Autumn is - personally - the best time of year. What makes it special? The changing colours of the leaves, the crisp air, the darker nights and the inevitable drink at the pub after a long walk.

Our countryside shines with vivid scenery that you don't get at any other time of year, so our advice is to make haste and get out there to enjoy it.

Don't let the dark damp nights spoil the fun. After all, winter is on the horizon and you'll be hard-pressed to find much colour around then - besides rosy cheeks.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of 6 of the best autumn walks in and around Swindon and Wiltshire that you should consider tackling over the coming weeks.

6 best autumn walks around Swindon:

Clouts Wood, Wroughton

Clouts Wood is situated between Markham Banks Nature Reserve and King's Farm Wood and Diocese Meadows

Always popular with dog walkers, you'll find Clouts Wood on the hill heading out of Wroughton towards Devizes just before the former airbase. Stunning scenery when the sun sets.

Coate Water

Coate Water is a country park situated 5 km to the southeast of central Swindon, near junction 15 of the M4.

Voted Swindon's favourite place where people have enjoyed walking around the lake and woods since the 1800s. The inspiration for Swindon poet Richard Jefferies, whose museum is adjacent.

Want to see fewer adverts and more exclusives on the Advertiser? Become a digital subscriber now for just £5 for five months

Lydiard Park​

Lydiard Park is a 260-acre country park at Lydiard Tregoze, which was its former name, about 3 miles west of central Swindon.

Now fully restored to its former splendour, Lydiard Park in West Swindon is open all year round with miles of pathways open to walkers, joggers, cyclists and wheelchair users. Includes a purpose-built children's play area with climbing, sliding and swinging.

Recommended reading:

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's new chair 'excited' by role

Why Swindon is ranked as one of Britain's best places to live

The best places in Wiltshire to live ranked in new list

Stanton Park

Swindon's haven for wildlife, with several walks around the great lake and woodlands.

Cotswold Country Park

It's always nice to combine a short drive in the country with a beautiful walk, so why not enjoy a lakeside stroll admiring the fauna - and cable skiing fun - at the Cotswold Country Park just up the A419.

Moulden Hill

You'll find this beautiful open space with a number of paths and walkways around a lake in north Swindon.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app