Weather permitting, of course, there’s nothing quite like an autumn hike in the UK. The sweeping countryside hills, the sound of fallen leaves crunching under your feet, the cocktail of fresh, chilly autumnal air with beaming sunshine as the day begins or ends – there’s something magical about it all.
Autumn represents a season where change is arguably the most noticeable. As those long walks in the sweltering heat suddenly grind to a halt, the chilled mornings and evenings, and sudden bursts of torrential rain, among other things, can catch unprepared hikers off guard. However, just because summer disappears for another year doesn’t mean you have to abandon your hiking ambitions altogether! In fact, an autumn hike can be a memorable and joyous occasion if you prepare suitably.
Here’s how to make the most of your autumn weekend adventures, helping you to stay warm, comfortable, safe, and, most importantly, satisfied.
Layer Appropriately
The key to staying comfortable while going on a multi-kilometre hike in the unpredictable British autumn terrain is to master the art of layering. The weather starts to become increasingly volatile once September comes around, and it’s not uncommon to experience multiple seasons in a single day.
If you’ve got the right layers on your person before you set out for your hike, you will, however, be in a better position whatever the weather. Consider the following:
- The base (wicking) layer should draw sweat away from your skin and keep you warm when you’re stationary.
- The mid-layer (such as a fleece or lightweight jacket) should provide enough insulation.
- The outer or shell layer (usually a waterproof or windproof jacket) should be used when the harsher weather turns.
There’s every chance you may set off in the morning with all three layers on, go down to your base layer by midday as the sun creeps through, then layer back up once it disappears behind the hilltops.
Convertible waterproof trousers are exceptional, giving you the ability to zip them into shorts if you get warmer on your hike. Also, never underestimate the value of a light wool hat which can fit under your hood, or a pair of liner gloves which can keep you comfortable without feeling like you’re suffocating.
Plan for Shorter Daylight Hours
The biggest telltale sign that autumn has well and truly arrived is the shorter amount of daylight we get day to day. By late October, sunset arrives before 5pm in most parts of the UK, and if you’re on your hike beyond this time, it can be quite stressful, particularly if you’re not familiar with your surroundings. Make sure to pack a reliable torch (a smartphone usually suffices, but a battery-powered spare wouldn’t go amiss).
It’s a good rule of thumb to start your hikes earlier than usual, as in summer, we’re blessed with an abundance of daylight, but with autumn that window narrows rapidly. An early start gives you plenty of daylight buffer, and allows you the perfect opportunity to catch a beautiful sunrise, with ample time for breaks and photo opportunities.
Organise Good Accommodation When Needed
Many adventurers here in the UK love hiking over a weekend, but if you’re planning to tackle multiple long-distance walks, sufficient rest and recovery is important. Identifying possibilities for your ‘base of operations’ will go hand in hand with good planning, preparation and that assured good night’s rest. Luckily, the UK is full of unique, charming accommodation options that offer something more quaint than standard campsites or hotels.
Properties with purpose built private garden rooms or outbuildings are becoming a popular and growing trend for functional space and accommodation options. As illustrated by builders such as Miniature Manors, this can offer a more homely and quintessentially autumnal retreat after a long day on the trails. They provide privacy, comfort and just enough opportunity to be as connected with the real world as you choose, with the great outdoors on your doorstep.
Alternatively, seeking out traditional country pubs with rooms or glamping pods with built-in wood burners can offer a sense of luxury to your weekend adventuring. The right type of accommodation can allow you to rest and nicely unwind after a hard day exploring and working your muscles.
Remember to Pack Your Essentials
When venturing out for more than a few hours, don’t rest on your laurels. Check the forecast, and even if it’s poised to be reasonably calm and settled, make sure to bring the following:
- A thermal blanket and first aid kit for emergencies
- Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
- Snacks like nuts, dried fruit or chocolate to keep your energy levels up
- A flask for warm drinks in case temperatures sharply drop or conditions immediately deteriorate
- Waterproof coats
- A change of clothes, socks and shoes, ideally stored in dry bags to avoid succumbing to excessive rain soaking through your rucksack
Assess Trail Conditions
Trails are inherently more challenging in autumn than they are in summer. Paths laden with wet leaves are surprisingly slippery, especially on steep descents or precarious crossings or bridges. Muddy conditions are to be expected, particularly after extended periods of heavy rainfall, and in elevated conditions, the weather can turn wintry very quickly. Always stay in the loop of weather forecast updates and adjust plans on the fly if it appears increasingly difficult.
This is where investing in walking poles and waterproof boots with stable ankle support and strong tread will serve you better than lightweight trail shoes. Gaiters can also help keep your feet warm and dry in boggier terrain.
Embrace Autumn With Enthusiasm
Finally, remember to slow down and savour the experience.
Autumn hiking isn’t always exclusively about covering as many miles as possible, or climbing the highest peaks through troughs of mud. It’s about immersing yourself in the beauty that’s all around us, and that sweeps into view when this magical season descends every year. Embrace the character of the season while staying comfortable and safe, allowing you to fully appreciate what’s in front of you.
What are some of your favourite autumn hikes or trails? Where will you go next?
Author: Annie Button
