Suggestions for preparing for Best of Scotland in April 2026

Well, I did the Best of Scotland tour but well before Covid (2018), still, I'll say that a waterproof (not water resistant) jacket is a must. I did not have rain pants with me and when I saw my guide pulling hers out of her pack on our day over to Iona I knew I was in trouble, lol. I would also go with 1 pr of waterproof shoes and maybe a non-waterproof pair as well. My non-waterproof shoes got soaked that day but I was able to dry them by setting them under the heated towel racks in the hotel and pulling the insole out.

I went to Orkney and Shetland in 2023 and am headed back there in a couple of weeks. What I learned from that trip was also to have a waterproof ball cap to wear under the hood of my rain jacket to keep rain off my face/gasses. I am NOT a ball cap wearer, btw! I had a non-waterproof one that got soaked in about 5 minutes even with the rain hood pulled up over it. This time I'm ready, hahaha!

For travel in April I'd add a puffy vest, or if you are cold natured, a puffy jacket that you can layer under your waterproof outer layer. I'd also have lightweight glove liners - mine are Smartwool.

I'm a light packer and generally go with 4 short sleeve tee shirts, 2 dri-fit quarter zip long sleeve layers and 1 long sleeve tee. Again, if you are cold natured, I'd probably get some of the 32 degree Heat base layers when they come in to Costco next Fall. I also take jeans which is what I'm comfortable in. I sink wash mine as they are a cotton/poly blend.

I pack all my outerwear in a compression cube from Eagle Creek. It fits vertically in my day pack so I will have it with me every day because the weather you get in the AM may not be what you have at Noon or later afternoon, lol.

Have a wonderful time!

Pam's advice is great. I've not taken a Rick Steves' tour, but I've been to Scotland several times as well as other parts of Europe in various seasons.

Layering is key to packing light and staying warm. When choosing your waterproof rain jacket, it should be light and packable. You don't want a heavy lined jacket or coat. Mine is actually a little longer than thigh length, packs into it's own pocket and weighs about 11oz and doesn't look like I'm on a campout

. I keep a pair of lightweight gloves in the other pocket. I also wear a waterproof ball cap under the hood when it's raining. Paired with a packable down vest or jacket, I'm ready for most anything.

Oh, and what you don't need is an umbrella! It'll be ruined in the wind.

I took this tour in June 2024. Be prepared to experience three seasons in one day! As has been mentioned, dress in layers. Waterproof (not water resistant) jacket and shoes/booties are indispensable.

Good advice. I’m thinking…

a merino wool base layer
a fleece
a rain proof jacket, shoes and cap
jeans, and rain pants just in case

I’ve also heard that because of the heavy winds umbrellas are basically useless unless you want to play Mary Poppins. Does all that sound about right for Scotland in early to mid April?

I think that is excellent! I see your location is South FL. Have you used Merino items before? I know all the marketing says it does not itch and I wanted that to be so BUT…. I am sensitive and it did itch. The Smartwool gloves don’t bother me. I can wear merino socks for one day but not a 2nd day in a row. I had to get rid of my merino wool tees and base layers due to the itchiness. These were good brands - Icebreaker, Smartwool and others.

Just saying this so you can decide what is right for you if you’re not regularly wearing it.

I spent 18 days in Scotland last month (May). The weather was freakishly sunny and dry, but on the eastern side of the country (especially in Dundee but to a lesser degree also in Edinburgh), the high winds were very cold, seemingly from far to the north. It felt a lot colder than the temperature (highs usually in the 60s) suggested. I wore merino wool long johns below the waist every day.

You are right, we don’t have much need for base layers in Florida! We have kids that live in colder climates so buying a couple of base layers for this trip won’t go to waste. I noticed Icebreaker has several levels from 125 through 300. Which one do you think would be best suited for Scotland in early April with averages of 43-46°F?

Also, I read that these base layers regulate body temperature nicely keeping you warm in the cold and cooler as it gets warmer. I can’t seem to wrap my head around how that works. In a situation where you wear a base layers, shirt, fleece, and rain jacket for outdoor walks, once you are indoors in a heated room with just a shirt and the base layer does it become uncomfortable or does it keep you cooler as advertised?

Ok so I live in Skye year round. You will likely encounter 4 seasons in one day, with snow slightly less likely but not impossible. I hate merino base layers. I wear Lands End silky base layers, a half zip fleece, a pair of hiking trousers, nice warm socks, walking trainers (Merrill or similar), and a waterproof windproof jacket with a hood. I carry waterproof over trousers if I know I will be outside a lot. I always have a beanie hat and some gloves in the car. Umbrellas are useless in Scotland. Don't even pack one!

Skyegirl, why do you hate merino wool? I looked into silk base layers and they will do the job, but they don’t have the natural odor resisting quality that merino wool has, and that can be a big deal when you are trying to pack light.

I find merino itchy. And it’s certainly more builky than silk. Husband wears merino. I wear silk. Neither of us have found the other smelly and my base layers dry quicker than his when we wash them out in hotel bathroom sinks. We were in Svalbard (arctic) two weeks ago and I was fine in my Skye clothes.

I wonder if wearing a t-shirt under the merino base layer would mitigate the itching and still maintain the warming and odor repelling qualities. At the end of the day what I am looking for is a very light base layer that doesn’t need to be washed often so I can pack two that will last a week or more with daily use and forgo the necessity to pack a bulky jacket or sweaters. It sounds like both the merino wool and the silk will do the trick.

Merino wool base layers are itchy to me too. I like Patagonia's Daily Cool top or Patagonia's Capilene Medium weight base layer if it's looking to be windy & chilly. They do not get stinky for me, dry overnight after washing, pack down to next to nothing. Reviews for the Daily Cool mention it being used also as a sun protector although I wear it as a base layer.

Daily Cool
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-long-sleeved-capilene-cool-daily-shirt/45185.html?dwvar_45185_color=PDYX

Capilene midweight
https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-long-sleeved-capilene-cool-daily-shirt/45185.html?dwvar_45185_color=PDYX

REI sells these if you have a shop nearby.

Greetings All,
I went on a RS tour od Scotland in early October. Granted, not April, but a "shoulder season.

Regarding the merino/synthetic conversation (which is sort of like the old Ford/Chevy debate) to each his/her own.
But I was really glad I had my merino with me, including all of the layers previously posted. I wear merino from Woolx and Ibex. They are soft as cream and have never itched. Icebreaker and Smartwool have often been itchy for me. So all merino brands are not the same.

I stink to high heaven in synthetic base layers. And it can be hard to wash it out. Just my experience.

I agree that different people have different needs. I used to find merino itchy till I realized I had to moisturize before putting on merino base layers. That has been a game changer, especially as I cannot wear polyester or other artificial fibers. And yes, Ibex (I am yet to try Woolx) is much better than Smartwool and Icebreaker in terms of comfort.

If you're thinking of handing down your base layers to your kids, maybe consult with them to see if they would loan you what they already have. It seems unlikely that they will be using that stuff in April (unless they live further north than I have traveled in April or work outdoors). I am well insulated, so I don't own base layer tops (nor vests, as I am essentially wearing one at all times). I prefer to wear one of my everyday long- or short-sleeved t-shirts (some are cotton, some blended and some all synthetic; I weigh them all and take the lightest ones) with a lightweight sweater. I recently found a lightweight flannel button-up that is squared off at the bottom like a jacket that is warm and looks nicer than it sounds.
I have never traveled with a fleece jacket, even though I have several fleece jackets and pullovers that I wear at home. Instead, I travel with a puffer jacket, which I stuff into a small, soft bag to use as a pillow on the plane/train. It fits under my waterproof jacket. On my March trip to Netherlands/UK/Ireland, I took the hooded puffer, as well as a hat (a silk/wool blend beanie that a friend made for me when I had cancer), gloves (Smartwool liners) and a couple of scarves (one is a tissue-weight merino).
Jeans are a real controversial subject. They are generally heavy and don't dry quickly. If you have jeans that you like and that you can wear long johns under, then great. Like a previous poster, I have a pair of lightweight, blended jeans that I took on my last trip. Otherwise, I wear hiking pants (I have some that look like proper trousers and don't swish when I walk in them).
Key to remaining warm and comfortable are your shoes and socks. Waterproof shoes are great if you can find some that are comfortable. I find this challenging. A good sole with lots of grip is more important to me. Warm, well-fitting socks are not to be taken lightly. This is where I apply the merino wool. The ones at Costco are nice enough, but I find they are too thick for my needs. I buy most of my socks on Sierra.com. I have Sockwell compression socks that have a high merino content. I wear them on the plane, but I wash them out and wear them for warmth and comfort on long, cold walking days, as well.

I find merino itchy as well.

I swear by Uniqlo Heattech thermals and have short sleeve, long sleeve and sleeveless styles in the standard warmth and then a couple of the long sleeve cashmere mix warmer range. I also have the leggings. And the water resistant trousers which are super cosy and comfortable for colder weather and if they do get wet dry quickly. I am a big fan.

Having been to Scotland in July but during a very cold summer, I brought a waterproof rain jacket and I brought a thin puffer jacket to wear underneath. And then if it wasn't raining I could wear the puffer on its own and it was very light and packable- squished down to nothing. I also second a cap or rain hat to wear under the hood of your raincoat. I ordered a rain hat off Amazon that worked well for me.

These are all great suggestions. I have some time to identify and purchase the most efficiently packable items we will need and certainly Black Friday sales will soon come in handy. Since the average temps we are expecting in April / May are between 37F and 53F I ran the question by AI and it seems this layered combination is adequate. Comments?

Icebreaker merino wool 175 base layer
Long sleeve outer shirt
Fleece
Waterproof jacket
Jeans
Waterproof hat
Gloves

Here are a few places to look for deals:

Eddie Bauer: wait for 1 of their multiple sales throughout the year with 50-60% off.

Sierra is a TJ Maxx company, carrying multiple brands. They are online and have physical stores in some states.

Costco, sometimes in store prices are different from online

Uniqlo for down jacket/vest and their Heattech line for base layers.

Many say not to pack jeans because they are heavy and take forever to dry when wet. The weight doesn't bother me since I can usually wear jeans more often between washes than other types of pants. I don't wear them if I expect to be in heavy rain.

You can substitute a puffy jacket for the fleece and it may pack down smaller.

Look at the 32 degree brand. They carry them at Costco online if you’re a Costco member or they have a web site. Their clothing is very inexpensive but works fairly well and there should he some sales in September or so. I wear their puffy vests all winter. I’ve got one that is about 4 years old and it’s compacted down a lot but still marginally usable. To me the puffy outerwear packs better than fleece. I do have both.

Pam,

Thanks! You and the others who suggested it sold me on the puffer jacket. Amazon Essentials has them with good prices and thousands of excellent reviews. I ordered one with the intention of returning it if I didn’t like it, but it is great. It comes with a small pouch and YouTube has plenty of videos on how to fold them for travel. It will fit into my backpack easily which is perfect because it won’t take up room in my luggage.

The puffer jacket is very warm. Worn with a base layer a long sleeve shirt and a light sweater, that combination should be able to handle any April / May temperatures that Scotland has to offer. I will have to size up on the waterproof rain jacket in order to fit it over the puffer. I need to find one that is super thin and packs small. Looking at Columbia brand right now. Suggestions will be appreciated.

Glad you found something that works.

Here is the waterproof rain jacket that I mentioned above. I sized up to wear my crossbody purse underneath if it's raining, as well as the puffer jacket. I've stayed dry during downpours in the UK and Paris.

Oh, I am SO happy YOU are happy with the puffer!

Don't go TOO thin with your waterproof rain jacket. I have several Columbia rain jackets. I did an impulse buy a couple of years ago at my Fred Meyer (Kroger) right before a trip to Italy. I got a Columbia Switchback III mostly because it was aqua. It is SO annoying because the hood is not adjustable so it flops forward over my eyes. That was a huge PIA in a rainstorm while pulling my suitcase to the train station on a Rick Steves tour. I next purchased a Columbia Arcadia which does have an adjustable hood. It is a little heavier than the Switchback. You will want a little weight with the rain jacket for Scotland.

After the mess with the hood on the Switchback I started bringing a baseball cap to wear under the hood of the Arcadia to keep it off my face. I am not a baseball cap wearer but this works so well to keep the hood out of my face AND helps keep rain off my glasses.

Same as Pam. I have a waterproof baseball cap I wear. Keeps the hood from covering my eyes and keeps the rain off my face and glasses.