Autumn in the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Mid Wales

High in the Cambrian Mountains, Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth is a nature lover’s paradise, ideal for capturing spectacular autumnal views and exploring a number of walking and cycling routes. You can witness rare red kites eating at the daily feeds, either from a distance at the visitor centre or close-up down by the centre’s lake. For colourful panoramic views, take the uphill trail marked with a red footprint. 

A red kite flying over a lake, being photographed by a group of people.

Red kite spotting at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Mid Wales

Elan Valley, Mid Wales

In the heart of Mid Wales, Elan Valley is a spectacular area abundant with wildlife and nature that comes alive with colour in the autumn months. Take a walk around one of the dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley to admire the striking colours of the trees and watery vistas. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre has a wealth of information on local walks, seasonal activities, an exhibition space and a play area. 

Forest and river in the Elan Valley.
View of car at Elan Valley, Mid Wales.

Elan Valley, Mid Wales

The Wye Valley

As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley is awash with photo opportunities of autumn foliage and sweeping views. Tintern Abbey’s monastic ruins are a sight to behold in the autumn, with trees on the surrounding hills tinted red and orange. For an impressive lookout, head to Kymin Tower, an 18th century round house and naval tower where you can observe gorgeous views of Monmouth and the Wye Valley. Serious hiking buffs should consider walking a section of the 136-mile Wye Valley Walk to explore the rich colours of the wooded ravines, limestone gorges and rugged moorland slopes.

Overlooking a ruined abbey with autumn leaves and mist.

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire

Betws-y-Coed, North Wales

Start your day with a bracing walk to Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy, near Betws-y-Coed, for dramatic waterfalls and beautiful scenic viewpoints to enjoy the autumn colours.

A waterfall spreading out down a hill, surrounded by green woodlands.

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls), Betws-y-Coed, North Wales

Coed y Brenin, North Wales

If you’re looking for a crisp walk through crunchy leaves, Coed y Brenin will let you do so amongst the sights and sounds of the woodland in autumn. Close to Dolgellau and Traswfynydd, this world-class mountain biking spot is a haven for soaking up the season with family walks, gentle cycling, waterfalls, an all-access trail and a visitor centre. The views from the café alone are worth a trip, with excellent vistas of the trees in a myriad of colours. You can dine on one of the café’s sustainable venison burgers, made using the on-site fallow deer. 

Aerial shot of a mountain biker cycling over a small bridge surrounded by trees

Coed y Brenin, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales

Bodnant Gardens, North Wales

A delight for foliage fans and families alike, the autumnal Bodnant Gardens feature a fiery show of Japanese acers and incredible views towards the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains from the terraces, framed by the patchwork of colour and texture of surrounding plants and trees. The Dell at Bodnant is a tranquil little haven with peaceful walks and a waterfall, ideal for an autumn stroll. The shrub borders and Chapel Park are also great place to peep at the kaleidoscope of autumn colour. Finish off with a seasonal bowl of warming soup at one of the site’s tearooms.

Colourful leaves on a tree.
Autumn scene at Bodnant Garden.
A close up of orange Autumn leaves.

Bodnant Gardens, Colwyn Bay, North Wales

Aberglasney, West Wales

A must-see for autumn in Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney’s gardens are a sea of colour, with bright red and orange Nissa and Cornus plants as well as the white-flowered bugbane. With woodland walks, ancient yew tree tunnels and a Tearoom showcasing local produce, it has all the ingredients for a bracing autumn day out.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Mid Wales

When the mountains start to curl up for winter, the scenery of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) can be at its most dramatic. There are a handful of great stops to admire the fall foliage. Take a hike and bag some memento snaps at Craig Cerrig Gleisiaid a Fan Frynach, Llyn y Fan Fach or Llanthony Priory (which is sandwiched between the autumn-hued hills of Twmpa and Hay Bluff). For a peaceful autumn stroll, head to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to see migrating birds heading to warmer climes, sun-dappled leafy trails, chugging canal barges and cosy pubs.

View of the lake and mountains.
View from a narrowboat approaching a bridge.

Llyn y Fan Fach in Carmarthenshire and the towpath on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Powis Castle, Welshpool, Mid Wales

Standing proudly above a terraced garden and rambling estate, the medieval fortress of Powis Castle and Gardens provides an arresting autumn scene for day-trippers and autumn visitors. The red hues of the castle echo the riot of autumn colour in the terraces and gardens beneath, with shrubby salvias, fuchsias, rambling red vines and maples bursting with red and gold. The surrounding woodland glows under the autumn sun, with crisp golden leaves carpeting the ground and dusky light offering great photo opportunities.

Gardens in front with Powis Castle on the horizon against blue sky.

Powis Castle, Welshpool, Mid Wales

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