Discover amazing autumnal walks
Autumn is a great time to explore the great outdoors, enjoy beautiful golden scenes, crisp air, fiery foliage, and rustling leaves.
Posted on 20th September 2023
Wrap up in your favourite jumper, head out and discover autumnal walks at Essex Country Parks. We’ve pulled together a selection for you to choose from - get active and enjoy the many wonders of nature.
Danbury Country Park, Chelmsford
Enjoy a circular walk around the landscaped lakes at Danbury Country Park – this accessible walking route is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, from young children to grandparents.
Park at the Woods car park and take the path towards the Lake’s car park, heading on straight towards the toilet block and Middle Lake. Carry on past the toilets and down to the Ice House, venturing off the path into the leafy woodland.
Amongst the fallen autumn leaves, see if you can spot the mushrooms popping up. Expect to see vivid red Fly Agaric Mushrooms, Ouster Mushrooms, Wood Blewit Mushroom and Porcelain Fungus. Please do not pick or touch the mushroom and fungi but feel free to take photos!
Discover more about Danbury Country Park here.
Belhus Woods Country Park, Aveley
Enjoy the autumnal shades of red, yellow, and orange with a stroll through the woods. Park in the car park and take the footpath towards Running Water Wood and then bear left into Whitehall Wood. Be amazed by the caramel colours of the Sweet Chestnut trees and meander through the fallen spiky nut cases. Exit Whitehall Wood into the meadow and head back towards the car park. The trees and shrubs lining the meadows – including Dog Wood, Cherry and Field Maple - all come into colour at varying intervals, so you’ll be able to enjoy an autumnal rainbow glow.
This short walk is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Top Tip: Dogwood has amazing deep colours including reds and plum purple shades – spot these on the field and woodland margins in Bumpstead Meadow, Brock Meadown or Cockhide Meadow.
Discover more about Belhus Woods Country Park here.
Weald Country Park, Brentwood
Park the car in Lincoln’s Lane car park and follow the footpath across the ridge of the hill – enjoy the sweeping views and autumnal colours of the woodland. Take a right down Chestnut Avenue. This is the perfect spot for a few family photos as this tree-lined path will be blooming with caramel colours.
Head over to the deer enclosure near the Visitor Centre to get up close with these beautiful animals. Behind the enclosure is a vivid, scarlet red Acer tree which looks particularly stunning in autumn.
Discover more about Weald Country Park here.
These are just a few of the glorious walks to be had, discover your own route at an Essex Country Park, explore and reap the benefits of nature.
*Mobility scooters are available to hire at Weald, Great Notley and Belhus country parks. (Thorndon's are currently being repaired).