Planning a quick 8 day trip the last week of March this year. I have a couple of questions: 1. Will it be unbearably cold? 2. Suggestions of itinerary? Thanks, Gene
To suggest an itinerary, we need to know of any special interests you have, and if you plan to drive or go by train.
The weather shouldn't be freezing cold (remember, this is Scotland so who knows), but undoubtedly, it will be chilly, probably rainy, foggy, damp - you get the idea. So you'll want to dress in layers, have good weather-proof walking shoes, a good raincoat, gloves, warm hat, and I prefer a poncho to an umbrella. Be sure to look at a 10-day weather forecast to finetune your travel wardrobe.
Scotland is wonderful, the people are warm, so who cares about the weather!
So a good itinerary probably requires some forethought. Why Scotland? Where? Hiking and museums are available everywhere, what places catch your interest? Car? Train? Bus? Foot?
No it may be cold in some areas (not freezing) but March is spring (and blustery) so unless you are from a perpetually warm climate, you should be fine if you dress accordingly.
Why Scotland? We have been to England a few times but never to the most northern extent. We will rent a car after a day or two in Edingburgh and take off for the highlands. We are still active so biking, hiking do interest us.
Toofus, I think you will find Scotland a wonderful country to viist and if you enjoy hiking the Glencoe area is a very nice place but one must be aware of the weather. The Glencoe area also has some very nice B&B's with laundry facilities for drying out those hiking clothes. I can attest to it being a wee bit cold and we were there in April one time but all other times in May. Matter of fact we will be back this coming May. You will find Edinburgh a really nice place to visit. Enjoy but do be careful on those trails and the weather.
It's very much a matter of personal preference but I put the lovely mountains of Glencoe third after first equals: the Coolin of Skye and the Torridonian Highlands. You may find my website useful - http://www.freewebs.com/kdcx/uk.htm
So--update on Scottish weather as we finish our time in the north and head south. It has been unseasonably warm--breezy and pleasant in the east and a bit wetter in the west, everyone is surprised and pleased by the sudden eruption of daffodils and crocii. I have been fairly comfortable in a light down jacket or even lighter lined waterproof and we have yet to see real rain. Spring seems well on its way. The BBC weather shows it a bit cooler in the far north with som wetter weather but no snow, ice or terribly chilly weather. I think you would be fine with a good parka, hat, scarf and gloves on any region and might possibly find yourself pleasantly surprised by much warmer temps.
Buy walking guides for each region you are in and enjoy the snow-free walks but take caution if you head up any of the larger "bens" or wilder country as the weather could change radically. You might want to start out in Perthshire and get your "ben" legs on Ben Lawers near Loch Tay and enjoy the relative protectedness of this area.
We've had a lovely time walking and climbing (and riding/trekking horses) and are sorry to be leaving. Clear skies, big stars (the Milky Way tonight seems to stretch through the entire sky) and calm waters, I went paddling in the North Sea at 6 pm! If you head very far north you are likely to find the change in temperature more dramatic but it is off season and the hills and beaches are empty!
