Autumn signals the arrival of many things: pumpkin-spiced drinks, darker nights and a return to big coat weather. Yet nothing is as synonymous with autumn as the colourful displays nature puts on for us.
Once lush green trees are transformed as their leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. What makes it all the more special is the fleeting window to enjoy these rich colours, before branches are left bare for the winter.
The National Trust operates several places near Greater Manchester where you can go for a walk full of autumnal colour. Wrap up warm and walk through the red acer archway at Dunham Massey or wander around the woods at Alderley Edge.
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As well as enjoy the gorgeous autumnal displays, a walk in nature is a great way to boost your wellbeing and mental health too. It’s an opportunity to recharge and take some time out from daily life.
Read on for the best places to see the leaves change this autumn.
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
With one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England, Dunham Massey’s park will leave you impressed this autumn. Take in the long avenues of ancient copper beech trees as they turn into pathways of golds, reds and yellows.
In the garden enjoy the birch triangle as it glows in the late afternoon light, whilst in the acer meadow the crossover of branches creates a red and orange canopy overhead. Dunham Massey is home to a herd of fallow deer and you may even see the bucks complete in a deer rut.
Lyme, Cheshire
Walk through a tunnel of beech trees along the Griststone trail into Knightslow Wood. Lantern Wood is also a great place to enjoy the full range of colour in Lyme’s woodlands and moors as well as views right across to Greater Manchester.
In the garden, the West Terrace overlooks some of the exotic trees brought to Lyme by famed horticulturist Vicary Gibbs in the early 1900s. Look out for fiery reds from the dogwood tree, as well as the delicate buds of the autumn-flowering cherry.
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Explore beyond the mill at Quarry Bank and catch autumn colour cascading down through the woods and into the gardens – look out for reds, golds and bronze set against a bright blue autumn sky. Head to the Tennis Lawn and you’ll see a Persian ironwood tree that was planted this year to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - it’ll be easy to spot with its flaking bark and leaves that turn yellow, red and purple in autumn.
Crunch through leaves along rugged paths or take a more leisurely stroll along the accessible pathways that are ideal for wheelchairs or those looking for a shorter walk.
Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Wander through the beautiful beech woods at Alderley Edge, decked out in autumnal colours – the woods take on a golden glow during the autumn months, especially when the low sun catches the different shades of gold, copper and green. As you explore, you may come across features such as Wizards Well, Devils Grave and Golden Stone, which appear in local myths and legends and are featured in The Weirdstone of Brisingamen written by local author Alan Garner.
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