Explore North Wales in a blaze of autumnal colour

Now is the time to experience North Wales in its full autumn glory so dig out your knitwear, pull on your walking boots, and feel the crunch of leaves underfoot as you take a walk through a vibrant landscape at one of their top spots to soak up the autumn colour.

For more information, or to plan your visit, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales

• Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

Chirk Castle in autumn. Photo: National Trust - Lois York

The Chirk Castle estate with its 480-acres of woodland, meadow, and tenanted grassland dazzles in vivid autumn colour. Beech trees shine golden along the winding driveway to the medieval castle, which is covered by vibrant Virginia creeper that in autumn turns from green to shades of crimson, gold and burnt orange.

Throughout the garden, you'll discover autumn treasures like colchicum (autumn crocus), red and yellow dogwoods, sedum autumn joy, and the striking Cotinus (smoke bush). The garden comes alive with fiery hues from acers, while vines add texture to the drying ground, castle wall border, and the Hawk House.

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Out on the estate, there's different walking routes to explore and soak up the autumnal colour. Follow the Woodland Walk to visit the bird hide or see the 500-year-old Sweet Chestnut. Look for colourful Waxcap fungi - part of Chirk's SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) accreditation. On a clear day, the Old Golf Walk offers spectacular autumnal views across the estate and it's possible to see the Forest of Bowland and the Peak District.

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/chirk-castle

• Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham

Erddig in autumn. Photo: National Trust Images - Oskar Proctor

The explosion of autumnal tones in the 18th century garden and across the 1,200-acre estate is enough to rival any Bonfire Night display. From the stunning red of the Japanese Maple acer at the fishpond to the striking yellow Walnuts and the flame like Copper Beech, nature puts on its own spectacular show this season.

A blaze of red Boston ivy smothers the west front of the hall in early autumn. While in the Grade-I listed garden the double avenues of pleached limes begin to turn a deep golden, a display which lasts long into the autumn months.

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For a longer walk, head out onto the estate – there's several routes to choose from. The Riverside Walk takes in Erddig's 18th-century Cup and Saucer water feature, designed by William Emes. Alternatively, wander the Big Wood Trail to see the ancient remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle and the ornamental Big Wood itself which features a diverse range of broadleaf tree species including oak and sycamore.

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/erddig

• Plas Newydd, Anglesey

Autumn is a wonderful time of year for a stroll through the 40-acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland at Plas Newydd on the banks of the Menai Strait and soak up the incredible views of Eryri (Snowdonia).

Surround yourself with colourful foliage including the rich red of the Boston Ivy wrapping itself around the 16th century Grade-I listed house.

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In October 2008, six red squirrels were brought to Plas Newydd where they were held in woodland enclosures for a few weeks before being released into the deciduous woodland. They bred successfully, and red squirrels can now be found throughout the estate. Autumn is one of the best times of year to spot them as they busily prepare for winter.

Wander to the West Indies to discover the vibrant yellow, orange, and red shades of the Maples and the candyfloss scented Katsura tree with its graceful, heart-shaped leaves. In the fragrant Australasian arboretum, expect a canopy of Chilean beeches.

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden

• Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Bodnant Garden autumn colour. Photo: National Trust Images - John Miller

Bodnant Garden's glowing leaves, ripening berries and late flowering plants put on a vibrant autumn show to rival even the brightest summer colours.

The 80-acre garden is home to native trees and specimens from around the world, with many at their finest this season. Crunch along pathways through The Glades where you can enjoy Japanese acers and ornamental cherries or admire the towering American conifers down in the Victorian pinetum. As you wander, look for the blue labels and signage to spot Champion Trees. Many of these are the biggest or rarest examples of their kind in the UK.

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Through the shrub borders, plants are laden with an autumn bounty of berries and fruits to feed wildlife, including the giant 'raspberries' of the Cornus kousa and the pink and orange hooded berries of Euonymus europaeus.

If you catch a scent of candyfloss in the air, you must be near one of the Katsura trees whose leaves give a delicious scent of burnt sugar as they change colour.

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/bodnant-garden

• The legendary trail of Dinas Emrys, Craflwyn, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Waterfalls in the woodland along the legendary trail of Dinas Emrys. Photo: National Trust Images - Paul Harris.

For a truly immersive walk packed with autumn colour, this trail passes waterfalls and goes through beautiful oak woodland to reach the summit of this legendary hill, where Merlin once trod and where a dragon still sleeps.

This dog-friendly route begins at the Craflwyn National Trust car park and is a mainly gentle uphill walk with a steep and rocky section towards the end.

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Look out for the dragon sculpted bench within the woods of Craflwyn as you go. Take a seat and enjoy the peace and tranquility among the oak woodland and fallen leaves or head a little further and rest near the waterfall and listen to the soothing sound of water.

At the top you'll find the remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts belonging to the ancient princes of Gwynedd.

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/craflwyn-and-beddgelert/the-legendary-trail-of-dinas-emrys