Best for mellow mists Autumn is ideal for eerily misty strolls amid the Weaver Hills, which rise to 370m, just south of the Peak District. Start in Ellastone and make a 12km loop via the remains of Calwich Abbey, sweeping pasture, ancient furrows, an Iron Age warrior’s burial site and winsome Wootton. There is a steep descent to return, but respite is afforded in Ellastone’s Duncombe Arms (B&B from £212, duncombearms.
co.uk ), a Michelin Bib Gourmand pub with open fires, real ales and more than 160 wines. Next door, there are 10 handsome rooms overlooking the Dove Valley, as well as a self-catering cottage and barn conversion.
tinyurl.com/bdhm3y8h Accessibility: crosses farmland and stiles; not accessible Best for vines Take an autumn stroll through Kent’s wine country – where Champagne Taittinger’s new estate has just opened its first bottle of sparkling wine near Chilham – and, depending on when you walk, you might see abundant grapes, an active harvest or fresh-plucked vines glowing red-gold. This 9km loop starts from the village of East Brabourne and follows the ancient Pilgrim’s Way and quiet countryside trails, providing views over the intoxicating North Downs.
Finish with a glass of English fizz back at the Five Bells (B&B from £150, fivebellsbrabourne.co.uk) , a low-beamed 16th-century inn, with a menu full of local produce and four luxurious rooms.
tinyurl.com/52d75syz Accessibility: Crosses farmland and stiles; not accessible Best for flying fish Star.
