1. For a walk through the wilder side of Turkey
Try: The Eco Trails, Mugla Province
Opened late 2018, this new network of trails winds around the towns of Koycegiz, Ortaca and Dalaman in the southwest region of Turkey, roughly an hour from Istanbul. Each trail was mapped by local resident Murat Demirci, with GPS markers and routing signs, for tourists to experience the area’s untouched natural beauty and rich ecosystem. The trails offer 470km of hiking and 700km of biking. Take in glassy lagoons, peaceful forests, thriving wetlands and notable sights such as Iztuzu Beach and the Dalyan delta.
Wear: Leather boots by Ermenegildo Zegna
This bold calfskin boot features rubber lug soles with deep indentations for added grip and increased stability
2. For a close-up of fall in New York State
Try: Mount Arab Trail, Adirondack Park
Located around five hours outside of New York City and surrounded by a million hectares of state-owned forest preserve, this is one of best places in the country to see the fall foliage. The trail is a family-friendly, 3km trek, with a range of picnic spots and some great views from its fire tower lookout. Hikers should visit in mid-October when the leaves of deciduous trees transform into an intense red and purple panorama.
Bring: Ultravid 8×32 HD Plus binoculars by Leica
Special SCHOTT HT glasses grant increased light transmission for better colour and crisp twilight vision
3. For a time for celebration in Japan
Try: Mount Mitake, Chichibu Tama Kai National Park
Easily accessible from Tokyo, this one-day hike allows you to witness a vibrant blaze of ginkgo and maple leaves along with historic shrines. Time your arrival between 19 October and 24 November, and you’ll be there for the Mount Mitake Autumn Leaves Festival. It features the Sky Violin Concert, a Tenku Geisha Night and the Sky Ninja House, where you can watch real-life ninjas training.
Wear: Overseas Chronograph in steel with rubber strap by Vacheron Constantin
Lumed dials and hands allow you to accurately read the time even in low-light situations
4. To stay dry in the forests of Seattle
Try: Skyomish Valley Overlook, Wallace Falls State Park
Just an hour’s drive out of Seattle, this is one of the most popular trails in the Washington area. But don’t let the possibility of inclement weather deter you – it’ll make it the perfect time to take in the serene tranquillity of this state park. Explore numerous waterfalls and backcountry lakes, coniferous forests and historic logging relics along the 5.3km trail. Upon reaching the Middle Falls, take a moment to stop and appreciate the grandeur of the Skykomish River valley, made otherworldly with the Olympic Mountains looming far over the horizon.
Wear: Women’s Puffer jacket by 2 Moncler 1952 + Valextra
Down quilted in nylon protects you from inclement weather, while the detachable sleeves help you adapt to changing seasons.
5. To seek some shade in the Australian bush
Try: Wiilman Bilya Trail, Wellington National Park
Experience the best of Western Australia’s great wilderness, including the native eucalypt forests, in this new trail opened this year. Located just over 150km south of Perth, this one-day bush walk winds through forests and unique granite outcrops. The latter act as micro-habitats for native plants and a seasonal refuge for animals, such as the western ringtail possum, quokka and cockatoo.
Wear: South Side spectacles with clip-on lens by Gentle Monster
A fully acetate frame ensures a high level of durability, perfect for a rugged lifestyle
6. To pack smart for an Italian stroll
Try: Sentiero Azzurro, Cinque Terre
From picturesque harbours to traditional eateries specialising in fresh seafood, experience a romantic getaway hiking through the seaside villages of northwest Italy. Sentiero Azzurro – also known as the “Blue Path” – stretches for 12km along the cliffside. The walk can be divided over a couple days and offers beautiful varieties of Aleppo pine, oak and euphorbia, plus views of crystal blue waters. Fall also marks the grape harvest, perfect for wine-lovers.
Carry: Re-Nylon backpack by Prada
Recovered ghost nets are repurposed into ECONYL yarn to make this stylish carrier from the Italian brand
Styling by Ong Weisheng
SEE ALSO: Street encounters: Vietnamese fashion in Hanoi
This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine