My favourite time of year in the Forest of Dean is autumn because for several weeks from mid-October to early November the landscape comes alive with bursts of colour. With approximately 20 million trees spreading across 200 square miles, you won’t be at all surprised that the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley is one of the best destinations in the UK to go Leaf Peeping!
So, what is leaf peeping? Well… it’s a Canadian term used to describe the activity where people travel (sometimes from other countries) specifically to watch or photograph the leaves changing colour. It is also called kōyō (紅葉) which means ‘fall colours’ or ‘leaves changing colour’ and kanpūkai (観楓会) which means ‘getting together to view the leaves’.
As we say farewell to the long bright days of Summer the chlorophyll in the leaves start to break-down. The leaves quickly lose their green colour and yellow pigmentation starts to show. Leaves can turn different colours and shades including white, grey, orange, red, purple and black depending upon leaf pigmentation, the length of the night and the weather.
Here are 5 of the best places to go leaf peeping this autumn.
- Tintern Abbey & The Devil’s Pulpit is a well-known viewpoint and iconic spot for autumn colours.
- Symonds Yat Rock – it’s worth the climb to see the River Wye and rich forest landscape in all its Autumn glory.
- Puzzlewood – lose yourself in this magical ancient woodland that glows in the Autumn.
- New Fancy View and Mallard’s Pike – a well-known viewpoint and lake which is popular with visitors and locals alike. A lovely place to see autumn colour.
- Cyril Hart Arboretum – is home to over 200 tree species (some non-native species) with stunning displays of autumn colour
If you would like to find out more about leaf-peeping do check out Forest of Dean & Wye Valley’s extensive guide!
Here is the link https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/inspiration/seasons/autumn-leaf-peeping
If you would like to come and visit us this autumn please do check our availability….we would love to welcome you!
And if you do take any photographs this autumn please use the hashtag #woodlandbarnfod and let us know where you went leaf peeping.