Why autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking in England

Cosy evenings in front of the fire, crisp woodland walks, hot chocolate and apple crumble… there’s a lot to love about autumn! This week, we thought we’d ask our team what they love most about this cosy autumn season. 

A footpath winds its way through woodland next to a stream. The leaves on the trees are all autumnal colours of red, gold and green. There is a footbridge crossing the river in the distance.

When Senior Itinerary consultant Alastair’s not using his local knowledge to create bespoke itineraries for guests, he loves to spend quality time outdoors with his family, especially in autumn!

“There are lots of things I love about autumn – atmospheric walks through the forest with the scrunch-crunch of leaves underfoot. Late autumn (November) is also the time of year I start to brew some mulled cider, made with Somerset cider of course.

We have a fire pit in the garden and enjoying this with the kids, the smell of woodsmoke and also the 

roasting of marshmallows on the fire is a favourite. Also the reintroduction of hot chocolates in the Foot Trails office!”

Next up is Foot Trails and Drive and Stroll Co-Founder Alison Howell: 

“I love an autumn log fire. I love everything about them! The cosy feeling of sitting warmly in front of one after hiking in the cool countryside. The sound of the crackle and hiss of the fire and its bright red and amber glow.”

A cosy log fire is burning and glowing red in a grate
A wooden footbridge over a stream in an autumnal woodland. Beyond the bridge, a footpath stretches off between the trees.

Our Production Assistant Deborah plays a vital role in preparing our comprehensive Walk & Explore Boxes and also books our guests’ accommodation. 

When it comes to autumn, there’s one place in particular she loves walking.

“I particularly love the rustle of leaves under foot when walking through an English wood and seeing the stars on a clear, chilly autumn night.

Trying to catch a leaf as it lets go of the tree and before it reaches the ground! 🍂”

To say our Itinerary Consultant Talia is a big fan of autumn is a bit of an understatement. When she’s not responding to guest enquiries and creating tailor-made itineraries, here are just a few things Talia loves doing during cosy autumn season:

‘I feel as though I could write a book on what I love about Autumn, it is my favourite season! Everything and everyone slows down, the air is crisp, seasonal wreaths appear on homes and smoke rises from chimneys. Most recently I have loved chopping wood for our log burner, starting a roaring fire and getting cosy in a throw blanket with a good book :)’

View along a canal towpath with autumnal trees lining the path and canalside. Twos narrow boats are moored up next to the path.
A stone clapper bridge stretches over a river surrounded by autumnal trees

Responsible for Arrangements Administration, our team member Suzy turns each trip into reality. She also looks after the guests as they get ready for arrival, helping people to get the most from their Foot Trail.  When it comes to autumn, Suzy is a firm fan of the cosy side of the season:

“I like seeing the leaves on the trees change colour & wildlife getting ready for winter when out on an autumn walk, then getting home, slightly chilly to nice warm fluffy socks and cosy slippers, with hot Shepherd’s pie and greens to warm me up and pudding to follow (if I have room)”

And finally… Founders’ Office Manager Natasha

supports the day-to-day running of the team always with a smile, checking and writing up new guest trails and itineraries with her keen eye.
 
“Autumn I think is my preparation for Wintering – a time when I take care of myself a little more, test the heating, prepare the house for the winter months and enjoy the changing colours of the season outside.  My daughter and I love collecting some brown fallen leaves and cones from our walks and bringing them into the house for an Autumnal display. I love soup making in Autumn too – pumpkins, parsnips and squashes are amongst the seasonal favourites. 
 
As the clocks change and the nights draw in, early nights are taken and the cosy blankets come out the cupboard.”
View over a grand country house estate full of trees in autumn colour. A stone bridge is over a lake is just visible in the middle ground and further in the distance, on high ground, there is a replica Greek temple.

If you feel inspired to plan a hiking trip through the quiet countryside of South West England, browse our trips or drop us a line.

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