Travelling to Scotland

[Mumtobe202310]

Dear Mumsnetters,

my LO is going to be 10 months old and we will be going to Scotland this August between August 13th to 21st.

I am a first time mum. What would I need to pack as in terms of clothes, food, other essentials please let me know.

We will be traveling by car which is 5 hours with breaks in between and an overnight stay in Manchester.

I am anxious about it all.

I don't know what weather will be like and what to take so will be thinking more layers.

But yeah, please advise me in terms of what I need and any advice travelling with a baby will be very much appreciated. Thank you x

Where are you going to be staying? Unless it's somewhere very rural there will be no need to bring food, there will most likely be a supermarket nearby. I'd bring a mixture of clothes, the weather has been changeable this summer, the odd warm day but also some grey and cold days so be prepared for both scenarios.

Midge/mozzie net for the pram.

Weather can be a mixed bag, tbh. But it’s generally cooler than the south. Bring layers. Think shorts and jumpers. I doubt you’ll be out if it’s lashing, but if you are, I find the polarn o’pyret rain suits with the detachable fleece lining really handy.

If you’re formula feeding, i always took sterilised bottles, a flask of just boiled hot water, and a flask of cooled (sterile) water and premeasured formula to make up bottles. If you need advice on equipment let me know.

baby sunscreen and hat. Sometimes the weather looks cloudy, but the sun is still strong. If I think of anything else, I’ll drop in here.

Definitely bring warm clothes and waterproofs. Other than the odd day here and there of warm weather, it's been miserable so far and barely getting about mid teens temperature wise (central belt, it's been colder up north). I'm hoping there's a late summer in the horizon but won't hold my breath. Keep an eye on the weather forecast but take it with a pinch of salt.

Where are you planning on going? If you're just going to Edinburgh or something you'll not need midgie nets.

Ime you drive until dc get fed up. No need for overnight stop ime.

Where are you staying? The weather might be fine in August it's scotland not the artic. Bring layers and rain jackets. A net for the pram if you are near water for midges which are mainly on the west coast and Highlands.

It's Scotland not the Antarctic or Amazon jungle! You need the same as whatever you'd use at home but check the weather forecast as it might be colder / wetter/ warmer than where you're coming from. We have shops and electricity the same as in England! Check your accommodation can provide a cot and hire chair.
If you're breaking the journey at Manchester then I fear it's going to be more than a 5 hour drive because it's 4 hours from Manchester to Edinburgh or Glasgow on a clear run.