It’s coming up to that time of year again when the clocks change, this time going back and blessing us with an extra hour in bed. Whilst darker evenings are a by-product of Daylight Saving Time, the lighter mornings really are a bonus and we for one believe that everyone should make the most of them. So here you have four ways to spend your extra hour of morning light this autumn. Come on, let’s get up and at ‘em!

Daylight Savings Time (DST) was first introduced in 1916 in an attempt to save fuel, in particular coal and candles, during World War One. But the campaign to use British Summer Time (BST) started long before that in 1907. It was the brainchild of a British builder called William Willett from Kent, who wanted the nation to get the most out of the daylight hours during the summer and save vital fuel.

DST has remained in place since 1916 and this year, the clocks will go back an hour at 2am on Sunday 31 October 2021, marking the end of BST as the UK returns to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

So now we have, for a while at least, an extra hour of daylight to enjoy in the mornings. So why not make the most of it? Winter will soon be upon us and the days will be getting ever shorter, so while we can, should we not embrace the lighter mornings? Here are some ideas to inspire you to set your alarm an hour earlier this autumn.

1. Watch the sunrise

There’s something truly magical about watching a fresh new day begin. Check your weather app to see what time the sun comes up, and set your alarm.

As you watch the sun peek above the horizon and the skies fill with a rich kaleidoscope of colours, you’re sure to be filled with a sense of joy. For the most spectacular hues, you’ll need just the right weather conditions. High pressure and light winds are what you’re looking for.

Choose somewhere that will give you the clearest view possible. The top of a hill, a beach or river, or an open meadow are usually the best spots. Check your compass and orientate yourself east, and prepare to be amazed.

2. Catch the unofficial dawn chorus

The official dawn chorus, the sweet and glorious harmony of birdsong that marks the start of the mating season in bird land, takes place between March and July. But if you get up early enough outside this window, you could still be treated to a marvellous melody.

Choose a day with fine, clear weather and low wind. The dawn chorus tends to peak around half an hour before to half an hour after sunrise. With the air still and the background noise low, birdsong can carry up to 20 times further than it would later in the day.

Anywhere there are plenty of trees is a great place to position yourself for the orchestral performance. A nature reserve, woodland or park is perfect.

3. Go on a crisp early morning walk or cycle ride

Yes, our autumn mornings can be a little biting, but that just makes you feel even more invigorated.

An early morning walk or cycle ride when there’s hardly anyone else about can be such a peaceful experience. Head for the woods and relive your childhood with a crunch through the leaves, or take the opportunity to do a bit of fungi spotting.

Early mornings are great times to spot wildlife such as wild deer, foxes and badgers, and the scene as the low autumn sunlight drizzles eerily through the canopies of the trees is nothing short of enchanting.

4. Cook breakfast outside

Well, why not?! Get up early, set up a camping stove in the garden, and get some munch on the go. If you’re missing the great outdoors and haven’t been able to get out and set up your tent for a while, this is something that will take you right back to that special feeling.

It’s a great way to get the family up too. Who can resist that aroma of a freshly cooked one-pot English breakfast? Hearty hash or traditional bacon and egg, there’s plenty you can cook outside that will tempt the taste buds.

A Dutch oven is a great investment if you cook outside on a regular basis. Bake, roast, brown, sear, broil or deep fry with the greatest of ease. Check out our pick of tasty Dutch oven recipes for a dash of inspiration.

Ready to get outdoors this autumn?

Autumn is an invigorating and inspirational time to get outdoors. Make the most of your extra hour of daylight as the clocks go back this year, and you’ll thank yourself once the winter comes.