Highlands in October

[HealthyAiring]

Hi. Would it be crazy to visit in mid-Oct? We want to go then, but are worried that the weather might be too bad. I expect some cold, rain and wind but want to be able to still wander around relatively easily.
And if we have five days, can you suggest an itinerary? Thinking about Plockton, Skye, Torridon (based on amateur research!). Would be open to anywhere really. Don’t think we would have enough time to ‘do’ Loch Ness, Glencoe etc.
Many thanks from a clueless England city-dweller! And is the sleeper train worth it?

it’l be beautiful at that time. Just make sure you wrap up. We love Scotland. Used to go to beautiful Arran with the kids. Heading to Mull
and magical Iona this weekend for 10 days.

www.google.com/search?q=arran&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#ebo=0

Hi

We’ve been twice in October half term and while the weather was mixed it didn’t stop us from doing anything. Take lots of layers and waterproofs! Happy memories of walking to the fairy pools in Skye in the rain!! We based ourselves in Glencoe both times and did day trips, 8 days there and first time 5 in North Berwick and second time 5 in Peebles. Happy planning!

We love it in October, it’s absolutely stunning and we’ve always lucked out with the weather. Obviously you need to wrap up but the autumn sun has always shone when we’ve been there.

Ah thanks for the replies. I am embarrassed to say that I have never visited the highlands before. I always look at the cost and decide it’s cheaper to go abroad, especially living where we do down south. However, I’m determined to see this beautiful part of our country.

We only have a few nights. Do you think we can see skye in two nights? Where are the best bits?

And is Glencoe a nice place to stay? Plockton?

Sorry for all the questions!

We did Skye in a ( long!) day from
Gkencoe, managed the old man of storr and fairy pools, didn’t get to see everything but it worked for us. We loved Glencoe as so much to do in the area including exploring the beautiful Ardnamurchan Peninsula, would definitely recommend as a good base. We went via Loch Lomond and did the boat trip and managed a trip to Loch Ness one time. Loads of lovely walks on the West Highland way(?), cable cars etc. awesome place!

As above, October is often nice. Days are short so you have to start early. Given the short days I think your itenarary is too ambitious. You’ll spend half the daylight hours in the car. Over five days, of the places you list I would pick two.

Glencoe is nice but has a big road running down the middle of the valley and the edge of the town, so if you want peace and quiet it wouldn’t be my choice of places to stay.

The sleeper train is fun as long as you don’t expect too much luxury. Book a cabin.

Gosh, I thought we were being unambitious. Ok, back to the drawing board. Thanks!

Thanks. Fairy pools sounds lovely!

Best thing about October autumn colours and zero midges. We’ve been very lucky up there at that time of year

My daughter lives in the Highlands so we've been at most times of the year and seen most types of weather year round! But the Autumn can be very nice. It's just not predictable though.
I would also agree that you're probably trying to do too much in a short time. Travel between the places you mention will take quite a long time, especially if the weather isn't great and as a PP said the days will be quite short. Also, if you want to appreciate the area you need to linger a bit - it's not really the sort of holiday where you'll get the most from it if you're just dashing from place to place in my opinion. I'd pare it back a bit and really absorb a couple of places.

If you had to choose two places as a newbie, which would they be?!

Sorry we stayed in Ballachulish not Glencoe village and it was great!

I go in Feb and Oct, my favourite times to go and Glencoe is beautiful that time of the year and quite quiet. You could stay towards Oban way and catch a ferry to a couple of the Islands?

I would probably either fly or catch the sleeper to Inverness. Then hire a car. Are you planning on staying in the same accommodation for 5 nights? In which case I would probably stay in the plockton area or just onto Skye. You can drive from Inverness, down Loch Ness side, and up past Eilann Donan castle. Then on the way back you can drive via Garve and strathpeffer.
if you stay in the plockton/kyle of lochalsh/ Broadford area then you can take a day trip towards the centre/north of Skye, and another day trip down Sleat or Elgol direction, there are nice views down there, and wildlife trips to look for otters or sea eagles. Another day trip could be to Plockton. You can probably get to Torridon for a longer day trip but to be honest there not much there. It’s just mountains. I would recommend a trip up glen elg. There are some lovely brochs up there glen (valley) and it’s a bit more off the beaten track. At least it used to be.
Hope you have a good trip.

Im Scottish. Every October we head up to Pitlochery or somewhere north. The weather is always a hit or a miss. It adds to the autumnal ambiance though.

I’ve also been to Skye in October. The drive up there was just extraordinary. Ellen D Castle was surrounded in autumn colour. Will add a picture if it lets me. the castle itself is a little dull, but the surrounding area is just gorgeous

I feel you must visit Glencoe. It’s honestly the most spectacular place you will ever visit. Try for it in.

We go to Skye early March before most things have opened. Very few tourists, lots of peace and quiet, love it.