Autumnal adventures
Can you believe it? We’re in September already. This year is passing us by in the blink of an eye. If we follow the meteorological calendar, today is the first day of autumn. If however we follow the astrological calendar we’ve still got a few more weeks of summer until autumn kicks in on 23rd September (this date is based on the 23.5 degrees of tilt of the earths rotational axis in relation to its orbit around the sun). Either way, the days are starting to get noticeably shorter and soon we will start to feel a chill in the air once more (although after the wet weather we’ve had – we have everything crossed for an Indian summer!).
When we look to the natural world there will soon be a lot of change happening. The leaves of the deciduous trees will soon be turning from various shades of green to an array of yellows, oranges, reds and brown. Summer bird visitors will soon make their way south for the winter once more – travelling thousands of miles once more. Just as the summer migrants leave, so the winter ones will start to arrive from the north. If you have a deer park close to where you are – in about a month the annual clash of the titans will start as the males rut to demonstrate their prowess over their competition with the goal of mating with the females of the herd. It can be an impressive sight to witness – but always keep a respectful distance from the deer and make sure any dogs are kept on leads at all times!
If you’re on the look out for a more adrenaline packed adventure – there are still some places available to join us for An Adventure for Life with Challenge the Wild in the Lake District later this month. It’ll be a weekend you won’t want to miss! If you can’t make it there yourself – you can still get involved by sponsoring our MD, Gina as she takes on the challenge herself!
Our recommendations of the week
On top of the world – almost!
Leith Hill in Surrey is the highest point in the South East. This walk offers magnificent views out across the countryside that inspired Charles Darwin. You’ll walk through a mixture of woodland that looks magnificent at this time of year as the leaves start to change colour.
Cosy in the Cotswolds
The Autumn is a great time of year for exploring the Cotswolds. After a day walking, why not head to the Lygon Arms in Broadway where you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, a hearty meal and a somewhere luxurious and comfortable to lay your head!
I wonder what can you see?
The WildID Guides from the Field Studies Council are pocket sized guides that can help you identify the flora and fauna that you spot on your autumnal adventures.
Play outdoors!
Did you know that tomorrow (2nd September) is National Play Outside Day? Our friends at Cotswold Shoes can help you do this with the perfect footwear for all weathers for all the family – play shouldn’t be reserved just for the kids!
Walk Yourself Happy
We’re now on the final countdown to Julia’s new book being published on 14th September. To celebrate the launch, she’s hitting the road to talk about all things walking. The tour starts in Lytham on 18th September and is currently booking through to October.
Getting outdoors this autumn
If you’re looking for inspiration of other walks to do this autumn – look no further! We’re here to help with some of our favourites all put together in one blog!
