As today's autumn equinox signals the return of autumn, we shall soon be seeing changes to the nature around us as summer departs for the year.

As the temperature drops and the nights get shorter, thoughts of warm summer days grow more and more distant.

But while hot summer walks are great, nothing truly does compare to a woodland walk surrounded by golden brown colours, crispy leaves and sunny frost (that is, until the rain comes).

If you’re hoping to venture out and enjoy the first weekend of the new season, we’ve put together some of the best woodland walks you can do around Cumbria to get your first glimpse of Autumn.

Woodland walks in Cumbria 

Fellside wood

Fellside wood is situated near the village of Old Hutton and is owned and maintained by the woodland trust.

It covers 5.46 hectares and is spectacular views of the Lake District fells.

News and Star: Autumn leaves (Canva)Autumn leaves (Canva)

Dodd wood

Dodd wood is a great place for a long woodland walk. It has 4 walking trails, a café and toilets.

Miltonrigg wood

Miltonrigg woods in Brampton is surrounded by oak and birch trees and over 200 different types of woodland plants.

There is over 4km of footpaths, so you won’t be short of walks and adventures in these woods. There is also a car park available if you don’t live nearby.

And be sure to keep your eyes out for birds such as the wood warbler and willow tit, as well as the toads, newts and dragonflies that live in these woods.

Kingmoor nature reserve

Kingmoor nature reserve in Carlisle is on the site of a former racing ground. It is now a tranquil woodland area with two car parks, making it easily accessible for those coming from afar.

Ashmeadow Woodlands

Ashmeadow Woodlands is a gorgeous woodland walk at the end of the Arnside promenade.

It is privately owned grounds, with reviewers on Tripadvisor rating the numerous paths you can take on your stroll.

Wythop Woods

Wythop Woods is described as a “nice little wood” and a “great place to walk”. It is situated just a short distance from Cockermouth and enjoys great views of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Garth Wood

Situated in Keswick, this small wood is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust. It has parking nearby and is very popular for woodland walks.

Blackbank Wood

Blackbank Wood in Longtown is predominantly a birch woodland area with a great network of paths to explore.

What is the autumn equinox?

The autumn equinox occurs in September every year, and it is the mark of summer ending in the northern hemisphere.

As the earth orbits the sun, it is tilted on an axis. This means that as it orbits it illuminates the northern or southern hemisphere differently, depending on where it is in orbit.

However, at two points in the year, the sun will illuminate both hemispheres equally – these are the autumn and spring equinoxes.

 

For more woodland walks in your area, visit the Woodland Trust website here.