Bad weather alternatives in Scotland
Mar 13th, 2006 | 09:14 AM
#1
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Bad weather alternatives in Scotland
Hello - I leave on March 23rd for Dalkeith, Scotland as this is when my son has his spring break there. I posted eariler about an itinerary and feel pretty good about the plans. We will stay for 2 nights with my son at the Dalkeith Castle and then head north to the area around Inverness - staying in Beauly or somewhere around there. The following day we are planning on going to Skye for 2 nights. Then returning toward Dalkeith we will probably stay someplace around Glenco. Last night in bed I started to panic. The weather in Scotland has been pretty wet and cold lately and I checked the 10 day forecast and it doesn't look like it is getting any better. Right now where I live in WI we are having a blizzard and I am in a funk I guess. What would be some alternatives to do in Scotland if the weather is really cold and wet? We are planning on seeing castles, and the beautiful scenery and anything of interest that catches our eyes as we drive along. We were planning on some hikes and things along that line - but this might not work out. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks - Patti
Mar 13th, 2006 | 09:26 AM
#2
Joined: Oct 2005
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"<i>but this might not work out</i>"
Sure it will - don't fret so much. The castles and places of interest will still all be there whether it is raining or not.
As long as you have 1) warm socks, 2) sturdy shoes, and 3) something waterproof you will be fine. If it is truly too nasty to drive, pull into a nice pub and sit by the fire and have a hot lunch.
If bad weather kept folks from doing things they'd never go to Scotland -- or Seattle for that matter.
Sure it will - don't fret so much. The castles and places of interest will still all be there whether it is raining or not.
As long as you have 1) warm socks, 2) sturdy shoes, and 3) something waterproof you will be fine. If it is truly too nasty to drive, pull into a nice pub and sit by the fire and have a hot lunch.
If bad weather kept folks from doing things they'd never go to Scotland -- or Seattle for that matter.
Mar 13th, 2006 | 09:30 AM
#3
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Scotland is hardly known for being warm, sunny and dry, especially in the month of March. Just do what every other traveler to Scotland does. Bring rain gear, umbrella and boots, then carry on with the exact same plans you've already made.
Mar 13th, 2006 | 09:34 AM
#4
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Do you like Scotch?
In Inverness, you'll surely find plenty to do and get tips from the locals about interesting (dry) day trips. In the highlands, there are museums of local history here and there, many of genuine interest. I epscially liked the preserved crofter's houses at the tip of the Isle of Skye near the ruins of Duntulm castle.
But here's my best advice: When I went to Scotland (the Isle of Skye) I carried with me a full-dress hooded waterproof poncho that covered me from head to mid-calf. When I wasn't wearing it, I could jam in into it's own sack, which had a sholder strap, and sling it over my shoulder. It cost about $20 dollars and I bought it in a camping supply store. I would pay a visit to a store like that and get yourself one (and another to give to your son).
Dressed in that poncho, I hiked and walked in the rain -- and rain and chill is actually the norm in Scotland. My experience of it was that sometimes in would rain more than once in a day, puntuated by rainbows and clear skies. But even when it's sunny in Scotland, the ground underfoot is often boggy and muddy. Bring waterproof shoes and plenty of changes of warm socks.
On your way to Skye, check out Plockton, which has palm trees, so it must get more sunny days than most. But I am serious that warm pubs and coal fires, as well as boostores, bakeries and tea shops, are a good way to shake off the damp before you head out to another walk.
Scotland is a beautiful, lyrical country and my time in the Highlands, hiking and warming up with thick dark beers and scotch at twillight, was one of the most enjoyable vacations I've very had. Just be grateful you're going at a time of year when you won't have to deal with midges!
Rent yourself a copy of the movie Local Hero to watch before you go, and have a good trip.
In Inverness, you'll surely find plenty to do and get tips from the locals about interesting (dry) day trips. In the highlands, there are museums of local history here and there, many of genuine interest. I epscially liked the preserved crofter's houses at the tip of the Isle of Skye near the ruins of Duntulm castle.
But here's my best advice: When I went to Scotland (the Isle of Skye) I carried with me a full-dress hooded waterproof poncho that covered me from head to mid-calf. When I wasn't wearing it, I could jam in into it's own sack, which had a sholder strap, and sling it over my shoulder. It cost about $20 dollars and I bought it in a camping supply store. I would pay a visit to a store like that and get yourself one (and another to give to your son).
Dressed in that poncho, I hiked and walked in the rain -- and rain and chill is actually the norm in Scotland. My experience of it was that sometimes in would rain more than once in a day, puntuated by rainbows and clear skies. But even when it's sunny in Scotland, the ground underfoot is often boggy and muddy. Bring waterproof shoes and plenty of changes of warm socks.
On your way to Skye, check out Plockton, which has palm trees, so it must get more sunny days than most. But I am serious that warm pubs and coal fires, as well as boostores, bakeries and tea shops, are a good way to shake off the damp before you head out to another walk.
Scotland is a beautiful, lyrical country and my time in the Highlands, hiking and warming up with thick dark beers and scotch at twillight, was one of the most enjoyable vacations I've very had. Just be grateful you're going at a time of year when you won't have to deal with midges!
Rent yourself a copy of the movie Local Hero to watch before you go, and have a good trip.
Mar 13th, 2006 | 10:07 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
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You're right that the weather is very cold and wet at the moment. A lot of the "wet" is snow and the temperature is freezing or just above. Hopefully, by the time you go, even though it's only another ten days, the weather will be a little warmer.
Janis talked about warm socks and sturdy shoes/hiking boots. Those are essential. But if you live in Wisconsin, you already know that!
The scenery should be extra fantastic in the highlands because of the snow.
Janis talked about warm socks and sturdy shoes/hiking boots. Those are essential. But if you live in Wisconsin, you already know that!
The scenery should be extra fantastic in the highlands because of the snow.
Mar 13th, 2006 | 11:16 AM
#6
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yellowrose,
I just checked the 10 day forecast for Plockton and there are both sunny days and rainy days, with afternoon temps in the low 40s, and never dropping below freezing at night.
Portree on the Isle of Skye is just the same.
Inverness has got colder weather, with a bit of snow in the forecast. So you might keep watching and reorient yourselves toward the west coast.
"Plockton, an 18th century planned village is one of the most beautifully situated villages in Scotland. Not only is it surrounded by mountains but it also enjoys a mild climate. This mild climate can be attributed to several factors. Firstly the village can be found on the east side of a great headland protruding out of Loch Carron, and therefore enjoys a position that protects it from sea gales. Secondly, it enjoys the warm waters of the Gulf Stream which make landfall on the west coast of Scotland. Hence, the reason its pretty harbour is unexpectedly fringed with Palm trees."
I just checked the 10 day forecast for Plockton and there are both sunny days and rainy days, with afternoon temps in the low 40s, and never dropping below freezing at night.
Portree on the Isle of Skye is just the same.
Inverness has got colder weather, with a bit of snow in the forecast. So you might keep watching and reorient yourselves toward the west coast.
"Plockton, an 18th century planned village is one of the most beautifully situated villages in Scotland. Not only is it surrounded by mountains but it also enjoys a mild climate. This mild climate can be attributed to several factors. Firstly the village can be found on the east side of a great headland protruding out of Loch Carron, and therefore enjoys a position that protects it from sea gales. Secondly, it enjoys the warm waters of the Gulf Stream which make landfall on the west coast of Scotland. Hence, the reason its pretty harbour is unexpectedly fringed with Palm trees."
Mar 13th, 2006 | 11:52 AM
#7
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I just looked up Plockton on the internet. It looks like a great place. Am I right in seeing that it is very close to the Isle of Skye? Would a night there instead of Beauly be in order? Our first day was going to be leaving from Dalkeith - heading north west toward the Inverness area - Beauly - that area - but it deson't look like Plockton would be that much farther. The problem seems to be that there are just too many wonderful areas to visit in too short of time! I would love to see palm trees in Scotland! I didn't know they existed there. We have to go south a LONG ways from WI before we see any palm trees. Patti
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Mar 13th, 2006 | 01:52 PM
#9
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The saying is true- there's no such thing as bad weather; only the wrong clothes.
Might I suggest you choose the Met Office web site for your forecasts. That's what the government pays them to do, you know. It's a long time since the "hurricane? what hurricane?" event that blew down the oaks in Sevenoaks, you know
Don't trust a 10 day forecast. It's far too long and anything could happen. Having said that, the next 5 days looks pretty bowff!!
If you're staing in Portree, you don't want Plockton too- ring the changes, for heavens sakes. You'll find palm trees all over the west coats of Scotland because of the Gulf Stream. Mind you, in a month like this, they must know they took a wrong turning somewhere about the Azores
Might I suggest you choose the Met Office web site for your forecasts. That's what the government pays them to do, you know. It's a long time since the "hurricane? what hurricane?" event that blew down the oaks in Sevenoaks, you know
Don't trust a 10 day forecast. It's far too long and anything could happen. Having said that, the next 5 days looks pretty bowff!!
If you're staing in Portree, you don't want Plockton too- ring the changes, for heavens sakes. You'll find palm trees all over the west coats of Scotland because of the Gulf Stream. Mind you, in a month like this, they must know they took a wrong turning somewhere about the Azores
Mar 13th, 2006 | 04:15 PM
#10
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Thank you - I have never heard of the Met Office - but I will check it out. Sheila - I also didn't quite get what you meant about Sevenoaks? I must be out of some loop that I didn't know about. So would you recommend Portree over Plockton? Someone else recommended staying at the southern end of Skye. Is Portree a good spot for day trips to the rest of the island? I don't have a good feel for how long it takes to get around the island - I know that it isn't very large - but I have heard the roads don't allow for quick traveling. I am open to all suggestions as we don't have a firm, fixed schedule. We are really going to play it by ear. The first time that I have done this - we usually have everything planned out down to where we will spend the nights. So this is more stressful for me on one hand - but more adventuresome on the other! I checked tonight and I have already got a great poncho to take with me thanks to WalMart for $4.97, It is down to my thighs and a good material. So let the rains come!
Mar 13th, 2006 | 04:36 PM
#11
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yellowrose477,
If you see any other tourists in the highlands next week, I'd be amazed. You're not going to have any trouble getting a place to stay. And that Wal-Mart poncho sounds great.
In Skye, you will have to share the roads with the sheep. They don't move when you honk. They just stare at you. (Actually, I found that when I rolled down my window and yelled at them, they panicked and fled.)
If you look at a map of Skye, you will see that there is mainly one large road that runs up the middle, and when it gets two-thirds up, it splits and forms a loop so it kind of looks like an stringless tennis racket. That trunk road running up and down the middle is the main artery for Skye and you can zip around on it. The loop at the top is often just a one-lane road but it doesn't matter, because you'll be the only person on it most of the time.
You can see for miles in that empty part of Skye, dotted with a few guesthouses, so you'll see another car coming if there is another car, and there are regular turnouts so people can let each other pass.
I think I could drive from the Skye Bridge all the way around the upper half of Skye in 2 hours to 3 hours. It's not that big.
Portree is a nice pastel harbor town with a FANTASTIC BAKERY THAT SELLS THE BEST AND MOST BUTTERY SHORTBREAD IN THE WORLD. (Just so you know.) There is a nice and very old fashioned tavern/hotel there, but you might enjoy staying in some inns or gueshouses or B&Bs that you spot on the road. They're usually cheap and cheerful.
If you get all the way to the very top of Skye in the Trotternish, don't worry: There are two hotels up there too.
The lower half of Skye (below Sutherlin) tends to be glens and dales and more populated. Above Portree is filled with rocky crags and stone spires, razorback hills and misty views of the Outer Hebrides.
Although it is possible to take a wrong turn in Skye, you really can't get lost. Every road leads to houses or a town, where you will find some sort of hospitality and advice about where to stay.
If you are looking for Plockton on a map, it is just north of the Kyle of Localsh, which is on the eastern end of the Skye Bridge. When you are in Inverness, I'm sure the locals can give you good advice about where to go to maximize your chances of a good time and maybe even better weather.
Oh, one more thing! If you want to cut back on the time you're spending driving because of weather or whatever, you can take a train to Inverness, and then a train to the Kyle of Localsh. From there Sutherlin Garage on the Isle of Skey will come pick you and rent you a car, so the only place you would be driving in Scotlan is on Skye itself, whose population was long ago driven off the land and into the wool mills of Glasgow, so there's plenty of room on the road up there.
My ancestors came from the Highlands near Inverness-shire, and it's that side of the family that never complains. These are tough mountain people, and I'm sure you'll find their company inspiring.
If you see any other tourists in the highlands next week, I'd be amazed. You're not going to have any trouble getting a place to stay. And that Wal-Mart poncho sounds great.
In Skye, you will have to share the roads with the sheep. They don't move when you honk. They just stare at you. (Actually, I found that when I rolled down my window and yelled at them, they panicked and fled.)
If you look at a map of Skye, you will see that there is mainly one large road that runs up the middle, and when it gets two-thirds up, it splits and forms a loop so it kind of looks like an stringless tennis racket. That trunk road running up and down the middle is the main artery for Skye and you can zip around on it. The loop at the top is often just a one-lane road but it doesn't matter, because you'll be the only person on it most of the time.
You can see for miles in that empty part of Skye, dotted with a few guesthouses, so you'll see another car coming if there is another car, and there are regular turnouts so people can let each other pass.
I think I could drive from the Skye Bridge all the way around the upper half of Skye in 2 hours to 3 hours. It's not that big.
Portree is a nice pastel harbor town with a FANTASTIC BAKERY THAT SELLS THE BEST AND MOST BUTTERY SHORTBREAD IN THE WORLD. (Just so you know.) There is a nice and very old fashioned tavern/hotel there, but you might enjoy staying in some inns or gueshouses or B&Bs that you spot on the road. They're usually cheap and cheerful.
If you get all the way to the very top of Skye in the Trotternish, don't worry: There are two hotels up there too.
The lower half of Skye (below Sutherlin) tends to be glens and dales and more populated. Above Portree is filled with rocky crags and stone spires, razorback hills and misty views of the Outer Hebrides.
Although it is possible to take a wrong turn in Skye, you really can't get lost. Every road leads to houses or a town, where you will find some sort of hospitality and advice about where to stay.
If you are looking for Plockton on a map, it is just north of the Kyle of Localsh, which is on the eastern end of the Skye Bridge. When you are in Inverness, I'm sure the locals can give you good advice about where to go to maximize your chances of a good time and maybe even better weather.
Oh, one more thing! If you want to cut back on the time you're spending driving because of weather or whatever, you can take a train to Inverness, and then a train to the Kyle of Localsh. From there Sutherlin Garage on the Isle of Skey will come pick you and rent you a car, so the only place you would be driving in Scotlan is on Skye itself, whose population was long ago driven off the land and into the wool mills of Glasgow, so there's plenty of room on the road up there.
My ancestors came from the Highlands near Inverness-shire, and it's that side of the family that never complains. These are tough mountain people, and I'm sure you'll find their company inspiring.
Mar 13th, 2006 | 06:18 PM
#12
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nessundorma - I ordered a copy of Local Hero today! Never heard of it - but loooks wonderful and got great reviews on Amazon. (Our local movie store didn't have it.) I am happy to hear about the great bakery and will make sure to stop for some buttery shortbread. Will be interesting to be the only tourists in the highlands next week! We can have the place to ourselves!! You mentioned Inverness a couple of times. Most people post that it is advisable to stay away from Inverness because there isn't anything of interest there. It sounds like you enjoy Inverness. We were planning on renting a car at the Edinburgh airport so we would have more flexability. I really am not too worried about driving on the opposite side of the road - but may change my mind when I go to pull away from the airport. It is good to know about the train - I will keep that in mind when we arrive and check out the weather. Is it true that is can get extremely foggy very quickly? I am so happy to be realizing one of my lifelong dreams of visiting Scotland and walking the ground where some of my ancestors also walked. I realize that we aren't visiting at the optimal time of year - but this is when spring break is for my son and the only time he could travel with me as he will leave Dalkeith at the end of the semester to return to WI. I am sure that we will have a wonderful, memorable time - and like somebody else said - no midges.
Mar 14th, 2006 | 02:42 AM
#13
Joined: Oct 2005
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Hi yellowrose477,
Have been having some thought about your trip - but all a bit random I'm afraid. This is partly because I think you should keep your options open until nearer the time. The west coast (Skye, Plockton, Kyle etc) tends to be wetter and milder and the east coast (Inverness, Beauly etc) tends to be colder and drier.
Come prepared with suitable clothing - waterproofs, fleeces, good boots, gloves, hat, layers. etc etc and take it as you find it.
You will find that some of thecastles and visitor attractions don't open until the beginning of April or later. Cawdor Castle for example doesn't open until May. To avoid disappointment, check ahead before setting off for for indoor locations.
Have been having some thought about your trip - but all a bit random I'm afraid. This is partly because I think you should keep your options open until nearer the time. The west coast (Skye, Plockton, Kyle etc) tends to be wetter and milder and the east coast (Inverness, Beauly etc) tends to be colder and drier.
Come prepared with suitable clothing - waterproofs, fleeces, good boots, gloves, hat, layers. etc etc and take it as you find it.
You will find that some of thecastles and visitor attractions don't open until the beginning of April or later. Cawdor Castle for example doesn't open until May. To avoid disappointment, check ahead before setting off for for indoor locations.
Mar 14th, 2006 | 03:19 AM
#14
Joined: Oct 2005
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Don't know what I hit there but to continue!...........
If you stay in Beauly, check out Made In Scotland. Good examples of Scottish crafts for sale and nice restaurant. Also take a look into Campbells of Beauly. They are kiltmakers with a wonderful range of fabrics.
You could also take a tour of Moniak Wineries www.moniakcastle.co.uk. If the weather clears you could take a nice walk in Reelig Glen which is near there. Actually because it is sheltered, it is a fine walk in any weather.
From Beauly, you could take a drive around the Black Isle to Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty.
Inverness museum is worth a look on a cold rainy day. Culloden Battlefield has a good visitor centre and not much further on is Clava Cairns.
In Inverness, for a snack or a bite to eat try Leakeys Bookshop. They have a massive woodburning stove inside so good place to thaw out. Girvans at the end of the high street do good lunches and afternoon tea and cake. My favourite restaurant is the Mustard Seed and again there is a big wood burning stove in the middle of the restaurant.
On the way to Skye,Urquhart Castle (ruin) is open all year round.
Eilean Donan castle opens on the first of April but it is best viewed from a distance so that is no problem. Lochalsh Woodland Garden is another lovely sheltered walk.
Dunvegan Castle will be open on Skye but I don't think Armadale Castle and Grounds will be open. The Museum of the Isles which is in the grounds there is excellent, if it is open. 01599 534454.
Skye is delightful at any time - forget the weather.
Portree has a few lovely shops like Skye Batiks and Isle of Skye Soap Co.
Creelers restaurant in Broadford is really good. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the Three Chimneys in Colbost, near Dunvegan but you do need to book ahead even at this time of year www.threechimneys.co.uk
Take a tour of Talisker Distillery
www.discovering-distilleries.com/talisker
I think that Nessundorma is referring to Sutherland's Garage in Broadford.
If you stay in Beauly, check out Made In Scotland. Good examples of Scottish crafts for sale and nice restaurant. Also take a look into Campbells of Beauly. They are kiltmakers with a wonderful range of fabrics.
You could also take a tour of Moniak Wineries www.moniakcastle.co.uk. If the weather clears you could take a nice walk in Reelig Glen which is near there. Actually because it is sheltered, it is a fine walk in any weather.
From Beauly, you could take a drive around the Black Isle to Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty.
Inverness museum is worth a look on a cold rainy day. Culloden Battlefield has a good visitor centre and not much further on is Clava Cairns.
In Inverness, for a snack or a bite to eat try Leakeys Bookshop. They have a massive woodburning stove inside so good place to thaw out. Girvans at the end of the high street do good lunches and afternoon tea and cake. My favourite restaurant is the Mustard Seed and again there is a big wood burning stove in the middle of the restaurant.
On the way to Skye,Urquhart Castle (ruin) is open all year round.
Eilean Donan castle opens on the first of April but it is best viewed from a distance so that is no problem. Lochalsh Woodland Garden is another lovely sheltered walk.
Dunvegan Castle will be open on Skye but I don't think Armadale Castle and Grounds will be open. The Museum of the Isles which is in the grounds there is excellent, if it is open. 01599 534454.
Skye is delightful at any time - forget the weather.
Portree has a few lovely shops like Skye Batiks and Isle of Skye Soap Co.
Creelers restaurant in Broadford is really good. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the Three Chimneys in Colbost, near Dunvegan but you do need to book ahead even at this time of year www.threechimneys.co.uk
Take a tour of Talisker Distillery
www.discovering-distilleries.com/talisker
I think that Nessundorma is referring to Sutherland's Garage in Broadford.
Mar 14th, 2006 | 03:26 AM
#15
Joined: Oct 2005
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Sorry - typo. That should be Moniack Wineries www.moniackcastle.co.uk
Mar 14th, 2006 | 04:48 AM
#17
Joined: Feb 2006
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You're absolutely right that Sutherland's garage is in Broadford.
Kippy, do you know the name of a small hotel/inn with a nice restaurant that it is just between Portree and Staffen? I do believe it's "Glen" something -- but what isn't?
Yellowrose,
Yes, I do like Inverness because I found it such a convenient place to perch for a day or two, not just because of its location, but because it has a lot of shops. I like the River Ness (where I stayed at a place called the Tower Inn, which was just OK and probably more than I needed to pay) and I had wished I had time to take in something at the Eden Court Theater. It's highly regarded.
Hope you like Local Hero!
Kippy, do you know the name of a small hotel/inn with a nice restaurant that it is just between Portree and Staffen? I do believe it's "Glen" something -- but what isn't?
Yellowrose,
Yes, I do like Inverness because I found it such a convenient place to perch for a day or two, not just because of its location, but because it has a lot of shops. I like the River Ness (where I stayed at a place called the Tower Inn, which was just OK and probably more than I needed to pay) and I had wished I had time to take in something at the Eden Court Theater. It's highly regarded.
Hope you like Local Hero!
Mar 14th, 2006 | 05:10 AM
#18
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 387
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I'm all fired up to leave for Scotland this week, and actually, the forecast looks pretty good, with average low-mid40's most everywhere, and even a bit of sunshine with little rain showing. One can always hope!--and likely find any sort of weather throughout any given day, right? Here's a website I've been using to check the weather. It's quick & easy to click on individual locations.
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Scotland.htm
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Scotland.htm
Mar 14th, 2006 | 05:15 AM
#19
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,339
Likes: 8
"There is no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, only the wrong clothing"
Source:
http://www.cairngorms.co.uk/park/weather.htm
Source:
http://www.cairngorms.co.uk/park/weather.htm
Mar 14th, 2006 | 06:01 AM
#20
Joined: Oct 2005
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Nelson,
I used to say the same, but sometimes driving rain of the horizontal variety conspires to make me think otherwise! There are times when I think that the West coast would benefit from having a roof on it ;-)
Nessundorma - sorry don't know of Glen?
Yellowrose - Eden Court Theatre is closed for redevelopment until next year, although there are some Eden Court events happening around the Highlands in village and school halls etc Another indoor suggestion which I haven't been to is the Aros Centre just outside Portree. www.aros.co.uk
Have a great trip
I used to say the same, but sometimes driving rain of the horizontal variety conspires to make me think otherwise! There are times when I think that the West coast would benefit from having a roof on it ;-)
Nessundorma - sorry don't know of Glen?
Yellowrose - Eden Court Theatre is closed for redevelopment until next year, although there are some Eden Court events happening around the Highlands in village and school halls etc Another indoor suggestion which I haven't been to is the Aros Centre just outside Portree. www.aros.co.uk
Have a great trip
