At the end of October the oaks take on their mellow tawny and auburn, and then finally the larch trees sprinkled through the native woods along the valley turn a fine burnished copper around the first week in November.
The colours are amplified as the bracken on the hills turns first yellow then old gold and finally amber. In the sun it really glows. Lakes poet William Wordsworth said in his guide to the Lakes that Autumn was the best time to see the Lake District, and you can see why when you visit.
Best places to see the autumn colours
To wander among the trees and see them up close, try the waymarked walk at Great Wood, or the signposted walk from Great Wood to Ashness Bridge which combines stretches of woodland with open views of the lake and Cat Bells.
To enjoy peaceful moments observing the autumn colours reflected in still water, go to Kettlewell car park and walk some or all of the Derwentwater Walk, the 10 mile waymarked trail that takes you along the lakeshore all round the lake.
To get a sweeping vista where you'll see the autumn colours spread out beneath your feet, try the downloadable walk to Walla Crag - as you descend towards Ashness Bridge there's a wonderful view of the wood-cloaked crags right along the valley.