Step into early autumn on a Wilderness Walk where changing woodland, seasonal fruits, birdsong and riverside scenery combine for a fascinating journey…

Date: Friday 25th September 2026
Start Time: 9:30am prompt
Finish Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm approx.
Walk Type: 4 – Moderately Difficult
Dogs: Unfortunately, dogs cannot be accommodated on this walk.

Our walk begins in familiar surroundings. Beautiful Great Haywood is a village where dense woodland is never far away. However, as we pass the stunning parish church, it’s not long before the landscape starts to change.

The towering bracken and brambles of summer still dominate the hedgerows. But now there are subtle signs that a new season is arriving. Ripe fruits are beginning to burst into colour, and the first fallen leaves are starting to gather along the paths.

It’s early autumn in its quieter form. The calm before the fall if you will. Not yet a dramatic transformation, but a landscape gently shifting.

The sounds of nature will be changing too.

Many birds are beginning to gather in larger flocks as they prepare for seasonal migration. As we pause to listen, we’ll hear their busy calls and energetic movement through the trees.

Alongside the fresh, noticeably cooler air, these subtle changes create a wonderful experience as our route continues toward the beauty of the nearby river.

For anyone with an interest in foraging, there will be plenty to discover along the way.

Snowberry is particularly striking at this time of year and Linden trees are laden with fruit. Hawthorn, meanwhile, is beginning to put on one of its most recognisable autumn displays, with clusters of glorious red berries.

As we encounter these and other species, we’ll discuss their traditional edible, medicinal and practical uses. Thus adding another layer of discovery to the walk.

There’s something fascinating about seeing familiar plants in a completely different light. Not simply as part of the scenery, but as species with their own stories to tell.

From here, we’ll turn north and head deeper into the forest. And we’ll keep an eye out for one of the area’s most elusive residents – the fallow deer.

They may be watching us long before we ever spot them. The dense green vegetation provides a natural shelter and keeps them concealed.

But wildlife doesn’t always need to be seen to be appreciated. If we slow down and look carefully, there will, no doubt, be telltale signs that deer are close by.

Today’s route isn’t particularly hilly, but it’s a longer walk. We can expect to be out for around four hours.

The focus is very much on discovery. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, changing seasons, wildlife and good company. There will be plenty to notice along the way, so this is a walk to take at a comfortable pace and enjoy rather than rush.

Please bring plenty of water, a flask of tea or coffee, and a good supply of snacks to keep you going throughout the morning.

There’s a handy checklist of other things to bring below.

Here’s an idea of what you might need for this walk:

• Walking boots (or suitable walking shoes)
• Quick-drying trousers or leggings (not jeans)
• Layers of clothing, such as a base layer/T-shirt, fleece or mid-layer, and waterproof coat
• A hat and gloves. Maybe sunglasses if we’re lucky!
• Any personal medication you may need, such as an asthma inhaler
• Around 1 litre of water or a cold drink
• A small, leakproof flask of tea or coffee for our rest stop
• Snacks or sweets to keep your energy levels topped up
• Binoculars for spotting wildlife and birds, if you have them
• A fully charged mobile phone and emergency contact details
• A small backpack to carry your essentials comfortably

If you would like to join us for this walk, you will need to complete our Application Form. Just tap the button below to get started.