Short Walk from Clyro, Radnorshire, Powys, Wales

 

There is a fine walk from the village of Clyro up through Pen-y-lan Wood towards Great Gwernfythen farm, where you can join a country lane back to the village. As you work your way through the trees north west of Clyro, you follow the soothing Clyro Brook for a short stretch. The round trip is only about three kilometres, but there is a fair bit of climbing. Your reward is sweeping views of Hay-on-Wye and the Hay Bluff, on the edge of the Black Mountains.

Hike from Kobarid to Tonocov Grad, the Upper Soča Valley, Slovenia

 

A 7km round trip from Kobarid, the vigorous hike up to the ancient settlement of Tonocov Grad takes you through the forested hills of the Upper Soča Valley. Dating from the 5th Century, Tonocov Grad, perched on a 400 metre high hill, is well placed for sweeping views across the valleys below. For the return leg, you can follow one of the trails or minor roads that hug the scenic Soča river, taking in the remains of WW1 fortifications as you go.

Walking around Lake Bled, Slovenia

Although it is the poster child of the Slovenian tourist industry, Lake Bled isn't particularly busy in September. In fact, sections of the 6km circuit can be serene, with sweeping views of the glacial lake and its fairytale island, complete with handsome church reached via a grand stone staircase. On your way round, you'll pass several impressive mansion houses, well-placed benches, boardwalks and jetties, where you can sunbathe.  

Hike up to the Savica Waterfall, near Bohinj, Slovenia

 

You can hike up to the Savica waterfall (entrance fee €3) from Lake Bohinj along a well maintained trail in about an hour. The viewing platform can be a tad crowded, and the waterfall itself can be underwhelming in late summer, even though it splits into two during its 78 metre descent.

Vintgar Gorge Walk, near Lake Bled, Slovenia

 

Lined with wooden board walks, the 1.6km Vintgar Gorge is a very scenic stretch of the Radovna River, complete with waterfalls, pools and white water rapids. If you are coming from Lake Bled, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the gorge and then the entry ticket is about €10 per adult (unless you have bought a local attractions/green transport card). But it is well worth the hassle and the expense, particularly if you visit outside the high season when it isn't too busy. At the end of the boardwalks, it is short path to the 13 metre Šum river waterfall. From this point, you can hike the picturesque 5km or so back to Bled, following a trail through an atmospheric wooded hill top and then down minor roads back towards the lakeside town.

Mostnica Gorge, near Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

The captivating walk through the Mostnica Gorge and into the Voje Valley (and back again) is both varied and enjoyable. You have to pay a small fee (a few euros) to enter the gorge, but it is well worth it to take the footpaths that undulate alongside this enchanting river. If you do the whole thing (starting from Stara Fužina), it could take about five hours of walking, but you can turn around whenever you please and perhaps enjoy a bargain beer at the well-situated bar at the end of the gorge.  In September, at least, the trails are pleasingly empty.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Much quieter and more mysterious than Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj can be almost as picturesque, particularly in the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. Starting at the pretty church on the edge of Ribčev Laz, you can walk 7km round the northern shore on wooded trails before catching the quaint passenger boat back from Ukanc, thereby avoiding walking the road along the southern shore. In the sunshine, this is a truly uplifting excursion.

Walk around Mönchsberg, Salzburg, Austria

The high ground north west of Salzburg's striking fortress is known as the Mönchsberg. Mostly given over to parks and woodland, the area is perfect for a 5-8 km hike from which you can survey the city, the river and the mountains in nearby Germany. Dotted with historic mansions, fortifications and elevated vantage points, the Mönchsberg attracts locals and tourists alike, but still feels peaceful in September. 

Nonnberggasse-Festungsgasse, Salzburg, Austria

 

Arcing around Salzburg castle above, cobbled Nonnberggasse and Festungsgasse lead into each other and provide fine views over the rooftops of the historic buildings in the heart of the city.

Walking in Marden Park, near Woldingham, Surrey

 

Just south of Woldingham Station, a number of scenic circular walks climb up into the North Downs overlooking Woldingham School. You pass through patches of woodland that were once part of Marden Park Manor. William Wilberforce, campaigner for the abolition of slavery, lived here towards the end of the 18th century.

Walks around L' Avenc de Tavertet, Catalonia

Renovated by the commentator and politician Matthew Parris and his family, L' Avenc de Tavertet is a sixteenth century manor house set on a stunning escarpment. To get up to the two small car parks north of the big house, you need to take some tortuous country roads, complete with potholes and steep gradients. Alternatively, you could cycle here or hike part of the long-distance GR-151 route, which traverses the crags of L'Avenc. In any case, it is well worth the effort for the far-reaching views from what feels like the roof of the world. There are some trails that work their way through the undulating forest behind the house. Although the signs are intermittent, you should be able to find your way back to the cliff edge.

Walk up to Odyseas Elytis, Ios, Greece

 

The 360 degree views of Ios are the main reason to hike up to the (modern) amphitheater, known as Odyseas Elytis, overlooking the main town. From the top of the hill, you can take in the trio of churches perched above the white washed alleyways of the Chora, the islands in the distance and even part of the golden sand on Mylopotas beach. On the way up, you will pass a series of dilapidated windmills, as well as a derelict stone tower - nods to Ios' long history. For the best vantage point, be sure to climb up on to the roof terrace of the strange cuboid building at the top.

Panagia Gremiotissa, Ios, Greece

If you work your way upwards through the white-washed alleyways of Ios Chora, you will soon find the path climbing up to the serene eighteenth century Church Panagia Gremiotissa. Catch your breath and admire the view from the shady flagstone courtyard before taking the steps up to trio of chapels overlooking the church. From the highest chapel, you'll have commanding views across the town, the harbour and the terrace hills of Ios. You should be able to make out the ruins of the Bronze age settlement of Skarkou in the distance. Best to do this walk in the morning (when it is cooler) or in the evening to catch the sunset (potentially with dozens of others).

Walk from Kardamyli towards the Vyros Gorge, The Peloponnese, Greece

From old Kardamyli, a surprisingly broad stone path climbs steeply up into the hills and towards the Vyros Gorge. After some fairly strenuous hiking, you'll reach a flattish stretch that runs along the edge of the gorge. From this path, you can cut back up a short sharp climb up to the brooding stone church of Agia Sophia, which sits on a high rocky outcrop with views over the coastline. When you return to the gorge itself, you should be able to make out the sixteenth century monastery of Lykaki, surrounded by cypress trees, in the distance. In the height of summer, when there is no water in the gorge and relatively little shade, this flat stretch might be as far as you get before heading back to Kardamyli. But even in August, the countryside is green enough and dramatic enough to make this a very rewarding walk.

Riverside Walk from Pont de Loup, Alpes-Maritimes, France

If you follow the verdant riverside path north from the hamlet of Pont du Loup, overshadowed by the remains of the bridge, you should soon find a secluded spot where you can use the rocks to dip in and out of the cool clean water. Overlooking cascades and some small stretches of white water, the path climbs through the trees eventually reaching a narrow green iron footbridge straddling the Loup below. If you turn back here, the round trip is probably about 3km. A very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

The Quai des Etats-Unis, Nice

 

With plenty of space for pedestrians and a coastal breeze, Nice's seafront is a pleasant place for a stroll. Instagrammers might want to wander up to the "I Love Nice" sign for a photo-op. 

Walk up to Colline du Château, Nice, France

It is well worth scaling the 400 or so steps from Nice's sea front up to the Colline du Château. Although there is an elderly and free lift, the stone steps offer different vantage points from which to survey the city rooftops and the Mediterranean. From here, you'll see the clear delineation between Nice's medieval old town and its nineteenth century boulevards and squares. As you take in the view, the odd passenger jet is likely to be descending towards the coastal airport just west of the city. Once you reach the top (90 metres above sea level), you'll find a shady green park incorporating the ruins of the castle (demolished at the beginning of the eighteenth century), several cemeteries and various mosaics depicting classical scenes at your feet. As well as providing sweeping views of the hills around Nice, the castle is a fine spot from which to survey the yachts in Nice's sheltered harbour on the other side of the hill.

Belair Park, Dulwich South London

Built in 1875, Belair House gleams in the early evening sunshine. The "country villa" is grade II listed.

Farthing Downs, Coulsdon, Surrey

 An expansive stretch of elevated chalk grassland with distant views of the City of London, Farthing Downs is an uplifting place for a cycle or a stroll during the lockdown. The car park is closed.

Autumn in Dulwich, South London

Dulwich College