Taking Summer into September

September is the month where I start feeling excited about autumn, but at the same time don’t want to let go on the summer activities I’ve been enjoying. So I tend to try and make it a bit of a transitional month.

If you feel the same way, here are some things I’m holding on to from summer, and allowing back in for autumn:

Hanging on to

Sitting outside

In summer it’s very common for us to have lunch or at least a coffee or tea outside, serving as a nice break from our screens. As long as it’s not pouring with rain, there’s no reason why this can’t continue through September and beyond, with the addition of a cosy jumper.

Water activities

Water-based fun doesn’t always need to end with the summer. With appropriate safety measures, a sunny September day is still a great opportunity for a paddle in a nearby loch, and canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed all year round.

Picnics

Picnics can still be a great weekend activity, even in September! Just pack a couple of extra blankets and a flask with a hot drink or soup inside, instead of the cans of juice. You may also look at having it somewhere with benches instead of sitting in the ground, especially if you don’t have a blanket with a waterproof backing.

Allowing back in

Blackberry picking

A favourite September activity, you can’t beat the taste of a crumble or jam made using fruit you’ve picked yourself. Another favourite is picking sloes for sloe gin. (As with all wild food foraging, do be certain of your identification before eating anything you’ve picked.)

Watch the sunset

In summer the sunset is too late at night to make sitting and watching it feasible, but as soon as we hot September, that changes. Why not make it a goal to walk or drive to a scenic location and watch the sunset at least once this month?

Hot chocolates and chai

A hot chocolate or a chai latte in a cosy local cafe is an activity that makes autumn feel like a warm hug. Perthshire has an abundance of independent choices, each with their own character, and you can feel good about supporting them too.