Top walking holiday destinations for upcoming autumn
We’re at the halfway point of the summer, so what a better time to start planning your next hiking trip in autumn? Yes, you’ve read that right. The end of the summer is when the true hiking season for many begins, just without the heat and crowds.
Here are the best walking holiday destinations that are just as (if not more) stunning in autumn!
Scottish Highlands
For many, walking the Scottish Highlands in the peak of the summer, surrounded by lush greenery and kissed by warm sun rays, is the ultimate dream. The reality is a bit more harsh, however. Not only is the area taken over by tourists, but it’s also a notorious time for Highland midge (if you don’t know what they are, you definitely don’t want to find out). While many still choose to holiday during this season and enjoy it, the experience is truly transformed in autumn.
Starting late September and early October, popular routes like the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way become a lot more quiet, allowing you to enjoy the majestic surroundings in more solitude. Additionally, this time of the year is perfect for wildlife watching, including the annual red deer rut – an unforgettable spectacle, if you’re lucky enough to see it.
Romania’s Carpathian Mountains
While many destinations have autumnal colours, the beauty of Carpathian Mountains in Romania are out of this world. Imagine the vast, ancient beech forests of Transylvania completely drowned in deep reds, oranges, yellows… It’s like a literal sea of fire, in front of your eyes. As you walk your way through the region, you’ll find yourself constantly gasping and stopping for pictures.
Besides the incredible nature, September to November are the shoulder seasons for tourism, meaning there are fewer people about. Therefore, you will be able to find accommodation and tours easier, most likely at more favourable prices too. The popular tourist attractions, like Bran Castle, will also be less crowded.
Portugal
If you’re seeking a destination that’s sunny, but avoiding the scorching heat, Portugal in autumn is your answer. The country is home to numerous fantastic walking holiday trails, including Camino de Portugues, Rota Vincentina’s Fishermen’s Trail and the Levada Trails in Madeira. The September – November months present the perfect climate for these, typically dry and sunny, averaging at a pleasant 20°C. By this point, the summer tourist crowds that typically flood the region have vanished, returning the quaint fishing villages to their authentic, slower pace.
Most uniquely, the landscape of Portugal also experiences what is known as a “second spring” at this time of year. This unusual phenomenon happens as nature receives much-needed rain after the heat of the summer, bursting it back to life. Grass goes green and some flowers begin to bloom again, making the most of cooler temperatures and higher moisture levels.
Making the most out of autumn
Whichever destination peaks your interest the most, autumn is undoubtedly an excellent time to visit. It offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather and buzzing atmosphere, while also introducing some unexpected benefits.
