When we’re walking, every season has its unique charms, but we believe there is something really special about walking in the fall.
September and October are the perfect months for blending natural beauty, pleasant weather, cultural richness, and plenty of health benefits.
It’s an invitation to slow down, savor the season, and create lasting memories. So, lace up your walking boots, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let the wonders of autumn guide your journey.
One of the greatest joys of a fall walking vacation is the stunning scenery. As the leaves change color, forests and trails transform into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.
The summer heat has faded, leaving behind cooler, more comfortable temperatures that are ideal for walking. We can enjoy the fresh, crisp air and the pleasant warmth of the sun without the intense heat that can make summer on the trail a challenge.
The mild climate also means fewer insects and less crowded trails, so we can immerse ourselves fully in the tranquil surroundings.
We find that fall offers a slower, more mindful way to travel, connecting deeply with our environment and ourselves. We can take the time to notice the little things—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of woodsmoke in the air, the distant call of migrating birds.
in the UK and Ireland this is a season of breathtaking beauty and vibrant transformation. The countryside and town parks alike become a tapestry of warm hues as the leaves on oak, beech, and maple trees turn shades of gold, orange, and red. This period is marked by crisper mornings, perhaps a beautiful mist coating distant hills and the chance to spot migrating birds and squirrels scurrying to gather nuts.
Autumn in France and Italy is a season of enchanting charm and cultural richness. The sun-baked landscape freshens up and offers an array of different, subtler hues.
This is the time of the grape harvests, celebrated with wine festivals and tastings.
And, lucky us, the markets are brimming with fresh seasonal produce, such as chestnuts, mushrooms, pumpkins and truffles.
In Portugal, the landscape of the Algarve coast transforms into a mosaic of golden fields and lush greenery. This is the season of the harvest of almonds, figs, and olives. It also marks the migration of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. There’s pleasant hiking along scenic coastal trails. And evenings still balmy enough to enjoy al fresco dining on fresh, seasonal seafood.
The mild temperatures and fewer tourists also make it an ideal season for exploring historic cities. In Dubrovnik and Split, on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, ancient architecture and autumnal scenery creates a picturesque setting as the sun sets over the Adriatic.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” Nathaniel Hawthorne