Why Autumn is the Best Time to Hike

by Sue Talbot

Autumn is the king of the hiking season, in my opinion anyway. The mere whisper of crisp air and the scent of damp woodlands is enough to make me reach for my boots. While summer and spring get a lot of love, there are so many reasons why autumn is the best time of year to hit the trails.

As someone who has spent countless days wandering through valleys, scaling fells and getting lost in nature, I still love to watch the seasons shift from vibrant greens to warm, golden hues. There’s a real magic that washes over the landscape in the autumn months and the quiet transformation can turn an ordinary walk into an amazing discovery.

Woodland Walks

Autumn is the time for woodlands and forests to show off. There’s something soul-stirring about walking through ancient woodlands when the canopy transforms into a rich tapestry of amber, russet and gold.

Unlike the repetitive green of summer, autumn has a shifting palette that changes with every step. Even the rustle of leaves beneath my feet makes me feel excited and reminds me of playing outdoors as a child. The hazy humidity of summer is replaced by a crisp, invigorating freshness that makes it easier to walk further and climb higher.

Exploring the National Parks

While our national parks are beautiful all year round, I never fully appreciate them when I’m manoeuvring through the summer crowds. Autumn changes the game entirely as the trails quieten and I find myself sharing a mountain view with only a passing bird or grazing sheep. It helps me feel more connected to the landscape when all I can hear are the sounds of nature.

Early Sunsets

One perk of the shorter autumn days is that you don’t have to stay out late to catch a spectacular sunset. It also leaves more time for settling down in a local pub by a roaring fire after your walk!

Then there’s the Northern Lights, which can sometimes be seen from regions further north, away from artificial lights. Summer nights are too bright but as autumn deepens and the nights grow dark, this natural lightshow becomes more visible.

Comfort on the Trails

Summer and winter hiking often have their physical challenges, whether it’s overheating and battling midges or navigating an icy path to a summit. Autumn is the perfect Goldilocks weather: not too hot and not too cold. It’s just right. Once you get moving, the cool air keeps your body temperature at a comfortable level, so you don’t have to worry about shedding layers or stopping every five minutes to cool down. Instead, you can settle into a steady pace and enjoy the exercise without the exhaustion caused by the blistering heat.

Autumn nudges me to slow down, breathe deeply and appreciate every beautiful moment in nature.