Autumn is in full swing and there are some beautiful walks to enjoy to take in the splendour of this time of year.

Gloucester Park, Basildon

Enjoy a walk around the pathway around the large fishing lake and take in the scenery and a spot of autumn bird watching.

Located in Basildon town centre it is close to Basildon Sporting Village and offers a nice place for a scenic stroll.

Address: Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DE

Norsey Wood

Autumn in these 175 acres of ancient woodland is a sight to see. It features sweet chestnut, oak and hornbeam woodland with alder carr in the wet valleys.

Take in 400 years of history and everything that makes Norsey Wood unique.

Address: car park entrance is in Outwood Common Road.

Hockley Woods

Covering more than 130 hectares, this is the largest remaining area of the wild wood, which covered Essex after the Ice Age 10,000 years ago.

Address: car park located off of Main Road, Rochford, SS5 4RN

Belhus Woods

Country Park With over 300 acres in South Essex, Belhus Woods is the perfect place to see autumn colours within an ancient woodland.

There is also a lovely kid's play area, lake, visitor centre and café to relax at after an autumn walk.

Address: Aveley, South Ockendon RM15 4XJ

Lake Meadows

It is during autumn that the long grass on the sluice bank is managed to create a natural habitat at Lake Meadows.

This encourages insects to pollinate the flowers and in turn provides wildlife the sustenance they need.

Address: Radford Crescent, Billericay CM12 0BW

Beach walk from Bell Wharf Beach, Leigh up to Thorpe Bay

What’s better than a brisk bright autumn day and a breathing in the estuary air?

If you fancy wrapping up warm and heading to the beach there are some wonderful beaches of Leigh, Chalkwell and Westcliff Bay.

If you are up for a challenge take on the one hour and 40 minutes’ walk from Bell Wharf Beach to Thorpe Bay Yacht Club.

Canvey Wick Nature Reserve

The stark beauty of Canvey Wick Nature Reserve is hard to replicate anywhere else.

It is particularly atmospheric in autumn and winter, where you can witness how nature has taken over the site of the old oil refinery.

It is filled with rare species and the brownfield site is noted as a site of special scientific interest.

Explore the waterways and the concrete circles where the oil tanks stood which are now covered with moss and the basis of all plant life.

Address: 276 Northwick Rd, Canvey Island SS8 0PT

Hanningfield Reservoir

The first spot to enjoy a picturesque walk in the county is Hanningfield Reservoir near Billericay.

It’s a great chance to have a day exploring all the forest, including a route through the Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

Due to it being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, dogs are not allowed on any part of the site.

Address: Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, CM11 1WT

Belfairs Woodland

There are 1160 acres at Belfairs Woodland to explore in Leigh.

Some of woodland is over a thousand years old, making it some of the earliest ever recorded in Essex.

Several nationally-threatened species of flora and fauna can also be located here, and you may have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as the great spotted woodpecker around.

Address: Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea, SS9 4LR

Danbury Common

A little further afield is Danbury Common where you can enjoy rich woodland colours and frost-covered heather on chiller days.

If you are feeling adventurous have a go on the mountain bike trail nearby, or, alternatively a relaxing drink at The Anchor pub located close to the common.

Address: Penny Royal Rd, Chelmsford CM3 4JJ