Attingham Park autumn light walk
Explore the changing colours of the Deer Park this autumn with a walk taking in views over the open Shropshire landscape to the river, and of the orange-gold trees that mark the start of the woodland. See if you can spot some of Attingham's fallow deer along the way and see the unusual view of Attingham's Regency mansion from the park.
Near to
Attingham ParkStart point
Attingham Park Stables Courtyard, grid ref: SJ547100Trail information
*Generally level, with some uneven areas and slight inclines. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Not suitable for wheelchairs. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead in the Deer Park. For further details, please see Facilities section.
Trail inside Attingham Park
This walk takes place inside Attingham Park's pay barrier. National Trust Members enter for free.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Attingham Park Stables Courtyard, grid ref: SJ547100
Stage 1
From the car park make your way through the Stables Courtyard past the cottage garden and bear right. Head towards the back of the mansion and take the cut-through path on the left. Bear left at the fork in the path by the cedars to join the Mile Walk along the riverside.
Stage 2
As you walk alongside the river, take a first look across the water to the Deer Park. In autumn the grass turns a golden colour in the evening light, and the Wrekin (behind you) forms a blue backdrop behind the treeline. The meadow across the river was once called the mill meadow. As Mile Walk isn't precisely a mile in length, some think that the name is a corrupted form of 'Mill Walk'.
Stage 3
Take the path bearing right at the single cedar, following signs for the Deer Park Walk. Underfoot and in the trees you'll see a riot of rich red, amber, green and brown as the leaves turn in colour and fall to the ground as the season goes on.
Stage 4
At the junction, continue to follow signs for the Deer Park Walk as you walk along the path through the trees.
Stage 5
Cross the cable stay bridge across the River Tern and enter the woodland.
Stage 6
At the crossroads follow the signs for the Deer Park walk to continue through the woodland until you leave the dense woodland and see the park open up in front of you. If you have a dog with you, it's time to put them on a lead before you enter the Deer Park.
Stage 7
After walking through the changing colours of the woodland, the path continues along a grass track through the Deer Park.
Stage 8
Pause near the large oak tree to admire the view towards the mansion. The mansion was commissioned in 1782, and the landscape around it was shaped to provide awe-inspiring glimpses of the building as a reminder of the owner's wealth.
Stage 9
The grass track will curve down a slight incline towards the river and the Deer Park gates. Cross the two small bridges and pause at the corner of the mansion for a sweeping view of the Deer Park.
Stage 10
Continue your walk past the front of the Regency mansion. Can you tell that the stone is just a veneer? Follow the path and continue past the tea-room and toilets, before bearing left to return to the Stables Courtyard.
End point
Attingham Park Stables Courtyard, grid ref: SJ547100
Trail map
Attingham Park autumn light walk trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Wildlife walk at Attingham Park
Watch out for a wide range of wildlife, including fallow deer, ducks, swans and otters on this circular walk in the beautiful parkland of this great estate.
Wildlife walk at Attingham Park
Watch out for a wide range of wildlife, including fallow deer, ducks, swans and otters on this circular walk in the beautiful parkland of this great estate.
Discover the trees of Attingham Park's Mile Walk
On this short circular walk, learn more about the interesting trees in the historic Pleasure Grounds around the Mile Walk at Attingham Park, with views across the River Tern to the Deer Park.
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