Autumn is a bit of a marmite month. While some of us love the shortening days, changing colours and falling leaves, not everyone is a fan. Some mourn the loss of summer and dread the dark winter ahead.
But time waits for no one.
Love it or hate it, Autumn comes every year.
Anyone who went to school in England or Wales in the 1980s and 1990s will probably be familiar with the iconic song ‘Autumn Days’. Sung across the country in school assemblies, the song evokes a sense of autumn for a generation. Although nowadays it’s rare to see jet planes refuelling mid-air….
Autumn is here and you may as well embrace it. And one of the best ways to do that is to get out and about in the fresh air for a walk.
North Wales is full of amazing places to enjoy the beauty of autumn. We can’t wait to share them with you.
Experience the glorious autumn colours for yourself
There’s nothing like being in nature to remind us of our place in the world. Looking at pictures of autumn leaves, or even enjoying the changing colours from the window of the car just doesn’t cut it.
Head to the National Trust managed Bodnant Gardens for a truly magnificent autumnal delight for the senses. Enjoy a stroll around some of the 80 acres of gardens and enjoy some well-earned refreshments in the tearoom.
Go back to basics and embrace your inner child
As we grow up, life becomes ever more busy and pressured. Sometimes we all need simple things to remind ourselves what’s important.
So why not go on an autumn adventure?
Delight in kicking the fallen leaves or wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy a moonlit evening stroll.
Or, why not discover one of the many Halloween themed events in North Wales, be it Chepstow Castle’s Halloween-themed trail, or Hunting for Ghosts at Penrhyn Castle.
Boost your mental and physical health
Walking is free, doesn’t require any special equipment (just a pair of decent shoes or trainers) and does wonders for physical and mental health. So get out and boost those all-important endorphins.
If you enjoy a good walk, head to the famous Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed, and enjoy the delights of the Gwydir Forest. If mobility is a challenge, head for Aberdulais where there are gravelled paths and lifts throughout.
Leave the screens behind for an hour or two
Technology is a wonderful thing and it can make our lives easier. We don’t think screen time is all bad.
But sometimes we can spend hours – if not days – glued to our screens.
Unplugging for a while can do you a world of good. In fact, according to Mary E. Gomes, professor of psychology and Sonoma State University, there are lots of benefits to be found, from improving sleep to deepening relationships.
So here’s a challenge: plan a digital detox. Whether it’s a whole weekend or just a couple of hours, leave everything behind and go and enjoy the beautiful autumn sun. And if it happens to be raining, don’t worry – grab some wellies and jump in the puddles!
Prepare yourself for winter with good routines
Winter is a tough time for many. Low mood and Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can adversely impact many people.
For all the reasons we’ve already explored, a daily walk can help relieve some of the symptoms. And if you start now, you’ll find that already being in a routine will make it much easier to maintain when winter hits.
Fresh air and vitamin D are not magic remedies, but they can make a real difference. Make sure to get out and about. Check out our other blogs for a Wales destination inspiration.
And finally, don’t forget to find something to be thankful for
Autumn is there to be embraced. It has some amazing joys and benefits.
As that classic song by Estelle White reminds us, we mustn’t forget to be thankful.
