Gold, yellow, orange, amber, burgundy, russet, scarlet, crimson, aubergine, purple, plum, pink, magenta – the splendour of autumn is its colour as memories of summer fade and winter is still a snowflake away …

Maple tree in Ambleside

Autumn in the Lake District is one of the best times to go ‘leaf-peeping’ as our North American cousins call it. Because of the density of deciduous trees, Cumbria explodes into colour from early October to mid-November. The weather is often kind, and on a crisp, sunny Lake District day there is nothing finer than to take a walk along a lake or through a wood to experience Autumn at her colourful best.

Everyone has their favourite places to view the trees and to be honest, everywhere you go in the Lakes at this time of year will be colourful but here are a few places guaranteed to delight. All these walks are easy and have pram/wheelchair access. Make sure you take your camera; it’s photography heaven at this time of year.

The shores of Windermere

Fell Foot Park in Autumn

Both sides of Windermere, England’s longest lake (10 miles) glow with autumnal colour. You can view the lake from one of ferries that run all year up to Ambleside and down to Lakeside. There’s a pretty circular walk from Bowness-on-Windermere out to Cockshott Point or park at National Trust Fell Foot Park and stroll through the gardens down to the shore.

Round Tarn Hows

One of the Lake District’s most popular walks, the Tarn Hows circuit is a relatively flat 1.5 m walk. Towered over by the nearby Langdales, the path takes you through wooded paths, over little streams and around this very pretty lake in about half an hour. Originally owned by Beatrix Potter, it’s the epitome of bucolic Lakeland scenery.

Derwentwater and Friar’s Crag

Rowing boat on Derwentwater

I make no excuse for including one of my absolute favourite views in England. Park at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick and take time to admire the beautifully preserved rowing boats on Derwentwater and feed the ducks. Then either wander along the path or the shore to Friar’s Crag for a superb view down the lake to Borrowdale. All around you’ll hear and see the fluttering of leaves as they swirl down in n autumnal rainbow cascade.

Sizergh Castle Gardens

Sizergh Castle Gardens in Autumn

Some of the most glorious autumn colours are produced by the acers or Japanese Maples, and one of the best collections of acers in the Lake District can be found at Sizergh Castle. Walk with care through the rock gardens and admire the exquisite planting that has evolved over 300 years.

Apples in Autumn

If you like apples, make a date for Apple Day at Acorn Bank, in October. With a huge variety of wonderful places to stay in the Lake District, you could easily spend a weekend or longer enjoying Autumn. If you need any more ideas for what to see and do in Cumbria, just let me know.

This article is written in collaboration with Expedia.