What to Wear for a Country Walk in Autumn

A country lane through woodland covered in autumn leaves

Autumn is the best season for walking in the British countryside. The heat of summer has gone, the crowds have thinned, the trees are turning and the light is long and golden. But autumn weather is famously changeable. A walk can start in frost, warm up in bright sunshine, and end in a sharp shower with the light fading by half past four. Dressing well is what makes the difference between a walk you remember fondly and one you just want to be over.

The answer is layers: several thinner garments rather than one thick one, so you can add and remove them as the day changes. This guide works from the feet up, then covers what to carry and how to plan for shorter days.

The principle: layering

A layering system usually has three parts:

A base layer next to the skin, which moves sweat away from your body.
A mid layer, which keeps you warm.
An outer layer, which keeps out wind and rain.

On a mild day you may only need two; on a cold, wet day you will want all three. The key is being able to adjust. Start a walk feeling slightly cool, as you will warm up within ten minutes.

Feet first

Nothing ruins a walk faster than cold, wet or blistered feet. Get the feet right and the rest is easy.

Boots

Leather walking boots are the best all-round choice for autumn: supportive, waterproof when well cared for, and good on uneven, muddy ground. Break new boots in gradually before a long walk.
Wellingtons are ideal for very wet, muddy fields and short walks, but offer little ankle support and can rub on longer distances.
Walking shoes suit dry, well-made paths, but let water in on wet grass.

Clean and treat leather boots after muddy walks: brush off mud once dry, then apply wax or conditioner to keep them supple and water-resistant. Dry wet boots slowly, stuffed with newspaper, away from direct heat.

Socks

Good socks matter as much as good boots. Choose thick, cushioned socks in wool or a breathable blend, which keep feet warm even when damp and reduce rubbing. Cotton socks hold moisture and cause blisters.

Our Racing Green and Burgundy boot socks are made in a soft, breathable bamboo blend with a reinforced heel and toe. For wellingtons, long socks stop the boot rubbing your calves: try our men's extra-long argyle lambswool socks.

Trousers

Avoid jeans for anything but the shortest stroll. Denim is heavy when wet, slow to dry and cold against the skin. Better choices are:

Cords and moleskins, warm, hard-wearing and classic for the country.
Walking trousers in quick-drying technical fabric, for longer or wetter walks.
Waterproof over-trousers, light enough to carry in a pocket, for heavy rain.

The base layer

On longer or more energetic walks, what is next to your skin matters. Cotton T-shirts absorb sweat and stay damp, and a damp layer quickly turns cold when you stop for a view or a sandwich. A light merino wool or technical base layer moves moisture away from the skin and stays warmer when damp. Merino has the added benefit of resisting odour.

The shirt

Over the base layer, a brushed cotton or flannel shirt is warm, comfortable and smart enough for the pub at the end. It is easy to open at the neck or roll up the sleeves when you warm up. Our Men's Flannel Check Shirt, in blue or navy, is made for exactly this.

The mid layer

The mid layer is the one you will take on and off most often, so make it easy to remove and carry.

A quilted gilet keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free, which is ideal for walking. It is light, packs down small and won't make you overheat on a climb. See our Men's Diamond Quilted Gilet.
A wool jumper is warmer on colder days. A fine-knit crew neck, such as the Mocha Fine Knit Crew Neck, layers neatly under a jacket. An argyle jumper adds a bit of pattern. Read how to wear argyle.
A fleece is warm, light and quick to dry.

The outer layer

Your outer layer protects you from wind and rain. For country walking, a waxed jacket is hard to beat. It blocks wind, sheds rain, shrugs off brambles and has generous pockets for gloves, a map and dog treats. Our Barker Antique Wax Jacket has a corduroy collar, tartan lining and plenty of pockets. Read our waxed jacket buying guide for what to look for.

For long walks in persistent heavy rain, a lightweight technical waterproof is more breathable. Many walkers keep both.

Hat, scarf and gloves

You lose a surprising amount of heat through your head and neck, and cold hands make everything harder, from opening gates to clipping on a lead.

A wool hat or a tweed flat cap. A cap also keeps rain out of your eyes.
A wool scarf, which you can loosen or remove as you warm up.
Gloves, ideally ones that let you use your fingers for gates and leads.

Pack them even if you set off feeling warm. Autumn afternoons cool quickly.

What to carry

A small rucksack or large jacket pockets should hold:

A map, as phone signal is often weak in the countryside. An OS Explorer map and the ability to read it are invaluable.
A fully charged phone, for emergencies.
A torch or head torch. After the clocks go back in late October, it can be dark by half past four.
Water and a snack, and a flask of tea on cold days.
A small first aid kit, including blister plasters.
Waterproof over-trousers if rain is forecast.
Dog treats, a spare lead and bags, if you are walking with a dog.

Plan for shorter days

Check the forecast before you go, including wind and the time of sunset.
Start early and plan to finish well before dark.
Tell someone your route on longer or remote walks.
Allow for mud, which slows you down considerably on autumn paths.

Respect the countryside

Autumn is a busy time on farms, with livestock in the fields and work under way. Leave gates as you find them, keep to paths, keep dogs under control around animals and take all litter home. Our guide to the Countryside Code with dogs explains the main rules.

After the walk

Brush the mud off your boots and jacket once dry, hang wet clothes somewhere airy and, if you can, finish with a cup of tea by the fire. For looking after your jacket, read how to care for a waxed jacket.