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With the arrival of autumn comes a spectacular transformation of scenery and the opportunity to lace up your walking boots and to be at one with nature.
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Hiking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities and in Europe we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to trails and routes to tackle.
In its new guide book – “Where to Go When: Hiking” – Lonely Planet has showcased more than 90 of the world’s best hikes and the months to explore them in, from “micro walks and multi-day treks to pilgrimage routes and mountainous rambles”.
Here we take a look at three of the featured hikes in Europe to do during the cooler autumn months, plus other popular options further afield.
Three of Europe’s best autumn hikes
Premužić Trail, Croatia (challenging)
Winding through Croatia’s Northern Velebit National Park, the Premužić Trail is “one of Europe’s finest examples of dry-stone engineering”, said Lonely Planet. Crafted pathways weave through rugged landscapes, passing wildflower meadows and shepherds’ huts with views across the Adriatic Sea. September offers pleasant temperatures, snow-free trails and warm coastal waters, making it the “perfect time to discover this dramatic corner of Croatia”.
Coast to Coast Path, England (moderate/challenging)
Follow in the footsteps of fell-walking legend Alfred Wainwright with this west-to-east walk across England, which starts from the Cumbrian village of St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. Going through three National Parks, this iconic route has recently been awarded National Trail status and now has clearer signage, better accessibility and is managed to a higher environmental standard. Lonely Planet recommends doing the English Coast to Coast Path in October.
Via Francigena, Swiss Alps and Northern Italy (moderate)
The Via Francigena is a pilgrimage from Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the Swiss Alps, through Italy’s Aosta Valley all the way to Rome. Hike in “historic, holy footsteps” and savour stunning panoramic mountain views, flower filled meadows and the cultural and culinary delights of Italy’s diverse regions.
Three of the best international autumn hikes
Choquequirao – Southern Peru (challenging)
For travellers seeking an alternative to the busy Inca Trail, Choquequirao is a 15th-century Inca site that’s sometimes described as “Machu Picchu’s lesser-known sister”, with a fraction of the visitors. The demanding route descends deep into the flower-filled Apurímac Canyon before climbing steeply back towards the ruins, “rewarding hikers with ceremonial platforms, temples, ritual baths and intricate llama carvings etched into its ancient terraces”. September is one of the best times to visit, with warm, clear days arriving after the peak tourist season.
Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador (easy)
Explore Ecuador’s Andean highlands on a gentle and rewarding journey through traditional villages and rolling mountain landscapes before reaching the “breathtaking” Laguna Quilotoa. Nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, the emerald-green lake is celebrated for its Indigenous culture and striking scenery. As well as crisp blue-sky mornings and lush green hillsides, November offers quieter trails and plenty of time to explore local artisan stores.
Langtang and Helambu Trek, Northern Nepal (challenging)
Journey through one of Nepal’s most spectacular Himalayan regions, where dense forests, sacred lakes and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries can be found beneath snow-capped peaks. Rich in Tibetan culture, the Langtang and Helambu valleys also “tell a story of resilience”, with tourism continuing to support communities rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake. November is among the best months to trek here, bringing dry, clear days, comfortable temperatures and unbeatable mountain views.
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