NATIONAL TREASURES: A round-up of some of the National Trust’s best sites
NIGEL THOMPSON ROUNDS UP SOME OF THE NATIONAL TRUST’S BEST SITES
AUTUMN is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, according to Keats. It’s also perfect for layering up and enjoying a good walk in the country. What better way of dodging that Christmas shopping than taking in the last of the beautiful colours?
Here are our top National Trust sites.
STOURHEAD, WILTSHIRE King Alfred’s Tower Walk
FIVE miles takes you through mixed woodland to a 160ft folly. Return via the landscape garden to see deep hues reflected in the lake. Gothic Cottage has warming drinks.
PETWORTH PARK, WEST SUSSEX Ancient Tree Walk
THERE are 700 acres dotted with gnarled specimens, including a 12th century oak, which still puts on a spectacular show of colour every year. You might see the deer rut, too.
WICKEN FEN, CAMBRIDGESHIRE Wildlife Walk
HEAD around the reserve’s reed beds, grassland and water. See orb-weaver spiders spin webs and the flash of a kingfisher.
CROFT CASTLE, HEREFORDSHIRE Ancient Woodland Walk
THE Spanish Chestnut Avenue’s tree seeds were supposedly plundered from captured Spanish ships. By the end of the walk, you’ll have earned a treat in the tea room.
FOUNTAINS ABBEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE Boots, Gaiters and Vistas Walk
RIVER and ruins, an 18th century water garden, playful outdoor art and a who’s who of hues. Gorgeous Yorkshire at its finest.
DOLLAR GLEN, CLACKMANNANSHIRE Burns of Care and Sorrow
TUMBLING waterfalls, gorges, a castle ruin, towering trees and, if it’s your thing, there are 190 species of lichen and more 100 different types of moss.
ST MARY’S VALE, MONMOUTHSHIRE Sugar Loaf Circuit
WHILE dominated by oak and beech trees, it does not look like your average wood, with strange, twisted trees straight out of Lord Of The Rings.
MOUNT STEWART, COUNTY DOWN Red Trail
ONE of the world’s best gardens, this route loops through field and woodland, flanked by fiery colours and views of Strangford Lough.
■ More information at nts.org.uk and nationaltrust.org.uk. Admission charges may apply.