Autumn is the perfect adventuring season. I know summer gets all the attention, with the long days and mild weather. And winter often has a shoutout for the epic snow sports. But I argue that autumn is the absolute best adventure season. Nature performs its ultimate display of colours, the crisp air creeps in to push out the humid summer and there is a fresh sense of new opportunity lingering in the air. So go out and enjoy the best season of the year with this list of autumn adventure ideas for 2022.
1. A colourful forest walk
One of the most simple, most accessible and most beautiful adventures for this autumn – and every autumn. Take a walk through your local – or not-so-local – forest. Even if you’ve been there countless times before, take in how the trees have changed, search for conkers on the ground and breathe in the chilly air. Enjoy the damp but crisp smells and the sounds of thriving rivers and streams. Forests change so much at this time of year and it’s a sight to behold. Most wonderfully is that it’s an incredibly accessible adventure. Forest trails can be long, short, flat, hilly, paved or rough ground. There is an opportunity for everyone to get out among the trees.
2. Autumn foraging
Colder weather means it’s time for warming food. I love cooking during autumn. Soups, pies, curries, and stews. All the comforting, nutritious food. Why don’t you forage for your ingredients this year? Brambles are in their prime in autumn where I live. Make sure they’re definitely brambles before you start munching, always take from the higher branches if possible and make sure they come off the branch easy in your hand. If they don’t, they’re probably not ready. Keep an eye out for wild apple trees too – or if you have a friendly neighbour or family member who has a tree in their garden, even better! Pumpkin picking has also taken a boom in recent years. Look up your local pumpkin patch and make a day of it with the kids or some friends.
3. Sunset and sunrise hikes
It might not be as warm as summer, but autumn brings shorter days. Normally we view this as a bad thing. But shorter autumn days mean sunset and sunrise hikes are at way more accessible times. Grab your boots and a head torch, and make your way up your local hill to watch the sun’s light fade or appear from a serene vantage point.
Read more: How to plan a sunset walk (and other sunset adventures)
4. Hit the trails on a mountain bike
All those crunchy leaves will sound epic under the trail of your mountain bike. Summer brings long trail days, but also means some of your favourite trails may have been overgrown with weeds, ferns and other greenery. But here comes autumn, the time of year where flora dies back and opens up the routes again. It’s the ideal time for giving it a first try. Plus, the cooler temperature will stop you from overheating while your racing down and clambering up the trails. Helmet? Check. Bike? Check. Stoke? Check.
5. Autumn city wandering
If, like me, you are as obsessed with autumnal movies like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail, it’s time to become your own leading autumn lady. Even if you are not in New York, all cities shine in autumn, when their parks and waterways beam with bright oranges and yellows. Bleak greys of urban buildings and pavements are lit up by the glow of the low autumn sunshine. Pick up a pumpkin spiced latte from your favourite small coffee vendor and have a wander around your favourite park with a friend. Finish your walk off with a beer in a cosy, firelit pub and you’ve rounded off a perfect autumn city day.
6. Arty autumn adventure ideas
Browse Pinterest for autumn craft ideas and you’ll find plenty, including lots of opportunities to mix crafts and your autumn adventures! How about picking up beautiful leaves on a forest walk and using them for paint stamps or making candle holders? Or have fun exerimenting with mulled wine or chai tea recipes to take it with you when you go outside for a warming mid-adventure pick me up!
7. Autumn surfing at quiet beaches
With summer being over, there are fewer people on the beach. Autumn is my favourite time to surf. The beaches are quiet, the swell is more consistent and the water is still warm enough to enjoy. If in doubt, grab your warmest wetsuit, a neoprene cap and maybe even gloves, then you’ll be good to hit the waves.
Read more: Tiree: Scotland’s Surf Retreat
8. Leaf fights!
Forget snowball fights. Have a leaf fight! Always a great game to play with a hyperactive dog. Find huge piles of fresh leaves and run through them, kicking them in the air. If you’re good with a camera, this can make for some wonderful family photos too.
9. Autumn road trip
The summer crowds have gone but the frost hasn’t yet appeared. Autumn is a great opportunity for a road trip! Enjoy the quiet roads lined with autumn colours, the low sun streaming in your windscreen and cool mornings with a cosy cup of coffee. I highly suggest driving up to Perthshire – it completely transforms in autumn.
What’s your favourite part about an autumn adventure? Drop me a comment below or a message on Instagram! And if you want to support my content, I am always appreciative of a cosy cup of hot chocolate <3
