Autumn is a fantastic time to go walking. The trees show an array of golden hues, reds and oranges, with lime green and rust sprinkled in their leaves, blown by the wind to scatter in swirls and rest in a flurry on the ground. Now is the time to get out and about and enjoy the ‘fall’ as nature prepares for winter.

On Sunday November 7 The Ramblers Association starts its monthly itinerary with a six mile stroll from Aycliffe village green, over ancient tracks and settlements along the Skerne Valley to Preston-Le-Skerne. Most people should be able to manage this walk as it is graded as easy, but no dogs are allowed. For those who enjoy a lie in the walk begins at a very reasonable 11.am. Ben Hardaker is the person to contact for further details on 01325 314442.

Penshaw Monument is a Greek style temple; a folly built in 1844 to honour John George Lambton the First Earl of Durham for his services to the country, as Governor of the Province of Canada. It stands on Penshaw Hill between Washington and Haughton-Le-Spring in Sunderland. A spokesperson for ‘The Ramblers’ said: “We are meeting at the long stay car park behind Darlington Fire Station at 10.am and then we are travelling to Penshaw Monument by car to start the walk at 11.am We often do this so that we can share transport, but people are welcome to make their own way.” The seven mile walk goes from the Monument car park, to Offerton Village and then down to the Wear, crossing the river at Cox Green and up to Fatfield before returning. Contact Vicki and Andy on 01325 482861 for more information.

An industrial themed eight mile walk is planned for Sunday 21 November starting from Copley Chimney at 10.15 am at Woodland. Covered ground includes Woodland Village, Cowley, The Edge and Lynesack. Those interested can meet Dave Reed at the long stay car park at 9.30 am in Darlington. He can be contacted on 01325 350997. Passengers are asked to make a donation of seven pence per mile to the driver. Anyone turning up at the Park Place car park is almost certainly guaranteed a lift.

Heading out to Royal Oak layby via the A68 for 10.45 am sets the pace for a short walk on recently formed paths and tracks to include sections of Newbiggin Lane and Brussleton. This walk is not for dogs. The leaders are meeting in Darlington (LSCP) for those who wish to share transport. The contact telephone number is 01325 355235 and the person to ask for is Peter.

It is easy to enjoy these walks with The Ramblers Association who protect rights of way, defend the beauty of the countryside, and campaign for access to otherwise inaccessible places. They encourage walkers to wear appropriate shoes and clothing and remind those who join in to bring waterproofs. On a Sunday there is a refreshment stop to have a drink and packed lunch so setting the conditions for a fine day out; good company, excellent views, a breath of fresh air and seasonal weather!