The dog days of summer are over. But despite the chill in the air, there’s no need to be downhearted. Autumn is the most spectacular season, a last hurrah before the bitter winds of winter take hold.

Pull on your walking boots and head to one of these stunning destinations to witness glorious autumn colour.

Autumn in Japan is every bit as stunning as the short-lived haname cherry blossom season in spring. Kouyou (autumn leaves) can be seen across the country, starting in the northern island of Hokkaidō and spreading quickly south from the end of September.

The ancient capital of Nara, a short train ride from Kyoto, makes a wonderful viewing spot. Its vast park is awash with colour, with sensational views of red, gold and yellow leaves along the paths up to Tamukeyama shrine in its northeast corner.

Hop on board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train this autumn and you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful fall foliage on the planet.

The ride sets off from Sault Ste Marie on the Canada–USA border, covering 114 miles of unspoilt country that looks at its best as the days begin to close in. The views here inspired Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Canada’s most prominent landscape artists, throughout the early 20th century.

You’ll need to be quick though, as the leaves peak for a brief period around the end of September and beginning of October.

This ancient woodland in Gloucestershire was once used as a royal hunting ground; its trees were used to make Tudor warships. Today, it’s the perfect spot for the prosaic sport of ‘leaf peeping’.

The mix of oak, beech and sweet chestnut provides a riot of yellow and gold. The forest can be easily covered on foot or bike. Keep an eye out for the wild boar that have called it home since 2006.

Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is arguably the best place in China for seeing autumn in all its glory.

The range’s vertiginous peaks are covered in trees that turn a beautiful, bright red throughout October, with crowds flocking from Běijīng and Shànghǎi to take pictures.

Its renowned wispy clouds give it a particularly ethereal, Chinese atmosphere. Head here at sunrise to see the foliage at its very best.