Six autumn getaways for crisp air, colourful leaves and cosy seasonal escapes

Here are six northern destinations where autumn enthusiasts can revel in the season's best offerings:

Cairngorms and the Highlands, Scotland: The Scottish Highlands present a dramatic landscape during autumn, with misty breaths and an array of lochs and forest trails to explore. Highlights include spotting red deer stags during rutting season, salmon leaping upstream, and leisurely walks through ancient pine and birch woods. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway offers stunning views, and cozy pubs such as The Old Bridge Inn provide warm retreats.

Kyoto and Nara, Japan: While Kyoto is associated with spring, it is also a celebrated destination for autumn leaf-viewing. Red and gold maples and golden ginkgo trees create a vibrant backdrop, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C. Must-visit sites include Tofukuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera, both beautifully framed by fiery Japanese maples. Nara offers wild sika deer in the park, and Ukimido Pavilion and Kasuga-taisha Shrine provide picturesque autumnal reflections.

Reykjavik, Iceland: September to November is an ideal time to visit Reykjavik, with fewer tourists, moderate temperatures, and cheaper accommodation. The autumn equinox enhances aurora activity, and clear skies offer excellent Northern Lights views. Outdoor activities such as mushroom and berry picking around Heidmork Nature Reserve, hiking at Helgafell, or horseback riding are popular. The Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park also offer unique experiences during this season.

Black Sea region, Turkey: For a classic autumn experience, Istanbul serves as the starting point for a journey to Turkey's vast and ancient landscapes. Yedigoller National Park, located halfway between Istanbul and Ankara, showcases its most colorful moments between mid-October and early November. Lake Abant boasts a vibrant gold-and-copper palette, and surrounding areas such as Artvin, Kastamonu, and Savsat offer beautiful views of old villages and rolling hills as the first snows appear on the surrounding mountaintops.