With autumn comes crisp and frosty days, as the late October and November sun shines from above.

But where do you like to go for an autumnal walk in County Durham?

If you prefer to take a woodland stroll to watch the leaves from green to golden brown (when it’s not too muddy), we have selected some of the best to explore, according to AllTrails.

From coastal views to a route with historic sites along the way, here are some of the best circular woodland walks to try this autumn.

@travel_with_ellen One of our beautiful local walks through the woods and round the pond🌳🦉🌿🐿 #durham#countydurham#woodlandwalk#pond#wildlife#sun#autumn#nature ♬ Walking up with You - Omar Enfedaque

Hawthorn Wood and Hive Circular (circular)

Distance: 6.6km (1 hour 41 mins)

Difficulty: Easy

The AllTrails description for this route says: “Experience a wonderful walk starting from the small community of Hawthorn and passing through the stunning coastal dene.

“This trail leads visitors through a picturesque wooded area, offering breathtaking views of the forest and beach sections.

“The scenery is diverse and perfect for a range of outdoor activities. Keep in mind certain sections may become muddy after rainfall, so it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear.”

One person left this review on AllTrails: “Great walk, lots of ups and downs in the 1st section forest but the view to the ocean is worth it, have a stop and prepare yourself for the steep steps back up from the cobble beach then it’s an easy walk back.”

Fancy some fresh autumn air by the beach?Fancy some fresh autumn air by the beach? (Image: Jourdan Whelan/AllTrails) Another shared: “Beautiful walk, lovely wooded sections and a drop down onto the beach.”

See the full route on AllTrails here.

Barnard Castle and the River Tees (circular)

Distance: 6.3km (1 hour 35 minutes)

Difficulty: Easy

With a mix of natural and historic sights to see, this walk along the river is “relatively flat” with just a few gentle slopes and one steeper but short slope up to the castle, according to its AllTrails description.

It continues: “The trail follows a mixture of tarmac pavements and riverside paths through grazing pastures and woodland.

“The latter can get fairly muddy and can be very uneven underfoot. Appropriate footwear is advised.”

Someone’s review on AllTrails said: “Lovely walk, a bit muddy and tricky to keep footing in the forest but overall beautiful scenery and animals. Lovely to hear the river too!”

See the full route on AllTrails here.

Beamish Park and Causey Arch (circular)

Distance: 6.6km (1 hour 53 minutes)

Difficulty: Moderate

This walk follows farm tracks and local lanes to reach the nearby woodland within Beamish Park, before crossing open countryside to reach the “beautiful” gorge with Causey Burn flowing at its base.

Its AllTrails description also explains: “The walk follows a mixture of lanes, tracks and paths through woodland and fields.”

This walk has 'lovely woodlands and open fields'This walk has 'lovely woodlands and open fields' (Image: Mia Wood/AllTrails) Explorers will be able to see some of Britain's “most important” industrial heritage, such as Causey Arch, the “oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge”.

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This person who recently tried the walk posted a review on AllTrails: “Lovely woodlands and open fields. Lots of nature, and some nice points of interest related to the areas mining/rail history.

“Some short less interesting paths, but that’s the minority of the time. If taking kids or dogs be aware there some busy roads to cross on this route.”

A link to the full Beamish Park and Causey Arch circular woodland walk can be found above.