Autumn on Cannock Chase: Golden Walks, Cosy Moments and Artistic Inspiration

Enjoying the autumn colours.

In this article, I share photographs from my autumn 2025 hikes on Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, explore how the changing colours and golden sunshine influence my artwork, and introduce some of my favourite cosy autumn essentials from LeeBB Art.

There's something rather special about autumn, isn't there? The crisp, fresh air, the changing colours of the countryside, the beautiful low sunshine and, of course, the perfect excuse to dig out those comfy layers.

For me, autumn is what I like to call cosy season.

It's that wonderful time of year when the greens of summer gradually give way to golden yellows, burnt oranges, deep reds and earthy browns. The landscape begins its slow transformation towards winter, and everywhere you look, nature seems to be putting on one final colourful display.

As an artist who takes much of my inspiration from wildlife and the natural world, autumn is a particularly exciting season. And when I want to get outdoors, clear my head and enjoy everything the season has to offer, there's one place I regularly return to: Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.

During late autumn 2025, I spent time exploring its woodland paths and open landscapes, capturing photographs of the beautiful scenery along the way.

I'd love to share some of those photographs with you, explain why these walks mean so much to me and show how the colours and atmosphere of autumn find their way into my artwork.

Cannock Chase - Golden autumn woodland pathway.

Autumn on Cannock Chase: My Favourite Time to Explore

I'm fortunate to have Cannock Chase as my local regular hiking destination.

It's somewhere I visit throughout the year, but autumn brings a completely different character to the landscape.

One of the things I particularly enjoy is that I don't always have a set route planned. I tend to make up my hikes as I go along, wandering between different areas and seeing where the paths take me.

Some walks might take me through dense woodland, while others lead towards open heathland, rolling hills or quieter corners of the Chase.

That's part of the appeal. Even after visiting regularly, there's always somewhere new to discover.

And during autumn, familiar places can look entirely different.

Trees that were full of green leaves just a few weeks earlier become a beautiful mixture of yellow, orange, red and brown. Fallen leaves cover the woodland floor, and the changing light brings out colours and details you might otherwise overlook.

It's the sort of scenery that makes me stop, take out my camera and capture another photograph.

Then another.

And probably another after that!

Autumn-coloured trees across the Cannock Chase landscape.

Those Beautiful Autumn Colours

If there's one thing that really draws me to autumn, it's the colour.

I love seeing how the natural landscape changes as the season progresses. There's something incredibly satisfying about the rich yellows, warm browns, burnt oranges and deep reds appearing across the countryside.

It's not just the leaves still hanging on the trees, either.

The ground becomes covered in colour, with fallen leaves creating a beautiful carpet along the woodland paths. Even the bracken and grasses take on warmer, earthier tones.

As someone who paints landscapes and wildlife, I find myself paying particular attention to how these colours work together.

A patch of bright yellow leaves might stand out against dark evergreen trees, while reddish-brown bracken adds warmth to an otherwise muted landscape.

Nature has a wonderful way of combining colours that you might not initially think to put together.

And for an artist, there's plenty to learn from simply stopping and looking.

I don't necessarily return home from every walk with a particular painting in mind. Often, it's more about taking in the surroundings, noticing the colour combinations and remembering how certain scenes made me feel.

Those observations become part of the knowledge and experience I bring back to my painting.

The Magic of Golden Autumn Sunshine

Another thing I absolutely love about autumn is the sunshine.

There's something different about the light at this time of year.

With the sun sitting lower in the sky, it catches the trees, hills and surrounding scenery in a way that can make even an ordinary woodland view look spectacular.

On a clear autumn day, the sunlight brings out those gorgeous golden colours, creating beautiful contrasts between the illuminated leaves and the darker woodland beyond.

It's something I particularly enjoy photographing on Cannock Chase.

The way the light falls across the landscape can completely change the atmosphere of a scene.

Sometimes it's the sunlight filtering between the trees. Other times it's the way an open hillside seems to glow beneath a clear blue sky.

And then there's that wonderful crispness in the air.

You can almost sense the seasons changing.

The air feels fresh and clear, the temperature begins to drop, and there's that unmistakable feeling that winter isn't too far away.

For me, it's one of the best times of year to be outside.

Sunlit woodland and copper-coloured autumn bracken.

Why Photography Is Such an Important Part of My Creative Process

Although painting is at the heart of LeeBB Art, photography also plays an important role in how I experience and observe the natural world.

When I'm out hiking, I take photographs for two reasons.

Firstly, because I genuinely enjoy capturing the beautiful scenery around me.

Cannock Chase has so many picturesque views, and photography allows me to keep a record of places, colours and moments that catch my attention.

Secondly, those photographs can become useful references and sources of inspiration for my artwork.

However, that doesn't mean every photograph eventually becomes a painting.

Sometimes it's simply about learning through observation.

I might notice the way sunlight catches the tops of trees, how a distant woodland changes colour as it recedes into the landscape, or how warm autumn tones contrast with a cooler sky.

These are all things I can take into future paintings, even when the finished artwork is of somewhere completely different.

For me, being an artist isn't just about the time spent holding a paintbrush.

It's also about looking, noticing and appreciating what's happening in the world around me.

The open autumn landscape of Cannock Chase.

Finding Inspiration in Nature's Smaller Details

Of course, not everything that catches my attention is a sweeping landscape.

Sometimes it's the smaller things that make a walk particularly memorable.

An interesting leaf, the texture of a tree trunk, an unusual patch of colour or something unexpected growing amongst the woodland vegetation.

During my autumn walks, I photographed a striking red-and-white mushroom nestled amongst the grass and fallen woodland debris.

Its vivid colour immediately caught my eye.

It's a lovely reminder that there's inspiration to be found at every scale, from the distant hills and woodland views right down to the smallest details beneath our feet.

And occasionally, those smaller discoveries are just as interesting as the big landscapes.

Fly Agaric mushroom photographed on Cannock Chase.

More Than Just a Walk: A Little Time for Myself

Although hiking gives me plenty of artistic inspiration, there's another reason I enjoy it so much.

It's my time.

Running LeeBB Art involves much more than creating paintings. There's the website, marketing, planning, developing new ideas and all the other things that come with running a small creative business.

And while I enjoy building LeeBB Art, it's important to occasionally get away from everything and have some time to myself.

Walking on Cannock Chase gives me that opportunity.

It's a chance to relax, clear my head and enjoy being outdoors without feeling that I need to be doing something productive every minute.

Ironically, it's often during these walks that I find myself thinking about the business anyway!

I might come up with an idea for a new product, think about how I could improve something on the website or consider a different approach to promoting my artwork.

But because I'm away from the studio and enjoying the countryside, those thoughts tend to come naturally.

There's no pressure.

Just me, the fresh air and whichever path I decide to explore next.

It's also nice to come away with photographs, observations and experiences that I can share with other people.

After all, art is often about sharing the way we see the world.

Me enjoying a lovely autumnal hike.

Why I Call Autumn 'Cosy Season'

I've mentioned cosy season a few times now, but that's genuinely how I think of autumn.

There's something about the cooler weather, the warm colours and the shorter days that makes everything feel that little bit cosier.

I enjoy getting dressed in comfortable layers before heading outdoors, feeling the crisp autumn air and watching the landscape gradually prepare for winter.

And after a good hike?

Well, there's nothing quite like getting home and making myself a lovely hot chocolate.

It's one of those simple pleasures that makes the season so enjoyable.

A long walk, plenty of fresh air, beautiful scenery and then something warm and comforting when you get home.

What's not to like?

That cosy feeling also influences the artwork and products I enjoy creating for LeeBB Art.

Because sometimes it's nice to bring a little of that autumn atmosphere indoors.

Bringing Autumn Colours into Your Home Through Art

One of the lovely things about artwork is how it can influence the atmosphere of a room.

Just as the landscape changes with the seasons, the colours and subjects we choose for our homes can help reflect the time of year.

For autumn, I'm particularly drawn to warm oranges, golden yellows, earthy browns and rich reds.

Two pieces from my LeeBB Art collection that I think capture this seasonal feeling particularly well are Sunset Pumpkin and Wilderness Stag.

Sunset Pumpkin: Capturing the Essence of Pumpkin Season

With my original watercolour painting Sunset Pumpkin, I wanted to capture the essence of pumpkin season.

The painting features a pumpkin-filled landscape beneath a warm golden sunset, with woodland stretching across the distance.

For me, the low sunshine and golden colours are what really bring the scene together.

They're the same qualities I enjoy so much when I'm outdoors during autumn.

Although the subject is different from my Cannock Chase photographs, the appreciation of seasonal colour and atmosphere is very much connected.

It's a painting that celebrates the warmth and beauty of autumn.

Sunset Pumpkin - An original watercolour painting by LeeBB Art.

Wilderness Stag: A Celebration of the British Countryside

Another piece that feels particularly suited to autumn is my Wilderness Stag double-exposure artwork.

The stag has always struck me as a strong symbol of the British countryside.

There's something powerful and distinctive about its appearance, particularly with those magnificent antlers.

In this design, the silhouette of the stag contains a layered landscape of woodland and distant scenery, creating a connection between the animal and its natural environment.

The rich red and warm earthy tones are what make this artwork especially appealing to me during autumn.

They complement the colours appearing across the countryside at this time of year and can bring a lovely seasonal warmth into a home.

For anyone who enjoys wildlife, woodland scenery and nature-inspired artwork, it's a piece worth exploring.

Wilderness Stag framed and double mounted.

My Favourite Cosy Autumn Essentials from LeeBB Art

While artwork is a lovely way to bring autumn colours into your home, there are also a few everyday comforts that make this season even more enjoyable.

I've included some of my own LeeBB Art favourites here, not just because they're part of my collection, but because they're the sort of things I genuinely enjoy using.

Wilderness Stag Sherpa Blanket: My Favourite Way to Get Cosy

There's something particularly satisfying about settling down in front of the fire after a day outdoors.

For me, that often means snuggling up with my Wilderness Stag Sherpa blanket and enjoying a hot drink.

What I love most about the blanket is its softness.

It's one of those comforting things that makes you want to settle in for the evening, especially when the weather outside is turning colder.

And with the warm red tones of my Wilderness Stag design, it also feels particularly appropriate for autumn.

Whether you're reading, watching television or simply enjoying a quiet evening, a soft blanket can make those cosy moments even better.

Wilderness Stag Sherpa blankets by LeeBB Art.

Wildlife Mugs: Because Every Cosy Moment Needs a Hot Drink

If there's one thing I look forward to after an autumn walk, it's a hot chocolate.

Although, of course, a good cup of tea or coffee works just as well!

That's why I think mugs are such a natural fit for the season.

They're something we use every day, but choosing a design you enjoy can make those little moments feel more personal.

My LeeBB Art wildlife mugs include designs such as the Fox and Wilderness Bear. The Fox mug features my nature-inspired fox artwork, while the Wilderness Bear design brings another connection to the wildlife and landscapes that influence my art.

The Fox mug features my nature-inspired fox artwork, while the Wilderness Bear design offers another connection to the wildlife and landscapes that influence my art.

Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee, an afternoon cup of tea or a warming hot chocolate after a chilly walk, they're a lovely way to bring a little wildlife-inspired art into your daily routine.

White glossy mug with Fox double-exposure artwork from the British Wildlife Collection.

Wilderness Bear Hoodie: Comfortable Layers for Cooler Days

Another thing I love about autumn is having an excuse to wear comfy clothing layers.

And I do love a hoodie!

I wear mine all the time because they're so comfortable, particularly when the weather starts getting cooler.

My Wilderness Bear hoodie in maroon feels especially suited to autumn, with its rich seasonal colour and nature-inspired bear design.

One useful tip from my own experience, though: I'd recommend ordering the next size up from what you'd normally buy.

These hoodies are quite fitted, and I think you'll appreciate having that little bit of extra room for a more relaxed, comfortable fit.

After all, autumn is cosy season. Comfort is rather important!

Maroon Wilderness Bear Hoodie by LeeBB Art.

What Autumn Teaches Me as an Artist

Every season has something different to offer, but autumn has a way of reminding me just how much inspiration can be found in the natural world.

The changing colours, the lower sunshine, the fresh air and the gradual transition towards winter all bring something unique to the landscape.

And the more time I spend outdoors, the more I appreciate those changes.

Not every walk needs to result in a finished painting.

Not every photograph needs to become a piece of artwork.

Sometimes the experience itself is enough.

It's about enjoying the scenery, learning from what I observe and taking those experiences back into my creative work.

It's also about giving myself permission to step away from the studio occasionally, enjoy a little time outdoors and return feeling refreshed.

And if I happen to come home with a camera full of photographs and a few new ideas for LeeBB Art, that's a rather nice bonus.

A Final Thought: Enjoy the Little Things This Autumn

Looking back at my photographs from Cannock Chase in late autumn 2025, I'm reminded of why I enjoy this time of year so much.

The golden woodland paths, the colourful trees, the open landscapes and that beautiful low sunshine all capture something I love about autumn.

But it's not just about the scenery.

It's the feeling of stepping outside into the crisp air, pulling on comfortable layers, finding somewhere new to explore and appreciating the changes happening all around us.

And, naturally, coming home to a well-earned hot chocolate afterwards.

Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, painting or simply watching the leaves change colour, I hope you find a little time to enjoy your own version of cosy season.

And if you'd like to bring some of that nature-inspired warmth into your home, you're always welcome to explore my original artwork, prints and wildlife-inspired gifts.

Until next time, happy autumn adventures!