Escape to an autumn walking holiday in Europe!

While the lazy, hazy days of the European summer stretch out in front of us, it’s a good time to think ahead to the autumn walking season. There’s still time to book a self-guided walking holiday for September, October or even November – the perfect months for hiking quiet trails.

As the late summer turns to autumn, the light softens, temperatures ease, and then the trees start to turn to vibrant orange and russet brown. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying Europe at its most beautiful – and scroll down for an extra reason to visit Andalucia…

For the best autumn colours

Try England’s Peak District in September when the heather blooms in vivid purple on the moorland, or October for the turning leaves. The gentle valleys are dotted with pretty villages, and higher ground brings some spectacular views.

The tree-clad slopes of Umbria are beautiful in September and October, and while it’s a short season, there’s more than enough to enjoy in the gorgeous landscapes and historic hilltop towns, and some fabulous Italian food!

More walking routes for autumn colour: Alpes Maritimes, Northern Portugal

Places to celebrate the harvest!

Late September/early October is a heady time in the Rhine Valley, as the vines reach their full potential and the grapes are harvested. We have two variations of the walk through the most spectacular part of the Rhine Gorge – do please ask us for advice about finding the quietest times to hike.

The vineyards of Ribeira Sacra will also be bustling with activity during the autumn season. This part of southern Galicia is a wine region gaining wider recognition, and you can sample a few vintages while enjoying the stunning valley views.

More walking routes through vineyards: Catalonia: El Priorat, Classic Slovenia

‘Low season’ routes opening up

Available from October to April is Marina Alta, in the hill country beyond Alicante, an area that is too warm for summer walking. These quiet trails are a world away from the busier coast, and a great choice for this time of year.

Among the volcanic peaks of the Canary Islands, our hiking route on La Gomera is a perfect autumn-winter-spring option. The dramatic landscapes are complemented by the island’s extraordinary biodiversity, and steep ascents are rewarded with magnificent views.

More walking routes for the cooler months: Mallorca, Andalucia… see below

SPECIAL OFFER !!
Andalucia in November 2025

Molino del Santo – our lovely upgrade accommodation in Benaojan – is offering a reduced price for On Foot Holidays clients staying for two nights or more in November 2025.

This charming hotel was converted from an olive and corn mill by an English couple in the 1980s, and it is now under the guiding hands of the next generation and their loyal staff. It sits in quiet countryside beside the river, with a pool, pretty gardens and a stylish restaurant.

And if you need a reason to stay a second night – also included is a free “Introduction to Ronda wines”, where you can hear about local winemakers and taste some samples.

Contact us to find out more and book your Andalucian adventure

If you’re a keen movie-goer, you probably also like to keep a lookout for well-known film and television locations while on your travels. We’ve scoured our maps for some familiar places you might want to spot on our walking holiday routes.

In the moving final moments of Gladiator (the original, and we think the best…), Maximus walks through a beautiful landscape of rolling fields and cypress trees. This highly Instagrammable spot is just a couple of minutes from our path into Pienza in Southern Tuscany.

To be released this spring is a film adaptation of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, the true story of a couple’s restorative walk on England’s South West Coast Path. Spot locations at Porlock Weir, Lynton and Heddon’s Mouth while walking our Coastal Exmoor route, and you can hike other sections of the Coast Path with On Foot in Cornwall and Dorset.

While in Dorset, we recommend stopping at Mapperton House as you pass by. Its beautiful stone west front and barns appeared as the farm of Bathsheba Everdene in an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan. It has a pretty garden in the valley below and woodland walks to explore, if you have time.

In Castellabate it’s impossible to ignore that this was the setting for the comedy Benvenuti al Sud – very well known in Italy, but perhaps less so elsewhere. The unspoilt little town in Cilento National Park charmed a prejudiced northerner who was forced to move there unwillingly, only to find himself loving the gentle pace of life and warmth of the people in the south. We think you will too!

Walking the green hills of England’s Peak District, you’ll be reminded of the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. It was from the crags of Stanage Edge (pictured, top) that she gazed out over the Hope Valley, and you can visit the stately Chatsworth House that so bewitched Elizabeth Bennet in its guise as Mr Darcy’s Pemberley.

And finally, a little more action! James Bond fans might recognise the French town of Menton from a classic chase in Never Say Never Again. Bond (Sean Connery in this case) races on a motorbike through the narrow streets in pursuit of his quarry. Your pace will be a little slower as you complete your Alpes Maritimes walk in this elegant town.

When designing the On Foot Holidays routes, we always try to bring you to a destination that is really worth the effort – usually a delightful town or small city. They’re places to stop for a while and celebrate your achievements, maybe spending an extra night or two to explore what these lovely places have to offer.

The romantic fishing port of Camogli (Ligurian Hills) was described by Charles Dickens as “the saltiest, most piratical town” on the Mediterranean. Now more welcoming of visitors, it’s a place to relax by the sea and visit the maritime museum or the nearby villages of Portofino and San Fruttuoso.

Situated at the mouth of the River Dart, the historic seaside town of Dartmouth (Devon) is a favourite with sailors, but has plenty of other things to do. Take a steam train ride, visit the ancient castle, discover the town’s naval history, or just stroll the cobbled streets and pop into the many enticing shops and galleries.

With over twenty bookshops, it’s no surprise that Hay-on-Wye (Welsh Borders) is called the ‘town of books’. It’s also home to an internationally renowned literary festival. Maybe ask Sarah, our local contact, about taking a guided walk, or simply kick your boots off, grab a book and relax.

Our Alpes Maritimes route reaches the sea at pretty Menton, the ‘Pearl of the French Riviera’ – a town of old-fashioned charm. There are many beautiful gardens to visit, and do save some time to enjoy a wander through the shady streets while admiring the pastel-coloured buildings.

Your Andalucia itinerary allows an extra day to explore the clifftop town of Ronda, with its incredible views and many historic buildings that are a blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. Walk across the extraordinary bridge, nearly 100m above the gorge, and watch the birds soaring around the cliffs.

The final day of the Classic Slovenia walk brings you into Italy and the city of Trieste – a beautiful multicultural port with stunning buildings, hospitable locals, and fascinating museums. And if you want more of Slovenia, you can take a ferry to medieval Piran on Slovenia’s tiny 47km coastline.