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Visitors walking in the grounds in autumn at Basildon Park, Berkshire
Take a stroll in the grounds at Basildon Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walking in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Autumn was made for walking. Warm mellow days with bronzing leaves turning crispy underfoot. Make the most of the season with autumn walks in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. There are some lovely woodland walks to enjoy the changing season's colours along the river Thames at Cliveden and in the Chiltern beech woodlands around Hughenden. At Stowe, the incredible colours of the specimen trees are reflected and amplified in the lakes. From gentle wanders through meadows to longer jaunts across the rolling Chiltern hills, there are lots of walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire for the whole family to enjoy.

Best autumn woodland walks in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire

Great leaf-swishing walks, bright with golds, reds and oranges as the trees turn.

Woodland path in Spring at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Cliveden woodland walking trail 

Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Glorious autumnal woodland with crisp brown leaves littering the narrow footpath and the tall beech trees resplendent in yellow and orange
Trail
Trail

Bradenham beech woods walk 

Enjoy a classic Chilterns landscape and find out more about the history of this part of the world on the Bradenham beech woods walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.4 (km: 7.04)
Badbury clump
Trail
Trail

Coleshill brown walk 

Coleshill brown walk is a gentle woodland stroll. Perfect for wildlife spotting all year and bluebells in late spring. If you bring the kids (or the big kids), have a go at building a den.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Low scrubs in autumn sunlight
Trail
Trail

Low Scrubs: A walk back in time 

Explore the atmospheric woodland of Low Scrubs, encountering relics of its ancient past from as far back as the early Iron Age, on this short waymarked walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)

Best walks for little legs

These walks are 1-2 miles long and include things for children to look at and do along the way.

Visitors enjoying an autumnal walk in the landscaped garden at Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens 

A short, family-friendly walk along the lakeside path at Stowe Gardens. It takes in the temples, which are great for hide and seek, and the pebble alcoves. Children love running their fingers over the pebble mosaic.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Family visitors enjoying a woodland walk
Trail
Trail

Cliveden blue walking trail 

A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.6 (km: 2.56)
Church Lane West Wycombe
Trail
Trail

West Wycombe Trail 

This short walk starts in a very family-friendly way at the top of the hill with fantastic views. It winds around the picturesque village of West Wycombe passing the notorious Hellfire Caves and several sweetie shops and cafes for refuelling.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Visitors walking in the parkland Wentworth Castle, South Yorkshire
Trail
Trail

Bradenham countryside trail 

This short walk around the village of Bradenham and neighbouring meadows has lovely views and things to spot. Look out for sarsen stones, horses and a holey woodpecker-pecked tree.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Walks by water

When your mind needs clearing, a walk by water can wash away the worries.

A view of Cliveden looking along the River Thames
Trail
Trail

Cliveden gold walking trail 

Take in tranquil riverside scenery, shady woodland, dramatic views of the Berkshire countryside and places of historical interest on this circular trail.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.1 (km: 4.96)
An ancient-looking Greek-style round temple sitting on the banks of a deep blue glass-like lake surrounded by a variety of trees just starting to change from green into the orange of autumn
Trail
Trail

Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens 

A 1.2-mile family-friendly walk along the lakeside path at Stowe Gardens, taking in the temples and pebble alcoves along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Frosty hillside on a sunny day
Trail
Trail

Cookham and Cock Marsh walk 

Enjoy stunning views across the Thames Valley while following riverside paths on the dog-friendly Cookham and Cock Marsh walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
The River Thames at Buscot Park, Oxfordshire
Trail
Trail

Lechlade Walk 

This serene riverside walk from Buscot village to Lechlade and back follows a path along the River Thames, taking in the first lock on the river and a Second World War bunker.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

All walks in Buckinghamshire

An ancient-looking Greek-style round temple sitting on the banks of a deep blue glass-like lake surrounded by a variety of trees just starting to change from green into the orange of autumn
Trail
Trail

Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens 

A 1.2-mile family-friendly walk along the lakeside path at Stowe Gardens, taking in the temples and pebble alcoves along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Church Farm and Hughenden Valley
Trail
Trail

Views of the Hughenden Manor estate walk 

For varied views, go on this circular 5.6-mile walk around the Hughenden Manor estate, which reveals no fewer than 10 different views of the surrounding Chilterns countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5.3 (km: 8.48)
Glorious autumnal woodland with crisp brown leaves littering the narrow footpath and the tall beech trees resplendent in yellow and orange
Trail
Trail

Bradenham beech woods walk 

Enjoy a classic Chilterns landscape and find out more about the history of this part of the world on the Bradenham beech woods walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.4 (km: 7.04)
The Disraeli Monument at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Hughenden's Monument walk 

Discover a short 2-mile return walk with moderate hill climbs that takes in the monument at Hughenden. Take in far-reaching views from the monument which is known to be is one of the best look-out points the area.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A distant view of West Wycombe Park taken from a nearby hill, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Chiltern Hills three-in-one walk 

Discover a challenging 8½-mile scenic walk linking three National Trust places in the Chiltern Hills: West Wycombe, Bradenham and Hughenden. Longer and shorter routes can be completed depending on your choice.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5.5 (km: 8.8) to miles: 8.5 (km: 13.6)
Woodland trees either side of a path.
Trail
Trail

Woodcock Wood walk at Hughenden 

On this leisurely 1.2 mile walk, you'll loop around typical Chiltern farmland and woodland. Enjoy the peace and quiet of Woodcock Wood before heading back along 'Coffin Path'.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
A pond on the chalk stream at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire, with a curved, sloping grass bank on the left, and several mature trees reflected in the water
Trail
Trail

Boundary walk at Hughenden 

Explore beautiful woodland, open parkland, farmland and a rare chalk stream on this energetic 4-mile circular walk that runs close to the estate boundary.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
View of a water garden with autumnal trees, lake, and an ornate roofed seating area
Place
Place

Walks at Cliveden 

Formerly home of the Astor family, Cliveden has a glorious garden overlooking the Thames in Berkshire, with several woodland and riverbank trails to choose from.

Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire

Fully open today
Church Lane West Wycombe
Trail
Trail

West Wycombe Trail 

Explore the colourful history of West Wycombe, walking in the landscape of the Chiltern countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
View of the manor and the church in Bradenham village in February at Bradenham Estate, Chilterns Countryside, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Bradenham: Chiltern Hills, Valleys and Woodlands Walk 

Enjoy an 8-mile (13km) walk starting at Bradenham village in Buckinghamshire, leading you through a mix of chalk meadows, beech woodlands and farmland.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 8.0 (km: 12.8)
Coleshill Park in May, The Buscot and Coleshill Estates Oxfordshire
Trail
Trail

Coleshill red walk 

Coleshill's red walk is a great way to get some gentle exercise, starting at the estate yard, formerly a Victorian model farm, then onto a 'Capability' Brown-style 18th century parkland.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Bradenham in early spring in the Chilterns countryside, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Bradenham countryside trail 

Enjoy a short walk around the village of Bradenham and neighbouring meadows, with views across the Chilterns and a visit to St Botolph's church on the route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A tree-framed view over a green hillside with fields in the distance at Pulpit Hill fort, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Pulpit Hill fort and nature reserves circular walk 

Take in panoramic views across the Chiltern Escarpment and Aylesbury Vale, explore an Iron Age hillfort and stroll through beautiful beech woods and the Grangelands and Rifle Butts Nature Reserve.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.3 (km: 2.08) to miles: 1.6 (km: 2.56)
Disraeli's 'German Forest'
Trail
Trail

German Forest walk at Hughenden 

This 1.5-mile walk at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire, explores the evergreen woods inspired by Disraeli's visits to the Northern Bohemian forests.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Chiltern Escarpment
Trail
Trail

Watlington Hill circular walk 

A 7-mile walk from Watlington Hill that explores chalk grassland and beech woodlands, on the historic landscape of the Chilterns on the border between Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Ridges and Bottoms walk in Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

West Wycombe ridges and bottoms walk 

Discover the ups and downs of the valleys that carve their way through the Chiltern Hills on this challenging circular trail, which starts from West Wycombe and explores the surrounding woodland, farmland, and villages.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 8 (km: 12.8)
A blanket of snowdrops in front of a rotunda which is surrounded by trees at Stowe, Buckinghamshire.
Trail
Trail

Stowe's 'Stowedrops' walk 

Enjoy crisp winter walks at Stowe and you might spot the first signs of spring, in the form of delicate white snowdrops, or 'Stowedrops' as we like to call them.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Natural Sculpture Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve
Trail
Trail

Beacon Hill, Juniper Bank and Aston Wood walk 

Explore the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, along with the National Trust woodlands at nearby Juniper Bank and Aston Wood.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
The Hampden Valley, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Whiteleaf and the Hampdens walk 

This walk in the Chilterns takes in the grounds of Hampden House, the isolated village of Little Hampden and a stunning view over the Aylesbury Vale.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)

All walks in Berkshire

A view over Lardon Chase, Berkshire
Trail
Trail

The meadows and woodlands of Streatley 

Discover beautiful views on this three mile circular walk around the meadows and woodlands that form the backdrop to the village of Streatley.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.9 (km: 4.64) to miles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
A village scene with bight green grass in the foreground, a path running through it and a horse chestnut tree in flower behind the path but in front of several houses.
Trail
Trail

The short Wind in the Willows walk 

A 3-mile circular walk around Cookham Dean in Berkshire and the woodlands that inspired author Kenneth Grahame's Wild Wood in his children's novel Wind in the Willows.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A village scene with bight green grass in the foreground, a path running through it and a horse chestnut tree in flower behind the path but in front of several houses.
Trail
Trail

The long Wind in the Willows walk 

A 5-mile walk along country lanes, woodland and the village of Cookham Dean that takes in places that inspired Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A fallen tree lies on Cock Marsh at Cookham Commons, Berkshire.
Trail
Trail

Cookham and Cock Marsh walk 

Enjoy stunning views across the Thames Valley while following riverside paths on the dog-friendly Cookham and Cock Marsh walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Goring Gap from Lardon Chase, Berkshire
Trail
Trail

West Berkshire countryside walk 

Enjoy a 7-mile circular walk around rural West Berkshire, near Streatley, taking in a variety of landscapes, wildflowers and butterflies.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Maidenhead Thicket
Trail
Trail

Maidenhead Commons trail 

A moderate 6.9 mile circular walk heading south, to a former brick works, which is now a nature reserve, and through the mixed woodland of Maidenhead Thicket.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Family visitors enjoying a woodland walk
Trail
Trail

Cliveden blue walking trail 

A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.6 (km: 2.56)
Woodland path in Spring at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Trail
Trail

Cliveden woodland walking trail 

Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Low scrubs in autumn sunlight
Trail
Trail

Low Scrubs: A walk back in time 

Explore the atmospheric woodland of Low Scrubs, encountering relics of its ancient past from as far back as the early Iron Age, on this short waymarked walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Bridge over Strand Water, Cookham Moor, Berkshire
Trail
Trail

Cookham wetland and wildlife trail 

Discover the wildlife and wetlands of the Thames Valley, while enjoying the views of The Mount at Cookham Dean, Cliveden House and Taplow Court.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

All walks in Oxfordshire

Autumn colours surround the house at Greys Court, Oxfordshire
Place
Place

Greys Court 

The rolling Chiltern hills are your playground at Greys Court with walks that are perfect for families with little legs and longer strolls for bigger children to run off some energy in the woodland.

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Fully open today
Wooden lock gates with picturesque lockkeepers hut to one side
Trail
Trail

Buscot Red Walk 

Discover Buscot village and the surrounding area, including the smallest lock currently on the River Thames and two Second World War bunkers.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A sunset view of the green, rippling hillside of White Horse Hill, Uffington, Oxfordshire, with the countryside visible for miles into the distance.
Trail
Trail

White Horse Hill to Ashdown walk 

This invigorating walk across the ancient chalk downs of Oxfordshire takes in the mysterious neolithic sites and history found along this enigmatic stretch of the ancient Ridgeway.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7.7 (km: 12.32)
Looking through hanging tree branches from Badbury Clump and across an expanse of countryside towards the sunrise over the Buscot and Coleshill Estates, Oxfordshire.
Trail
Trail

Buscot Purple Woodland Walk 

Enjoy exploring the nearby woodland on this scenic three-mile circular walk, which offers memorable views across the surrounding countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
The River Thames at Buscot Park, Oxfordshire
Trail
Trail

Lechlade Walk 

This serene riverside walk from Buscot village to Lechlade and back follows a path along the River Thames, taking in the first lock on the river and a Second World War bunker.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Badbury clump
Trail
Trail

Coleshill brown walk 

Coleshill brown walk is a gentle woodland stroll. Perfect for wildlife spotting all year and bluebells in late spring. If you bring the kids (or the big kids), have a go at building a den.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Great Coxwell Barn seen in the distance with a blue sky and vivid green grass in the foreground.
Trail
Trail

Coleshill Estate orange walk from Great Coxwell Barn 

Take a gentle circular walk along the orange route on the Coleshill Estate from Great Coxwell Barn to spot wildlife and wander through two picturesque working farms.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
Turville Heath in the Chilterns
Trail
Trail

Chiltern escarpment and woodland walk 

This challenging circular trail explores the woodland, farmland and villages around the Chiltern Hills' chalk escarpment and offers sweeping views across the surrounding valleys.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 11.3 (km: 18.08)
Track through gates at Bradenham Estate during the summer

Discover more in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Rolling Chiltern hills, a magical garden and the home of a Victorian prime minister await you in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.