Why Autumn is a great time to be outdoors.

Written by Hannah Barnett.

As we enter a new chapter of the year many of us decide that now is the time of hibernation. But this autumn could be the time to say goodbye to that mindset and leave that to the dormice.

We all know that walking can free up the mind and give us energy and strength, so why not continue our summer habits into the colder seasons. This blog aims to demonstrate why autumn may actually be the best time to hit the hills in the UK. 

The huge open and wild expanses of places like Dartmoor, Exmoor and Wales sit tight as the elements make their inevitable changes entering into the colder months. As off-putting as this may sound, it's actually a beautiful time to experience nature in this form.

Late blooming wild flowers such as ivy provide a crucial last stop for pollinators along with pink and white flowering heather on the moors.

The thorny seed heads of the teasel continue to stand tall in the autumn and are a good food source for goldfinches.

On the wetlands, reeds and sedges provide a bouncy texture in the meadows and marshes so keep a look out for our staple British plants on your autumnal hike. 

However, if you're not into botanical views, the evolution of the autumn colour palette is another reason to grab your poles and walking boots this September.

The vibrant greens of the meadows and the gaudy colours of the wild flowers of summer are energising in their own right, but it's a privilege to watch this slowly fade into sunset hues as the leaves turn burnt orange and dusky brown as that iconic British autumnal countryside image returns.

One of the biggest changes is of course the temperature. Those long warm summer evenings seem to abruptly end and are a warning sign of things to come. But perhaps it could be a moment to spin that view and take it as a positive. These brisker days actually make hiking safer due to the lack of sunburn, dehydration and sunstroke risk. Not only this but the cooler air normally results in better visibility as the summer haze fades away - perfect to get that Insta shot at the top of the mountain!

Lastly, if it's animals that keep you motivated on your hike, autumn brings out a flurry of new mammals and birds to keep those eyes peeled. Red and fallow deer begin their rut, red and grey squirrels are busy caching their nuts, foxes and badgers can be seen foraging and hedgehogs are fattening up for hibernation.

Autumn is known as ‘the season of movement’ as species complete their yearly routine of migration. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts can be seen heading south while many ducks and geese arrive in the autumn.

So, make the most of this magical season and take the leap, find your map, torch and boots and hit those hills.