Cairngorms/Inverness at Easter- will we need special clothes?

[Acunningruse]

Showing my ignorance here. We will be visiting Nairn/Inverness area at Easter and plan on getting the mountain railway up the Cairngorm and walking back down. Will also be doing Loch ness, beach walks etc. Do you think we will be ok with “normal” clothing ie coats from M&S or would most people be in ski gear? I am loath to buy special clothing as I don’t think we would use it again, but also don’t want the kids to whinge about being cold…

Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

If you're not skiing you won't need ski gear, but check the cairngorm live webcams and daily reports for weather, you'll need well insulated clothes especially for the top of the mountain.

I'm guessing your kids have winter suits or waterproof trousers to pop over insulated layers? That would be cheaper than getting salopettes etc. I'd be bringing a good water insulated waterproof coat and probably packable waterproof trousers in case of rain, they're cheap and pack small, at a minimum. Good warm sturdy boots etc. There'll only be snow on the very top of the mountain most likely but layers you can strip off if too hot plus a waterproof top layer should be fine.

It could be zero degrees or 20 degrees at Easter in Scotland! Layers are essential. Ski gear is not required though. Layers are best, ideally a mid layer like a fleece and a waterproof/ windproof layer. I've never owned an umbrella, if it's raining, it's windy too. Hats, gloves, a buff if going up high. Check the weather in the proceeding days as you might need shorts! If it gets above about 16, many Scots will be in shorts. To be honest, kids are in shorts to school just now! We are still having frost some mornings ( when it's not raining). Enjoy, there's lots to see.

I’d say layer up is best plan, good comfy walking boots and no jeans! Are you doing this walk yourselves? Am
sure that due to conservation agreements, if you take the train up, you are generally not allowed to exit the top station to walk down unless you are on a guided walk or it is not snowsports season (is it?!) . However, you can walk up the mountain and buy a ticket to ride the train down- my experience is a tad rusty as it’s from DoE experience back in 2000s! 😄

You won’t need ski gear.

You will need decent walking boots, layers and space for carrying the layers in a backpack.

The key thing about the layers and boots: waterproof. Check your M&S coat, is it waterproof or just “rain resistant” because “rain resistant” really just means “cold and wet”.

If they are still skiing at Cairngorm by Easter (it's very possible) I wouldn't walk down as the main walking trail down is a ski run when there is snow and the alternate path will potentially still be snow-covered and difficult unless you are experienced hillwalkers. I'd get the train up, have a wander around at the top and then train back down.

prepare for snow or sunburn - it’s hard to tell

i am sure the kids have warm winter clothing unless you are coming from southern Spain. Jumpers hats gloves wind and water proof layers

kids don’t really need boots for that walk if they have decent sturdy shoes - but if conditions are interesting - if there is still lots of snow you need to be properly prepared and I wouldn’t take kids in that condition

i was double checking the line and it says you can’t leave the station building at the top ? You can walk up and get the train down ??? But not the other way ? Worth checking

it’s not a huge walk up but depends on age of kids ( an snow )

Hi, you don't need ski gear but as everyone has said, layer up as it could be really warm and shorts weather, or snow. Aviemore and Inverness have some really good outdoor discount shops (and sports direct) for walking boots. You don't need to get anything expensive but they are better than trainers. We love going there at that time of year.

I wear what I call leggings but are nylon or plasticky over trousers. Can be very lightweight but roll up small and keep off the horizontal rain but also the wind and give an extra layer in cold weather so I’d take them