Top autumn walks as leaves expected to be more vibrant

The West Country offers an abundance of autumnal walks for crunching through leaves or conker hunting.

From parkland to forests and nature reserves, there are dozens of places to enjoy nature.

And this year, walkers can expect a more vibrant display, as leaves turn brighter shades of red, orange and yellow. Experts say this is due to the summer's extreme heat which prompted trees to produce more sugar in their leaves.

Here's a guide to some of the best walks across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Blaise Castle Estate

The 650-acre Blaise Castle Estate is a historic park with dramatic scenery, ancient monument - and tales of giant's footprints and robbers' caves. The River Trym runs right through the estate's deep gorge. There is also a cafe and large play park.

Leigh Woods

A National Trust National Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Bristol, it's widely considered a haven from city life. It offers mountain bike trails and lots of opportunities for den building.

Stoke Park Estate

A 270-acre Grade II-listed parkland, rich with species in woodland, ponds and more. A small herd of goats can also be spotted grazing along the route.

Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswolds

Located near Tetbury in the Cotswolds, it is renowned across the world for its tree collection and historic landscape. Walkers can enjoy more than 600 acres and 17 miles (27.3km) of hard and grassy paths.

Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean

Mallards Pike boasts a large lakeside walk with numerous walking trails and a cycling trail. Nearby is New Fancy, a former coal mine with a viewpoint that boasts vast woodland trees.

Pittville Park, Cheltenham

Regent's Park in London inspired the design and layout of Pittville Park, with two sections split by Evesham Road. Visitors can walk along the two lakes, and visit Pittville Pump Rooms and an aviary too.

Horner Wood, Exmoor

Horner Wood is one of the largest ancient oak woods in Britain. It spans 800 acres and boasts river and stream valleys. One tree, called General, is more than 500 years old.

Crook Peak, Mendip Hills

Also known as the "Sleeping Giant's Nose", it is the most mountainous summit of the Mendip Hills which overlooks the Somerset Levels and Bristol Channel coastline.

Rodney Stoke Nature Reserve, Mendip Hills

An autumn walk through this nature reserve takes people through ancient woodland and limestone grasslands, on the south-facing slopes of the Mendip Hills. It features ash, small-leaved lime, oak, and hazel trees.

Stourhead, Stourton

Stourhead is a famous 2,650 historic estate which is run by the National Trust, featuring chalk downs, ancient woods and an Iron Age hillfort.

Coate Water Country Park, Swindon

The 70-acre is centred on a huge reservoir built in the 1820s to supply water for the former Wilts & Berks Canal. The park also has a children's play area, crazy golf, and a volunteer-run miniature steam railway.

Lydiard Park, Swindon

On the western edge of Swindon lies the expansive Lydiard Park estate, featuring horse chestnut and yew trees, and a lake full of swans, geese and migrating ducks.

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