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What to Wear in Scotland during the month of October?

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What to Wear in Scotland during the month of October?

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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 05:16 PM
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What to Wear in Scotland during the month of October?

I'm going to Scotland in October and I need help in figuring out what is the best attire to wear while I'm there.

I've been reading all over the internet and I think I've only made myself more confused.

I was thinking of taking my leather 3/4 length trench coat. This coat has worked well for me on my trips to Chicago, IL and Salt lake City, Utah. I usually layer my clothing when I wear this coat in order to avoid wearing a bulky winter coat. This has worked well for me in the past...but I'm not sure if this will work for Scotland in October. I've read the historical weather conditions and it appears that it's likely that it will be raining nearly everyday.

So, should I buy a rain coat? Or will a durable leather trench coat work?? Also, the tour I'm going to be on will require some walking so a good pair of hiking boots?

Help help... all ideas will be welcomed!!
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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 05:36 PM
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leather coat should be plenty as long as you have layers under it. But it won;t work for hiking and I would take hiking boots only if that what you;ll be doing, if you are doing mostly cities and villages I would just wear a pair of comfy waling shoes - waterproofed - and a pair of low but comfy and stylish booties. you definitely need 2 pair since one may not dry out overnight.
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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 06:37 PM
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I think it's more important to be waterproof - warmth will get you nowhere if you get wet. We went to Scotland in late September last year and experienced everything from warm, sunny weather to frigid rain with blowing winds. We wore multiple layers with good quality mid-length raincoats that worked well for hiking on the moors but also looked nice enough to wear out to dinner. I'd be a little worried about having only a leather coat if you are planning to be outside a lot.

I brought 2 pairs of shoes - heavy-duty waterproof cross-trainers for walking and light hiking, and a lightweight pair of leather slip-ons for going out to dinner.

I should mention that our trip was 9 days, we were traveling with a 3-year-old, and we still managed to fly carry-on only.
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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 10:12 PM
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<i>I've read the historical weather conditions and it appears that it's likely that it will be raining nearly everyday. </i>

Oh God.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-oct.cfm?29
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Old Jun 13th, 2012, 10:49 PM
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Given that you are a brand new poster this month, and....

I would suggest that you stick strictly with chicken feathers, draped everywhere around your body.

I believe that will help to waterproof you.

If you feel like clucking or laying an egg, so be it.
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 04:34 AM
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hausfrau-We're (husband and I) going to Scotland in Oct.,will be there 7 days, and are planning on taking only carryons. It's very reassuring and comforting to read that carryons did the job for you and family. So glad you posted.
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 07:12 AM
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Thanks guys between your responses here and from link provided by alanRow I think I have an idea of what I sure wear.

The tour group has scheduled lots of castles and gardens as part the sightseeing package. Starting from Edinburgh all the up to the highlands and then ending in Glasgow.

Regarding how much walking or light trekking there will be some definitely involved. I am an amateur photographer and I would love to record some of Scotland's beauty. So, I intend to go off the beat and paths to get some photographs for my portfolio.

One other question:

What about money exchange is it easier to do it here (in the U.S.)or just wait until I arrive there (Edinburgh)?


Only 112 days for my trip!!
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 07:38 AM
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Really don't bring a leather coat. Most folk here in October would layer with a fleece and a Gore-tex (assuming you don't need to be posh.

Use your credit or debit card at ATMs - I won't try to teach you which will fee you less, but Americans will no doubt help. Don't change and carry more than you need at a time.

Rethinking first answer; it's appropriate at the beginning of the month. By the end it COULD be really cold. So bring more layers (it might not be, but.)
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 09:20 AM
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<i>Given that you are a brand new poster this month, and....</i>

What's your infatuation with pointing out new posters? (This isn't the only thread). Your response wasn't helpful nor called for.
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Old Jun 14th, 2012, 09:24 AM
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Now, back to the question at hand. I'd agree with others. We prefer layers (fleece + waterproof outer) to handle the variability. Our windbreakers weren't up to the task so we did buy proper waterproofs.

I wouldn't want a long coat, but that's me (and family).
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Old Jun 15th, 2012, 07:07 PM
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"<i>What about money exchange is it easier to do it here (in the U.S.)or just wait until I arrive there (Edinburgh)? </i>

Don't 'exchange' money <u>anywhere</u>. Use your ATM/debit card to get £ as you need it.

I personally wouldn't take a leather coat. My preference at that time of year is a rain coat (long-ish or short) w/ a zip out liner. Then you are ready for anything.
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