Autumn is just the best isn’t it what with those striking reds, warm oranges and bright yellows to admire while enjoying the great outdoors. Don’t get me wrong this time of year is always busy with work, the build-up to POD’s birthday and Christmas but blowing away those cobwebs is a must. Fresh air is the best tonic and we’ve relished feeling the breeze on our cheeks even if it has become a little chillier recently.
We’ve made it to a few of our favourite National Trust places recently including Winkworth Arboretum (which is even more beautiful than usual at this time of year) and the River Wey and Godalming Navigations – great for walking or cycling. Plus we’ve squeezed in visits to RHS Wisley, Painshill Park and the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Whitmoor and Rickford Commons.
There have been so many glorious photos shared in the #UKExplore on Instagram this past month and we’re certainly clinging onto autumn with our top nine! If you’ve not come across it before, the #UKExplore community is focused on outdoor adventures and special places – every month we give away a National Trust day pass. Your photograph doesn’t have to be an image from one of the 534 National Trust properties (although you already know we adore them!), we want to see your ‘off the beaten track’ spots, too.
Your photograph could be the most marvellous of meadows, the perfect place for a picnic, the loveliest lake for skimming stones, or rambling routes for running along. Wherever and whenever you’re out exploring, simply take a photo and upload it to Instagram using the #UKexplore hashtag so we can find you. You don’t have to be a blogger either, anyone can join in and be in with a chance to win a prize.
The #UKexplore community is co-hosted by Karen from Mini Travellers (& Fuelled by Latte) and myself. If we’re not following each other on Instagram, do give us both a nudge – you’ll find me here and Karen here. These are just a few of my favourite images from the last month. Make sure you head over to Mini Travellers to see Karen’s winner and her best #UKexplore photographs too.
Top left to right: The Dots and Me, Stourhead Love, Jo Penhaligon
Middle left to right: Julian Paynter, Piccolo Explorer, Heart of the Image Photography
Bottom left to right: Hearth and Hound, Lee James Kershaw, Dance with wild flowers
My winner this month, however, is Jenny Seaves who wins a Day’s Family Pass to a National Trust property for this beautiful capture. Well done and thank you so much to the National Trust for providing the prize.
Do click on the links above so you can follow these folk on Instagram. We look forward to hearing about all your adventures next month.
Terms & Conditions
1. Please only submit (on Instagram) your own photos.
2. Add the #UKexplore hashtag.
3. The challenge runs from 00.00 on the first of the month to 23.59 on the last day of the month.
4. Only photographs uploaded during those times are eligible for that month’s competition.
5. Winners will be announced on Mini Travellers and PODcast on the second day of the following month and will be notified on Instagram.
6. Winners have 28 days to provide their address in order to receive their National Trust Family Admission Day Pass (exclusions apply and can be made available upon request). The pass can be used by up to 1 adult and 3 children, or up to 2 adults and 2 children for one day only. There is no cash alternative.
7. Including the #UKexplore hashtag indicates approval for the images to be posted on Mini Travellers and PODcast, and the corresponding social media channels.
8. The judges’ decision is final.
