Autumn Adventures

Westonbirt Arboretum by Steve 2.0

Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night and half term have all been and gone, and autumn really gets into its stride this month. Now is a great time to get out and about in the countryside and enjoy some of the most inspirational scenery there is.

Here are our top tips on how to get the best from your autumn adventures…

The walk: How to find the best autumn leaves
In Japan it’s called ‘momijigari’ – and is simply the activity of watching autumn leaves. With UK woods and forests covering 2.8 million hectares (around half in Scotland), you are never far away from some spectacular autumn colour to warm the soul. Find the nearest display to you at the Forestry Commission’s website with up to the minute advice on which forests are currently glowing.

The space to breath: National Parks
National Parks in the UK grew as a response to urbanisation and the publics’ right for access to the countryside. With 14 National Parks now designated in the UK – covering lakes, mountains, forests and moorland – on over 8800 square miles, there can’t be a better place to explore natural beauty and catch your breath this autumn. And it’s all for free.

The treehuggers: Autumn arboreta
Go treehugging amidst some of the biggest collections of trees in the world – many rare or endangered. Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire has over 3000 different trees and shrubs, while Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent offers one of the world’s finest collection of conifers with over 10,000 trees and shrubs from five continents. Hug a tree this autumn and shed yourself of the stresses of everyday life.

The woolies: Warm head, warm heart
Get cosy warm walking under a crisp autumn sky with Fair Trade woollens. Whether you want beanie chic – nothing like Sienna Millar sporting a beanie to elevate it to this autumns’ ‘it’ accessory – or a retro beret make sure it’s Fair Trade. These are both hand knitted by women from the underprivileged ‘pode’ caste in Nepal (from £12).

The weather: Be ready for rain
Although the Met Office are predicting a dryer than average autumn this year, new research has revealed that when it rains it really will pour as showers over the last 100 year have become more intense (and they are, unsurprisingly, calculating whether it could be related to global warming). Be prepared for anything with this new novel eco-umbrella (£18) made of more than 75% recycled fabric.

The food: Nutrition for colder days
Exercising in colder weather means you should pay special attention to your diet. Blood sugars can get low, and running out of ‘fuel’ can make it hard to keep warm. Pack dried fruit, such as organic vine fruits (£1.89), or Fairtrade apricots (£1.99) and Fairtrade energy bars are a must (65p). And drink lots of water as cold air can be dryer than warm air making you dehydrated quicker. Save plastic and store water in this new 100% recycled water bottle created by fashion designer Orla Kiely (£7.99).

The ethical backpack: Get organised
The right backpack can make the difference between walking with a spring in your stride or a slouch. These Osprey daypacks (£34.95 – £49.95) are styled in 100% recycled PET fabric – made from waste plastic bottles – even the zippers and buckles are made from recycled waste. With superb compartments to keep you organised, this is a backpack to go far.

Your lips: Love your lips
Your lips are vulnerable in the colder months with dry air and wind to batter and dehydrate them. Being the most exposed part of the body where the skin is thin, they benefit from a good organic lip balm to help seal moisture in and protect them from external exposure. Try natural balms with beeswax – a great moisture sealer – such as Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (£2.99) – or organic olive oil and healing herbs from Trevarno (£5.95).

Your skin: Go totally ‘balmy’
Counteract winter wear and tear and avoid dry or chapped skin with soothing balms. Try this Soil Association approved Calendula Balm (£4.95) is rich in the healing herbs calendula and chamomile, with added shea butter to moisturize. Or for a face protection cream, try the rich mix of Lavera’s organic jojoba oil and shea butter to top up your skin’s defense as gentle as possible (£8.50).

Your muscles: Each aches and pains
For weekend warriors with weary limbs after a hard day’s walk, try the natural anti-inflammatory properties of the sore muscle rub (£3.99), which reduces pain without side effects. But prevention is better than cure – use the rub before you exercise and it will warm and loosen your muscles reducing the chance of damage.

The journey home: Be safe, be seen
With autumn officially lasting until the winter solstice – usually around 21 December – we can receive less than 8 hours daylight per day. If you’re out on a long autumn walk, make sure to take a wind up torch to keep you on the right path home (from £4.95). Technology can also lend a helping hand if a lack of daylight is getting you down. Try one of these daylight simulating alarm clocks.

The weekend warrior: Find organic accommodation
Take time to enjoy the autumn splendour and grab a weekend away. There are hundreds of great organic accommodations in the UK including 5-star luxury cottages on organic farms in Cornwall – footsteps from tranquil coves; family hotels in Wales set in acres of grounds, just fabulous for autumn walks. To find these and more, grab a copy of Organic Places to Stay (£10.95).

Know of something happening this autumn that you’d like to tell others about? Want to offer your suggestions on how to make the best of autumn days? Comment here.

Photo Credit Steve 2.0 via Flickr

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