Rainy Scotland

[Wapping]

Of course it’s nicer to ride (or do anything) in good weather. But you only have to look at these pages to see how fussy bods can be. Most of this summer, it’s been moans that it’s too hot. Get used to the latter…. At least we are not going into ‘Global colding’. Had we been, we can bet UKGSer, would have been full of demands that “Something must be done about it, now!”

 

[Tobers]

Don’t come. It’s horrible.

As it happens the weather in north west Scotland is set fair for the next few days while south of the border is rainy and stormy.

Anyhow this was yesterday. I know its a bicycle not a motorbike btw, though it does have a motor.

 

[boatman]

Guys
Thanks very much for taking the time to reply, The accommodation cancellation was an easy fix (And free) so going to postpone until a later time. Looking at retirement next April so will wait until the chance of improved weather. And as a few have mentioned a trip to Europe may be an option.
Thanks again for the input and experienced opinions its much appreciated.
Dave

You say you are new to this , so cancelling in my view is a wise move .
If you get retired next April ,, then ( imho ) May is the best time to tour Scotland ( I live here )
Get yourself a good weather forces app ( I use one called Predict Wind [ best one so far ] and come up when the weather is forecast to be favourable .
I am no stranger to poor weather riding ,,, but don’t go looking for it .

 

[ThreeDawg]

Guys
Thanks very much for taking the time to reply, The accommodation cancellation was an easy fix (And free) so going to postpone until a later time. Looking at retirement next April so will wait until the chance of improved weather. And as a few have mentioned a trip to Europe may be an option.
Thanks again for the input and experienced opinions its much appreciated.
Dave

That golden time when you are retired and the weather is sunny might never come. Carpe diem.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

That golden time when you are retired and the weather is sunny might never come. Carpe diem.

Indeed
Grab life now

 

[TIJ650]

I’m actually up in Aviemore right now and wifey told me not to bring the boat cause (she said) it was going to rain all week. It’s been 19, sunny and dry every day!!
Mind you, I do normally only book hotels last minute on two wheels and literally follow the weather (or lack of?!)
PS. Manchester isn’t the driest place either - so you should be waterproof!

 

[Santa-2512]

Its an adventure, part of that is getting what your given weather wise

Yes, riding through Scotland is memorable,


But not as memorable as coming down the A82, with the sky's darkening and snow beginning to fall , or traversing Rannoch moor with the bike leant over at 45 degrees due to the wind

And your heads screaming "you wanker", and 20 mins later your in brilliant sunshine as you cross the Corran ferry

 

[OMG!!]

Loads of great advice, throwing my penny of thoughts into the mix, it is Scotland wait 10 minutes the weather will change, wait another 10 minutes changeable again.........so at least out of 1 hour, changeable weather.
That is on the West Coast of Scotland, over on the East Coast, less than 100 miles away, we could be basking in glorious sunshine all day, while the West is getting gales, storm force horizontal rain storms, Or if lucky, some of the freshest days anywhere on the planet.
Just point your bike away from dark cloudy skies, or ride around them, like I do, camp where it's dry that day, and move on if the rain blight-en's the rest of your day there.
It's an adventure for sure! Well worth it!

I am heading West in the next few days, this time by car. Camping only, no plans, no bookings, doubt I will use any ferries, buy local produce and petrol, relax enjoy the local culture, a slower pace of life, and the friendliest smiles anywhere that can be had.

 

[Tobers]

Mind you…a few months ago:

 

[RedRick Esq.]

If you dont like the weather in Scotland wait 10 minutes and some more will be along !


Micro climates - i have ridden out of Dunkeld in pouring rain and over into the next gln where it was glorious sunshine - this is not an unusual occurrence either

 

[ThreeDawg]

I went over to the west coast today (Achmelvich) and it was shite. I wouldn't bother, no, really.

Traffic was atrocious.

 

[Ectopic]

I see the answers are pretty evenly split, so possibly no too much help overall!

For what it's worth, I think you've done the right thing in cancelling. A seasoned tourer with all the right kit might well press ahead and have a decent time, but if it's your first tour I think you'd find it way more enjoyable when the chances of good weather are better. You can never guarantee the weather, of course. But while some will say they've ridden through snow in July, had 25C in November, etc etc, the chances are that you'll have better weather (a) in the summer and (b) further south.

I've never ridden my bike in Scotland, but been there several times over the years. Apart from one occasion when I drove round Loch Lomond in glorious weather, it was rainy pretty much every time I've been there. It's bloody miles from me anyway, but I'd always opt for the continent for a tour.

 

[Flintlock]

I like a bit of wild camping & spot of fishing whilst away on the GS, and Scotland ticks those boxes. I have also toured the Alps & Pico's and been over to the Canadian Rockies & Norway quite a few times & IMHO Scotlands scenery beats them all (for me). Pick the right time & location & you can find yourself in some of the most remote areas of Europe, you, your bike, your tent & mother nature at its best.
At the end of the day it's each to their own of course.