto Cadair Berwyn. These mountains are so often overlooked in the shadow of their famous neighbours.

Castell Coch in late afternoon glowing light

Fforest Fawr

Even in the city you don’t have to go far to enjoy Autumn walks in Wales. On the outskirts of Cardiff is Fforest Fawr, a great place for Autumn woodland walks, with swathes of beech trees that turn bronze as the Autumn progresses. Beeches tend to hold onto their leaves for longer, so this is a good place for Autumn colour later in the season. Combine your walk with a visit to Castell Coch, follow the Cambrian Way, and keep a look out for the Three Bears Cave.

Aberglaslyn

The waters of Afon Glaslyn, career down from their source on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), carving a steep sided valley near Beddgelert. The trees of the gorge turn golden in the Autumn. Follow the riverside trail from Beddgelert, and climb up through Cwm Bychan for views over Llyn Dinas.

Taf Fechan Forest

A mix of plantation and deciduous trees line the Pontsticill and Pentwyn reservoirs north of Merthyr Tydfil, with the peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du rising in the distance. On a still day the water reflects the colours of the trees and surrounding hillsides. This may be a landscape dramatically altered by humans, but it is certainly beautiful.

Strumble Head

Though there are few trees around this part of the Wales Coast, the rusting bracken and heather, and golden grasses are striking in golden Autumn light. The Pembrokeshire coast is also great for wildlife at this time of year - look out for seal pups in hidden coves (at a distance) and migrant birds taking refuge. A walk here in Autumn is sure to blow the cobwebs away.

Please note this guide is for information and inspiration only and we can’t be held responsible for any inaccuracies or problems arising. Please be Adventure Smart.