Golden Autumn
Autumn (fall) draws in from September to late November. This seasonal change is glorious. September brings seasonal mists to the valley floors. Mid to end of October the trees transform with their burnt oranges, reds and yellows.
All of which makes September and October wonderful months to walk in southwest England. The temperatures start to cool, the smell of woodsmoke is in the air and nature is gently winding down for winter. Read below to find inspiration for your autumn trip to southwest England.
Top Trips for Autumn Walking
Myths & Legends
As poet John Keats so aptly said, autumn in England is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. It’s a wonderful time to be walking in the countryside. Our Myths & Legends tour explores the unique Somerset Levels, taking you back to a more ancient time, to a land shaped by and cider apples, allowing you to experience hiking in October at its very best.
The Cotswolds
As the nights draw in and temperatures slowly drop, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the rolling wolds, market towns and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Best of all, you’ll be spending your evenings cosying up to a roaring fire in the region’s centuries’ old famous characterful inns built from the distinctive mellow Cotswold stone.
Wessex Ancient Kingdom
October is the month when leaves start to turn from green to golden browns, yellows and reds. So what better way to experience the changing season of autumn than through the woodlands, river valleys and villages of the ancient kingdom of Wessex?
Our Trips & Tours
We love sharing our passion for southwest England with our guests. Every trip we create is custom made to you and can be enjoyed whatever the season. Explore below to see all of our trips in the beautiful southwest.
Top tips for Autumn walking
1) Dress in several thin layers for Autumn walking. English autumn weather can vary enormously from warm and sunny to cool and cloudy, breezy or rainy. Be prepared for multiple weathers, sometimes during the same day by having a waterproof, warm fleece, sun hat and sun cream with you. You can more easily adjust a thin layer or two to be warmer or cooler.
2) Always take a mobile phone with you and know the contact numbers for an emergency.
3) Take plenty of water. It is a misconception to think you need to drink less in autumn than other times of the year. You will be exerting yourself and exercising so take plenty of water with you.
4) Waterproof walking boots are essential in autumn. Not only will these protect your ankles and give you support, and also grip if you encounter mud or wetter sections, but they will ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry. Comfortable feet are vital for enjoyment!
5) Don’t forget your camera. Autumn often provides multiple opportunities for taking great photographs in different weather conditions. Sunshine on colourful autumn leaves or soft autumn light on church stone for example.
Autumn in England, our favourite bits
By Founder Alison Howell
1) The atmosphere created by those early morning mists which hover over rivers, lakes and countryside.
2) The great variety of weather. Autumn can be cool, a little breezy or it can produce vivid blue skies and clear days. Sometimes all in one day! We’ll provide suggested clothing lists to ensure you’re all prepared.
3) The emergence of funghi. There are said to be 8 times as many funghi as flowering plants in the UK. That’s a lot!
4) The fun of jumping in piles of leaves, making piles of leaves, trying to catch a falling leaf! Need we say more.
5) Legitimate reasons to wear scarves, mittens and big woolly jumpers.
6) Knowing you are doing something which is fantastic fun but also great for your mental and physical health. Walking.
7) A mug of hot chocolate.
8) Having spent the day in the elements, kicking back by a log fire and having nothing more to do than relax and listen to it hiss and crackle.
9) Roasts and stews! They make a welcome return to British menus in the autumn. Along with bangers and mash (sausages) and fruit crumbles.
10) The smell of woodsmoke. Nothing beats its evocative scent in the country air.
Like to find out more?
Free brochure with daily walk information, accommodation details and example pricing available. To request your brochure just pop your details in below. We look forward to hearing from you.
