Stay in a lost valley

Embrace autumn with a night in a wooded vale, from a lochside bunkhouse to a luxurious Exmoor hotel, says Helen Moat

Top seven, nationwide

1 YHA RAVENSTOR, DERBYSHIRE

This handsome country house, now a hostel, is hidden above Miller’s Dale in leafy grounds. Follow the River Wye below to the narrow gorge of Chee Dale. Where the limestone cliffs drop straight to the water, ramblers are forced out on to the river along stepping stones. Watch out for dippers. yha.org.uk

2 RUTHERN VALLEY, CORNWALL

Nestled in a forest clearing below Bodmin Moor, Ruthern Valley Holidays offers a choice of log cabins, camping pods and wigwams. Cycle the nearby Camel Trail through shady woodlands along the River Camel all the way to Padstow. ruthernvalley.com

3 YHA ENNERDALE, CUMBRIA

The forest track from Ennerdale Bridge follows the banks of Ennerdale Water through dense Sitka spruce, now giving way to native broadleaves. The remote hostel sits above the River Liza in a tranquil setting of birdsong and squirrels, beneath the Lakes’ towering fells. yha.org.uk

4 FOREST HOLIDAYS BEDDGELERT, GWYNEDD

Stay in a cabin surrounded by 700 hectares of forest. Explore the Beddgelert Forest trails on foot or bicycle, or simply indulge in shinrin-yoku – the art of forest bathing. Collect fresh pastries from the Bakehouse for tranquil balcony breakfasts and spend evenings stargazing from the hot tub. forestholidays.co.uk

5 HEDDON’S GATE HOTEL, DEVON

For a little luxury, seek out this elegant hotel secreted in Exmoor woodland. Drop through the combe to the coast path and Woody Bay, then back along the Tarka Trail to Heddon Mouth. The riverside return, yellow with gorse, is beautiful in autumn sunshine. heddonsgatehotel.co.uk

6 BALLYEAMON BARN, COUNTY ANTRIM

“Come in, come in, you’re very welcome” is their strapline. The rooms are basic but the greeting hearty. Join the Saturday night session with a poem, story or song. Stroll through Glenariff’s gorge, dripping with lichens, ferns and pools. And leave time to explore the other eight glens. ballyeamonbarn.com

7 INVERSNAID BUNKHOUSE, STIRLINGSHIRE

The rooms are simple but the views exquisite in this converted church. Relax in the bistro with its stained-glass windows, then follow Arklet Water, past falls and through woods to the shores of Loch Lomond, flanked by lofty peaks. inversnaid.com