September in Perthshire often provides a mix of weather and widely ranging temperatures, as we transition out of one season into another. It can be hard to let go of summer pleasures at first, so this article is designed to get us excited about autumn. Here’s some favourite things to get you eagerly anticipating the new season:

Cool mornings

Cool autumn mornings that wake up as you do evoke a feeling of calm in that most of us don’t get in summer when the daylight is so far ahead of the alarm. Autumn mornings are a time to really savour that first sip of coffee, snuggle up in a slouchy jumper, and simply enjoy being cosy.

Colourful Scenery

There are lots of amazing places we can go in Perthshire to see the autumn colours and they’re really something special. We can also simply look out of our home or car windows while going about our day-to-day life! The beauty of the season is all around and we can use this gift to cheer our every day, reminding us to be thankful for what we have. This gives our overall mood and wellbeing a boost.

Seasonal food and drink

Autumn is a time of plenty in the culinary world and it often inspires people make something — whether blackberry jam, sloe gin, roasted squash soup, pickled mushrooms or apple and cinnamon cake. Why not give your favourite autumn food a go? Or if you’re not the cooking/baking type, try going out for a spicy chai latte or hot chocolate; wrap up warmly and have it outside if at all possible.

Rainy weekends

Hear us out on this one… yes, it’s nice to have a weekend where it’s dry enough to go and do something outside, but we also love the occasionally wet Sunday afternoon with no pressure to do anything or go anywhere. Instead, how about making a pot of tea, downloading a new book or film and listening to the rain on the windows. Or, if you have kids to entertain, something like a family film, drawing session, board game or baking activity could be the way to go.

Woodland walks

Woodland walks are especially fun in this season, because they are tactile as well as beautiful. Crunchy leaves, spiky conker casings, smooth acorns and popping seed pods are all part of the autumnal experience, as is picking blackberries, throwing ‘helicopter’ sycamore seeds in the air, pine needles falling like confetti and breathing in the scent of damp earth. In short, the sights, sounds, feel and scents and tastes of autumn awaken all the senses and produce a nostalgic sense of wonder.

What are your favourite things about autumn? Why not make your own list of five of them and use it as a guide to help you make the most out of the season?