Top Tips for Visiting the Scottish Highlands in the Summer
Everything we’ve learned during our summer trips to the Scottish Highlands, to help you make the most of your visit
*Please note: There may be Amazon affiliate links within this article.
What do I wear in Scotland in the summer?
Pack clothes for every season, including waterproofs — Scotland is well-known for its changeable weather, so hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. We visited numerous times in June and experienced temperatures from 5ºc to 25ºc, sunshine, rain, hail and thunderstorms. Overall we’ve been very lucky, but there has been the odd occasion I was thankful I packed jumpers and thick socks.
My Mac in a Sac has been a lifesaver throughout our trips, as it’s such a comfortable, lightweight fabric that’s windproof and waterproof, while still being breathable. It also folds down into a compact pouch, which is ideal for travelling!
How to prepare for Highland Midges
The Highland Midge, or as I like to call them, little terrorists, are like miniature mosquitoes that come out to play between April and September. If there’s any more than a gentle breeze, they tend to stay away, but on a calm day (usually at dawn and dusk) they can be a wee bit nippy. To protect yourself, we recommend using the Avon Skin so Soft moisturiser. It might sound strange, but it came highly recommended to us by the locals, and it really works! We also like to burn an oil candle with citronella oil in it while we’re sitting outside. These combined seem to do the job, but if you’re after even more protection, you can buy a specially-designed net to wear over your head. This isn’t something we’ve resorted to (yet) but I’ve seen others using them and they seem to help.
Avoiding the crowds
It’s worth knowing that the Scottish schools break up for summer a few weeks earlier than English ones — usually around the first week of July. If you can avoid the summer holidays, great, but if not, it’s good to book things early to avoid disappointment. This can be anything from accommodation to excursions. If you can pre-book tickets, it’s advisable to — especially if you’re visiting a tourist hotspot!
While there are lots of must-see tourist hotspots, escaping the crowds and visiting the hidden gems can often make for a more magical experience, so don’t be afraid to step off the beaten track to explore somewhere new.
Be flexible with your plans
This one goes hand in hand with our first tip. The changeable weather is generally manageable with good preparation, but there will occasionally be times where it’s better to just change your plans. Perhaps low cloud means visibility will be poor at the top of the mountain you were hoping to climb? Or maybe you’re just not feeling 100%? Whatever the reason, it’s good to have a plan B.
Whenever I’m planning a trip, I try to factor in a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as low-energy ones. Some great ideas are local museums, National Trust properties, castles and, our go-to wet-weather/low energy activity — a scenic driving tour.
The perfect Scottish music playlist
This one might sound random, but whenever we visit Scotland, we like to immerse ourselves in music from Scottish artists. It doesn’t have to be all bagpipes and fiddles (unless you’re into that), but just listening to local artists can make you feel more connected with a country. Not only that, but I find that music holds a lot of memories. For example, whenever we listen to Tide Lines I’m immediately transported back our 2018 road-trip, when we discovered their music one evening, on a campsite surrounded by mountains. Some of our other favourite Scottish artists include Skerryvore, Runrig, and a recent discovery, Beluga Lagoon.
Respect the natural environment
One of the biggest things that draws people to the Highlands every summer is its spectacular natural landscape. It’s a haven for us, but it’s also a haven for the wildlife that call it home. It goes without saying that if you’re visiting the Scottish Highlands you need to look after it — for ourselves, other tourists, residents, wildlife, and future generations who wish to live, work or visit there. Check out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for resources on how to visit responsibly.
Enjoy!
Scotland is a wonderful place that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on you. Make sure you take it slow and enjoy every minute!
*Please note: There may be Amazon affiliate links within this article. It won’t cost you any extra, but should you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link then we’ll get a few pennies towards our next trip! All of our write-ups express our honest opinions, but what works for us might not work for you, so please do shop around and make sure you’re getting the best item and value for money.
Don’t Miss Scotland’s Lowlands
Aside from the highlands, Scotland has so much more to see and do. Watch our day exploring Galloway Forest Park for a taste of what the underrated Scottish Lowlands has to offer.
