Scottish Trip

Rods · Post by **Rods** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:14 pm

My girlfriend has mentioned that she may be interested in taking the bike to Scotland (more specifically West Coast, Skye etc) next April for a few days. I've been before on the bike (but in August), and had a brilliant time - got to know some of the good roads / scenary etc. My question is - what will the weather be like in mid April - I was under the impression that the Highlands could still be pretty miserable at that time of year? Any locals able to offer some advice?

bigblackfalco · Post by **bigblackfalco** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:51 pm

I'm not a local, but have been up there in April and May; the West Coast weather system is very changeable..... it'a the old '4 seasons in one day' except that it can occur in an hour!
Bailey.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:00 pm

Try and make it last week in May/first week in June...........that way, the midges won't spoil your holiday.

Plenty to see and great roads - don't worry - we will try to fill your itinery before you leave home.

Yogi should know a few good bars, too

Al

scotty · Post by **scotty** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:22 am

Rods

I'm originally from the Highlands and have done a load of biking in the North West coast area.

April is still very early in the year this far north and is really the change over month from winter to spring. The air temperature will still be quite cold, especially early April. I was down your neck of the woods this April seeing friends in Bracknell and could'nt believe the difference in air temperature......but there again you lot are almost on the continent anyhow ! If you wrap up warm, biking at that time of the year in the Highlands can be very exhilarating with crisp sunny day's and snow capped hills. Also less cars, outwith tourist season and easy to get accomodation. However, if you're going I would try and make it the third/forth week.

Madjude · Post by **Madjude** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:22 am

If you can make it in May it's the best month, other than September. We found the weather was good and the dreaded midge was still asleep. We had ten days up there and went round Skye and then on up to Cape Wrath. Fantastic! I was on my Blackbird then and my ex fella had an old Beemer. It was a few years ago but as I remember we had hardly any rain.

scotty · Post by **scotty** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:52 am

Rod, also don't forget the other islands. Infact, why bother to go to Skye at all. Everyone from down south visits Skye as it's the most widely known island but I think it's really overated and far too large to get a proper island feel although the roads are good. I took the bike to Mull and Bute this year and they are excellent. You've also got Arran and Islay. All of these are much nearer if you are travelling up from South and would be better if you only have a few day's. Each require a Cal-Mac ferry journey.

Yogi Bear · Post by **Yogi Bear** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 8:29 pm

Blackal wrote:
Yogi should know a few good bars, too

Al

Absolutley

Just give me your itinerary and I'll fill you in on "Ali's - Best Of"

Has anyone else noticed that he's a cheeky twat or am I just being paranoid

lol

Ali