Top 5 Reasons to Explore the Outdoors in Autumn

We hear you – summer technically isn’t over until the end of September. Whilst this is true, the meteorological summer ends on 31st August. But all is not lost! Today we’re going to share with you 5 reasons why the approach of autumn is an opportunity for joy. Read on to find out why.

1. Autumn comes bearing gifts

Autumn brings with it a few concerns for everyone. Back to school, fewer hours of daylight, poorer weather. But amidst all of that, the transition away from summer in the outdoors is a visual spectacle which it’s important to take a moment to appreciate.

It is, to many photographers out there, the best time of the year, when nature lights up with a thousand different colours. When the leaves are still more there than not, it’s also when we appreciate them the most. Get out there and take in the changing of the seasonal tones.

2. “If you waited for good weather, you’d never go anywhere”

There is something about living in a country where the weather often seems like it is doing everything in its power to ensure we don’t get outside. As one of the OutmoreNI team said recently however, if you waited until you got good weather, you’d never go anywhere.

Instead of accepting your fate as someone who sits indoors for nine months in the year, see it as an opportunity – a challenge. All you really need is the right clothing. A cheap waterproof jacket and bottoms, a few thermal layers and you’re ready to go! That is of course provided the weather isn’t too bad. Then, get cosy and stick the telly on. Which leads us to…

3. The Trails are Quieter

We love seeing people get outdoors. The more the better. That said, the group of teenagers walking with a bluetooth speaker blasting …something, for the two mile loop in Gortin Glen Forest Park recently didn’t contribute to the ambience I had been hoping for.

There is something exciting about seeing miles of trails ahead of you, and not another soul around. The outdoors feels in that moment, like it is there to be enjoyed and experienced exclusively by you, regardless of whether it is raining or not.

4. Wildlife and Seasonal Wonders

Autumn puts nature on show. Migrating birds gather on the coasts and loughs, woodlands brim with fungi, and hedgerows become a buffet for songbirds and – if you’re lucky – red squirrels. Make a conscious effort to plan an outdoors trip (using OutmoreNI.com of course!), pack a flask with some hot tea, slow your pace and enjoy the small details.

5. Autumn is the Time of Microadventures

With shorter days and shorter weather windows to get outdoors, the next logical step is to make our journeys into the outdoors fit within those windows. And shorter adventures doesn’t mean smaller memories.

Try an after-work stroll to catch a sunset, a weekend family cycle in a forest park, a beginner-friendly canoe trail on a calm day, or a skills lap at a mountain bike trail centre. Plan ahead, bring layers and a headtorch, and make the most of the “grand stretch” while it lasts. Little outings, often, add up.

Need help planning those outdoor adventures? OutmoreNI.com has you covered for all your trails and venues adventures!