National Trust autumn walks in Lincolnshire including around Belton House near Grantham

The very best of autumn’s colour is on display and the National Trust says its breath-taking landscapes across Lincolnshire are offering quite the showcase.

Billed as ‘one of the most stunning seasons of the year for exploring’ walkers are being invited to follow one of the organisation’s carefully chosen routes to witness nature’s colour palette in all its glory.

With numerous trails to choose from, the National Trust has picked out the places and pathways it thinks are best for an autumn stroll.

Each walk also comes with an estimated walking time, distance information and a guide to the terrain to help visitors judge which is most suited to them and their families – and here’s some of the best to enjoy.

Belton House riverside walk

This scenic riverside walk follows the River Witham as it meanders through Belton Park. You will find an area, says the National Trust, which is rich in wildlife.

The full trail, says the online guide, is 1.4 miles long and should take around one hour and 15 minutes to complete. The terrain is uneven underfoot and sometimes muddy near the edge of the river so suitable walking shoes and clothing is required – dogs are welcome providing they remain on their leads.

It is also important to note, that normal admission charges for Belton apply for those keen to embark on this trail - further details for which can be found by clicking here.

Belton Park Walk, Belton House

The majestic deer herd are among the highlights of a visit and a circular walk through Belton Park. Ramblers can wander through woodland and diverse wildlife habitats as they explore more than 1300 acres of ancient parkland.

Described by the National Trust as an ‘easy’ walk, the route which is just over three miles long, should take around two hours. Dogs can join in – but must be kept on a lead at all times due to grazing deer and sheep who call the land home.

You’ll pass historic structures and the site of a deserted medieval village as well as being able to take in recently restored wetland on route. You might even be able to catch the ‘seasonal spectacle’ of the autumn deer rut as the bucks try and attract as many does as possible – albeit be sure to keep a safe distance!

For the full route, terrain guide and step-by-step instructions on where to turn click here.

Throughout November a number of organised walks are also taking place with National Trust staff and rangers through Belton including guided hikes, wellbeing walks, a dawn chorus walk and a Remembrance Day walk on November 11 which will discuss the role of the land during both world wars and include a visit to the war graves.

Gunby Icehouse Pond walk, Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens

See what wildlife you can spot on this scenic stroll to and then around the renovated ice house pond at Gunby.

The short walk from Gunby’s gardens will take you away from the usual visiting routes and on some different paths. Tread across scenic flatlands and walk through fields that will be filled with fallen leaves to arrive at the special sheltered haven called the ‘Icehouse Pond’.

No icehouse now remains, but a beautiful pond cocooned by nature awaits those who can follow the ‘easy’ walk that should take around 30 minutes or so to complete.

The route is about a mile long and dog friendly, says the guide, providing that pets remain on leads when near any cattle. For the walk’s full route and step-by-step access details click here.

For details of longer walks, or for more information about other events and activities at Gunby click here.

Tattershall Castle Archaeology Walk

Delve deep into the area’s medieval history with a wider walk around Tattershall Castle.

In medieval times, Tattershall Castle was part of a wider complex that extended for miles around and a walk along the nearby river will uncover the hidden history now told through the land’s archaeological remnants.

During autumn and winter, explains the National Trust, Tattershall Castle has limited opening hours but this particular walk will take you on footpaths and through the surrounding landscape that you can still reach even when the castle is closed.

The mostly flat route is classified as an ‘easy’ walk that should take anything between 30 minutes and one hour to complete depending on your speed! The full trail is 1.2 miles long. For the complete route and full terrain guide click here.

If venturing a little further afield the National trust also recommends these walks through Clumber Park in Worksop...

Clumber Park history walk

This short, circular walk around Clumber Park is described as one that is perfect for families, pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Visitors will be able to discover glimpses of the estate's history and look out for wildlife along the way.

Clumber was the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle and, although the mansion was demolished in 1938, the chapel, pleasure ground, lake and walled garden remain as clues to its grand past.

The paths, says the National Trust, are flat with a good ‘solid surface’ making it ideal for people with varied walking abilities.

Wheelchairs may need some help over certain areas – but full details are made available in the online guide here. Assistance dogs are welcome too and the 1.5 mile route should take an estimated 45 minutes to complete.

A glimpse of southern Clumber

For those keen to get a few more miles under their belt, the National Trust has selected this six-mile walk around southern Clumber for avid ramblers.

The route will take you through woodland and agricultural land, before finishing by the lakeside. There are clear paths, bridleways and woodland tracks, says the guide which offers a step-by-step guide to the route, but the surfaces can be uneven in parts.

This isn’t, adds the National Trust, a route that is suitable for dogs.

Visitors should complete the route in between two and three hours, depending on their speed.