The changing of season into autumn can create some very pretty landscapes around the UK, with Dorset being no exception to that.
This time of year often brings people to embark upon a walk to enjoy the crisp, fresh air and take in the beauty of rural settings.
Dorset as a whole is a very picturesque county and there are many areas where one could enjoy a stunning autumn walk.
Here are five of the best people can embark upon in the season.
5 of the best autumn walks in Dorset
Wimborne to Pamphill Circular
This 7.2km circular trail is considered to be a fairly easy route and should take you around one hour and 47 minutes to complete.
It starts in Wimborne Minster and then winds along the edge of the River Stour before crossing the farmlands and joining the road to Pamphill.
The profile adds: "The trail then takes in a loop around the woodlands, continuing along the road and joining the outward beside the river once more."
This should allow walkers to take in the pretty auburn leaves of the trees as it marks the changing of the seasons.
Evershot Circular
If you want another relatively gentle route then this 6.6km route should only take you around an hour and 43 minutes to complete.
It is described as a "great place to reconnect with nature" with it travelling around woodland near Evershot before circling back round.
The profile adds: "This is an easy-going route which is suitable to most abilities, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors.
"Some parts can get rather muddy during wetter months, so best to come prepared with appropriate footwear and layers for full enjoyment."
Shaftesbury and Gold Hill Circular
This "pleasant circular route" is 5.8km in length and should take around one hour and 44 minutes to complete.
It starts around the town of Shaftesbury before following stretches of quiet country lanes towards the downs in the south.
The route includes a stroll down Gold Hill and Castle Hill where you can enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside.
The profile adds: "The route follows a mix of pavements, quiet country lanes with no pavements and a few field paths which can get muddy after wet weather."
Dorchester to Thomas Hardy's Cottage
Full route details and a map can be found on the Visit Dorset website here.
This route is set in the "beautiful" Thorncombe woods where you can find Thomas Hardy's home and birthplace.
The profile adds: "It is an easy walk from Dorchester visiting Stinsford and its church, the resting home of Hardy's heart and his two wives.
"Much of the route would have been walked by the great writer and would be used as settings and inspiration for many of his works."
It can be quite muddy in places, so walking boots are recommended, and it should take around three hours to walk the 11km route.
Recommended reading:
- 5 of the most stunning coastal circular walks you can embark on in Dorset
- 7 of the best circular walks for you to try around Dorset
- Best Dorset walks with a pub stop on the Jurassic Coast
Minterne Magna Circular
This 8.5km circular walk around the village of Minterne Magna should take around two and a half hours to complete.
It is said to provide "a charming and scenic alternative for those who wish to spend quality time surrounded by nature".
The profile adds: "Be careful on the rougher sections, especially in wetter conditions, as some areas may get muddy."
Overall, it is a route where you can enjoy the changing woodland scenery to autumn quite effectively.
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