As summer fades into cooler weather, there is something joyful about wrapping up warmly for an autumn walk through landscapes filled with vibrant shades of red, orange and gold.
Crisp weather and oxygen-rich fresh air can help boost your immune system and fend off seasonal bugs. Being outdoors can also support everyone’s mental health, with autumn views helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
If you are walking, it gets your blood pumping, which supports heart health and helps loosen stiff joints. If you can get outside in the morning, early daylight exposure can also help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
An autumn walk is also a great way for children with sensory needs to explore different sounds, scents and textures.
Crunchy leaves have different veins and ridges, with edges that can be spiked or curved. Smooth conkers can be polished to a shine with repetitive strokes. You may notice the rich smell of damp earth and moss, the sweeter scent of fallen leaves, or even a hint of autumn bonfires drifting your way.
If your family lives near a park or nature reserve, you may already have favourite walks that suit your needs. If you need somewhere more accessible, or want to try somewhere new, there are options across the UK with features such as smooth, paths, all-terrain buggy hire and facilities including Changing Places toilets.
Places you may want to consider include:
- Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire has flat surfaces and sensory-friendly walks. There is also a Changing Places facility and an accessible restaurant.
- Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire has the Ladyhill Trail, a one-mile, flat circular route designed specifically for wheelchair and mobility aid accessibility. There is also accessible parking and accessible toilets at the main visitor centre.
- Blickling Estate in Norfolk has a wide, hard-surfaced, multi-use trail through woodland. There are accessible toilets and accessible parking.
- Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire has accessible features including flat, hard-surfaced paths and a Changing Places toilet with a hoist.
- Grizedale Forest in Cumbria has a Miles without Stiles tarmac route and accessible restrooms.
- Loch Ard Sculpture Trail in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park offers five trails, ranging from two to 10 miles, that are wide, flat and suitable for wheelchairs, power chairs and buggies. There is accessible parking, disabled toilets and an accessible café.
- In Wales, Hafren Forest has level tarmac paths and a wide wooden boardwalk along the river. There are accessible toilets and accessible picnic benches.
- The Haden Hill Park Circular in Cradley Heath and Dudley is a short, flat route through historical parkland.
- Delamont Country Park in Downpatrick is fully wheelchair accessible and has accessible parking and accessible toilets.
The National Trust has estates with popular walking routes and options to suit different accessibility needs.
Find wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly walks through the National Trust.
Find information about the National Trust’s Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk
Don’t forget that the National Trust offers free entry for up to two carers or essential companions accompanying a disabled visitor.
In the Lake District National Park, you can find Miles without Stiles accessible routes.
Forestry England also has a list of sensory walks to help families be active and connect with nature.