Golden Trails: Autumn Walks Around Our Local Area

There’s something quietly magical about autumn in our corner of the world. The air turns crisper, the leaves blush from green to ochre, cinnamon and rust. It’s the perfect time to lace up your walking boots and explore the hidden corners and woodland paths right on our doorstep.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of my favourite autumn walks in each of our local areas. Whether you prefer a gentle riverside amble or a more adventurous woodland ramble, there’s a trail waiting for you.
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Fleet & Church Crookham

Trail: Fleet Pond & Lord Wandsworth Arboretum Loop

Start at Fleet Pond—its golden fringes reflect autumn skies beautifully. Wander around the pond’s perimeter (about 2 miles), then head into Church Crookham’s lanes, following footpaths that weave through wooded glades and open fields.

Pause tip: There’s a bench on the north shore of the pond with a quiet view across the water—perfect for a thermos break.

Highlight: By mid-October, the woodland surrounding the pond is at its most vibrant, with rust-red canopies mirrored in still water.

Farnborough & Aldershot

Trail: Caesar’s Camp to Hawley Lake

Begin near Aldershot Military Town and follow the trails up to Caesar’s Camp, then down toward Hawley Lake. The woodland here is dense, peaceful, and softly lit at this time of year.

Pause tip: A clearing by the lake offers a wonderful spot to sit and watch the breeze scatter fallen leaves across the surface.

Highlight: Keep an eye out for migrating birds taking a pit stop on their seasonal journey.

Hook & Hartley Wintney

Trail: Hartley Wintney to Greywell via Canal Towpaths

Start in Hartley Wintney, wander down quiet lanes and connect to the Basingstoke Canal, following it to Greywell. It’s a gentle, scenic route ideal for leisurely autumn afternoons.

Pause tip: Canal bridges make great stopping points to enjoy mirrored reflections of copper and gold.

Highlight: The mix of water, woodland and hedgerows makes this a particularly atmospheric walk when the mist rolls in.

Yateley, Blackwater & Eversley

Trail: Yateley Common & Blackwater Valley
Set off from Yateley Common, cross heath and woodland before linking into the Blackwater Valley path. Follow the river down toward Eversley.
Pause tip: A tucked-away platform on the riverbank provides a peaceful listening post for flowing water and rustling leaves.
Highlight: The contrast between heathland golds and woodland reds makes this a real autumn showstopper.

Camberley

Trail: Swinley Forest Loop

Just on the edge of Camberley, Swinley Forest offers wide tracks under towering pines, with pockets of deciduous trees lighting up in autumnal shades. Choose from shorter circuits or a longer loop for more of a ramble.

Pause tip: Stop at one of the clearings where the forest opens up to big skies and soft golden light filtering through the trees.

Highlight: The scent of pine mingled with leaf fall gives this walk a distinctive, calming atmosphere.

Ash Vale

Trail: Basingstoke Canal & Ash Ranges

Start at Ash Vale Wharf and head west along the canal towpath before looping back via Ash Ranges (check access before setting out). The canal is edged with mature trees that turn fiery in late October, and the open heathland gives you expansive views.

Pause tip: A bench along the towpath makes the perfect spot for a coffee break, with kingfishers occasionally spotted darting past.

Highlight: The combination of water, woodland and open land gives this walk an ever-changing backdrop of autumn colour.

Whether it’s a misty morning by the canal, a crisp forest loop, or a golden hour stroll around the pond, autumn walks are a reminder of just how special our local areas are.

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