Feeling down because summer is coming to an end? Have no fear, Macs is here! Read on for our round-up of our favourite places to walk in September. In many places, this month is more temperate and less busy than the summer months and so is the perfect time for a walking adventure.

1. Provence

Provence is beautiful throughout the year, but it can be uncomfortably hot at times. Things cool down a bit in September, so this is a great month to explore this wonderful French region. Provence boasts countless charming villages, impressive mountains, such as Mont Ventoux of Tour de France fame, and impeccable cuisine.

Speaking of which, in the last weekend in September, the entirety of France celebrates its culinary heritage with the Fête de la Gastromonie, or Food Festival. Events such as banquets and picnics take place across the country, so this is the perfect time for foodies to visit France.

For those who love wine, our Provence: Walking and Wine tour is the perfect blend of activity, culture and alcohol.

2. West Highland Way

September is a fantastic time to walk the West Highland Way: the midge season is largely over and the changing seasons set the landscape ablaze with vivid autumnal colours. In early September you can also catch the end of the heather season, when shades of purple blanket the countryside.

This month is a great one for athletes on the West Highland Way: Fort William plays host to the Ben Nevis race, where around 500 runners storm up Britain's highest mountain in the shortest time possible, and the Ben Nevis Marathon, a 64 km (40 miles) ultra race.

If you're interested in tackling the West Highland at a more reasonable pace, check out our walking itineraries.

3. China

As China sees in the autumn, the temperature descends pleasantly and the rain becomes much less frequent, making it ideal walking weather. The Moon Festival, also known as the mid-Autumn festival, takes place in late September throughout China.

This celebration marks the time of year when the moon is brightest and fullest and is the second most important Chinese festival of the year, after the Spring Festival. With the summer holidays over, everything is much less busy, and now is a great time to enjoy some of the tourist sites without feeling like cattle. 

4. Camino Frances

This route, known in English as the French Way, is the most popular section of the Camino de Santiago, and runs from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port near the French Pyrenees all the way through Spain to Santiago de Compostela on the west coast. The Camino Frances passes through Logroño in northern Spain, which celebrates the Rioja wine harvest in September.

The town comes alive during this time, with music, parades, bull-running and, of course, lots of grape crushing and wine drinking! If you want to take on the Camino, whether that be the full thing or a section, we can tailor make your trip to suit you.

Check out our website to see our range of Camino adventures.

5. Romantic Road, Germany

This route offers an adventure which will take you through Germany's rich and fascinating history. Explore a 15 million year old meteorite crater, follow an ancient Roman trade route, pass medieval villages and renaissance towns, with baroque churches and gothic castles. Known as Romantischestraße in German, the road passes rolling hills and sweeping valleys, with abundant flora and fauna on the way.

The entire road spans 355km (220 miles) but at Macs we offer a more manageable 7 day itinerary, covering some of the highlights of this popular long distance trail. In September, beer lovers can even take a two-hour train from the end of your walk at Nordlingen to Munich, to take a well-deserved visit to Oktoberfest, which deceptively starts on 19th September.   For more information on this adventure, check out our Romantic Road page.

6. Croatia

With an average temperature of 19°C, Croatia in September offers perfect walking conditions. In recent years, Croatia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, but by the end of summer the crowds start to disperse and you can enjoy a more peaceful adventure.

Croatia has something for everyone: magnificent cities, such as Dubrovnik, encircled in great medieval walls; wine producing regions where you can taste the fruits of the local vineyards; and stunning coastlines with turquoise waters and beaches. 

Macs offers a range of Croatian adventures, including this Dubrovnik, Vineyards and the Dalmatian Coast trip, on which you can experience some of the best food, views and history that Croatia has to offer. For more inspiration or advice on where to walk in September, or any other month for that matter, please feel free to get in touch with our Destination Specialists by emailing info@macsadventure.com or check out our website to view our full range of walking holidays.