Summer doesn't have to end when the kids go back to school, or when ski wear starts to replace swim wear on the shop shelves! In fact, a greater number of Headwater customers choose to travel in September/ October rather than in peak season: airports are less busy, roads less crowded, prices are cheaper and hoteliers have more time for you. And of course, if you choose carefully, you can benefit from lovely temperate climates - perfect for gentle cycling - well into autumn and beyond.

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If you fancy the idea of travelling in September, then perhaps consider our Heart of Provence cycling holiday. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Provence is perfect for cycling with lovely unspoilt routes taking you through vineyards, woodlands and up to pretty perched villages with the most amazing views.

Italy's Piedmont region lies to the southeast of Provence, and our Gastronomic Barolo cycling holiday is a perfect fusion of truly undiscovered, yet highly sophisticated Italy. With long sunny days stretching out into autumn, it's a firm favourite for September/ October guests.

For a cycling holiday by the sea, we'd suggest the Contrasts of Catalunya. Here, you follow an oval loop taking you through sun-drenched mediaeval villages, upmarket fishing ports and the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. Departs every two days until 24 Oct.

The south west corner of Portugal is too hot for high season activity holidays, but is perfect for gentle pedalling from mid September until mid November. Customers following the Contrasts of Portugal route will enjoy gloriously easy cycling along coastal paths, country trails and through tiny white villages untouched by tourism. The accommodation throughout is in exquisite boutique hotels run by some of the friendliest people we've ever met.

For a winter cycling holiday we'd recommend the islands of Gozo or Cyprus. Our Highlights of Gozo holiday will appeal to people looking for exceptionally easy cycling by day, combined with luxury hotels - 4-star and 5-star levels throughout - in the evenings. If you want a more challenging choice, then the Secrets of Cyprus route takes you up through pretty hill villages (great views as far as Turkey on a clear day) as you discover a side of this country few tourists ever see. Fantastic bird spotting opportunities too.