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Recs for Scotland in November

Hi all,

I am looking for advice on whether a trip to Isle of Mull/Iona makes sense in November, or whether it will be too cold and most attractions/restaurants will be closed. Our proposed itinerary:

  • November 9: Edinburgh to Oban -- Stay in Oban for the night and potentially explore Glencoe/Ben Nevis
  • November 10: Ferry from Oban to Isle of Mull -- Explore on way to Fionnphort; stay in Fionnphort
  • November 11: Ferry to Isle of Iona -- Explore Isle of Iona - Stay on Mull
  • November 12: Isle of Mull -- Whiskey Cave/ Explore Tobermory - Stay on Mull
  • November 13: Ferry from Isle of Mull to Oban and drive to Loch Lomond -- Explore Loch Lomond and stay near Loch Lomond
  • November 14-16: Drive back to Edinburgh -- Day trips to St Andrews or Dunfermline or Sterling

Is there another part of the country with nature/hiking, but not as far as Skye or Inverness, since we only have a week in Scotland, that you would recommend for this time of year?

Thank you!

Posted by
7945 posts

Apart from the potential cold another problem with going to Mull at that time is that Craignure sailings are on a single vessel timetable using the MV Loch Frisa. She is a small vessel so will be quite prone to any storms which blow up.
So you may have to divert via the Corran Ferry and the Lochaline route to Mull.
Likewise Iona, the strait is only narrow, but it gets rough.
Thus you may have to grab any available weather window on any of your three days.
Tobermory should still have places open, but Fionnphort will be very quiet.

At that time of year I might be inclined to stay on the mainland, not on an (any) of the islands.

Posted by
2298 posts

Is there another part of the country with nature/hiking, but not as far as Skye

Have you thought about Arran?

Posted by
8048 posts

I second wasley's recommendation for Arran. It's a lovely island with lots of hiking, and very good public transportation, so you wouldn't even need a car (unless you will have one anyway). It's an easy and relatively quick ferry ride from Ardrossan, which you can reach by car or by train, and there is a lot to do on the island. It's smaller than Mull and so it's easier to get around,. You can find two distilleries there, loads of hiking opportunities, a full castle, castle ruins, gorgeous beaches, and lots of history. Hence the nickname, "Scotland in Miniature." I loved my stay there and would definitely go back.

You can find out more about it on https://www.visitarran.com, and more about the hiking at https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran

Posted by
2 posts

Hi all,

Thank you for this information, it is really helpful! I would love to go to Arran but would we run into the same issue before with the ferries? Can waters get as rough?

If I were to stick to the mainland any suggestions on where to go if we only have a week? We enjoy hiking but really want to get a taste of Scotland and see and experience as much as we can.

Thank you!!

Posted by
7945 posts

Arran can get cancellations, especially in the winter time.
And in winter there is no diversionary route via Lochranza.
Yes the water can get decidedly lumpy.
At the moment it is actually unclear what main vessel will be on the Arran duty in November, apart from the relief catamaran MV Alfred.
If there are any more big ship breakdowns the Alfred will be the only vessel physically available.
If the weather is on the edge you will leave from Troon, not Ardrossan, as Troon is more sheltered.
But Brodick is too exposed in some weather conditions to be able to safely berth.
You can reasonably expect days of no service to Arran at that time of year.
Hence why I suggested islands weren't the best idea in November. Just being boringly realistic.

As for the mainland the Cairngorms would be great, probably a 50:50 chance of encountering snow.

Further south something like the Southern Uplands Way in Dumfries and Galloway, and across into the Scottish Borders would be a good bet.