Cornwall in autumn suddenly seems to slow down and make time to enjoy its cultural festivals and natural beauty. The summer sun tends to linger in this southwest corner of England making it a pleasant time for surfing in seas that are still warm and slightly more challenging.
When you are driving around the villages of Cornwall, don't be surprised to suddenly be confronted with Aunt Sally steering a plough through someone's garden or straw-stuffed figures attempting to scale walls and roofs.
This is the silly season in Cornwall and many villages take part in the annual scarecrow festival. All kinds of turnip-faced figures can be seen greeting strangers to the neighbourhood. Some wags even place scarecrow policemen complete with speed guns to slow down speeding motorists, at least for a week or two!
Those wanting to combine a bracing walk with opportunities for great photographs should head to Golitha Falls near St Breward or Rocky Valley and St Nectan's Glen on the north coast near Tintagel. The golden hues of ancient oak woods are a breathtaking sight. Secluded beaches are home to basking seals and native birds return to local woods and estuaries.
Tehidy Country Park near Camborne is the largest area of woodland in Cornwall and has two trails for varying abilities. The woods are particularly lovely in autumn and as the trees begin to shed their leaves it is easier to spot the resident wildlife.
Cardinham Woods has a mixture of trails winding past former silver mines, old earthworks and trickling streams. It has stunning views across Bodmin Moor and the village of Cardinham is a treat with its historic church, Cornish crosses and ancient castle ruins.
Hardly a weekend goes by without some kind of local festival in Cornwall. One of the best cultural events at the end of August is the Newlyn Fish Festival which includes cooking demonstrations with shellfish, gig racing and the chance to learn more about the Penlee Lifeboat.
It is swiftly followed by the Newlyn Arts Festival which celebrates theatrical and musical events along with literature and poetry in early September. Looe Music Festival kicks off with a vibrant procession of music and the event includes every musical style from rock and jazz to Cornish choirs and an award-winning steel band.
Newquay hosts the Cornwall Film Festival at the newly opened Lighthouse Cinema in early November before thoughts turn to Christmas lights, Victorian fairs and other seasonal events.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.