Traveling to Scotland in October

Fly to Scotland direct or from Heathrow?

October is a beautiful time to visit Scotland! To avoid too much travel, you might want to focus on a loop that starts and ends in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. From there, you could head north into the Highlands for a few days to see the stunning landscapes and castles, then make your way back down. Places like the Isle of Skye or the area around Fort William are breathtaking.

As for packing, you're right to be concerned about rain! The key to Scotland is layering. Pack warm base layers, a fleece or sweater, and, most importantly, a high-quality waterproof jacket with a hood. Waterproof boots or shoes are also a must. Focus on versatile pieces you can mix and match to avoid overpacking and you'll be well-prepared for any weather the Highlands throw at you.

First of all, it would help a lot to have more information. How much time will you have in Scotland? Are you going anyplace else besides Scotland?

Secondly, are you talking about THIS October? If so, you need to start booking your lodging ASAP. Scotland has a shortage of hotels and B&Bs and they get snapped up very quickly. It won't be as crowded in October as it will in summer of early fall, but you still need to book ahead.

Having said that, if you haven't booked your flight yet, you might be better off flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow, as that will save you time and money.

If you have already booked your flight, I would suggest taking the train from London to Edinburgh, then renting your car there. I'm assuming you will be spending time in Edinburgh? If so, you'd be much better off spending your time in the city, and then renting a car when you are ready to head out into the country.

October is one of Scotland's wettest months so definitely dress for rain. You might want to bring layers along that you can add to or subtract, depending on how cold/windy/rainy it gets. :-)

In terms of where to go, I would strongly suggest consulting a guidebook at this point, then coming here for more specific advice. Everyone here has their own likes and dislikes, so find yours. Plus, as mentioned above, we have no idea how much time you have, so I don't want to recommend a place that will not work with your schedule.

Without more information to assist you, here is Rick Steve's ideas for itineraries: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/itinerary

"Any good suggestions for packing ( we are terrible overpackers). Also rain gear?"

Yes, I always have packing suggestions!

BUT it depends on how much time you have and what activities you are going to do. It doesn't sound like you are going to do hiking but as Mardee suggests I'd have a good waterproof rain jacket with a hood so you can keep going even if there is rain.

For a month long trip I pack in a 21" roll aboard. I travel solo so want to be able to get it on/off trains by myself. It usually weighs about 20# which I can manage. When I got a new suitcase in 2022 I got the lightest suitcase I could find that fit the dimensions of some of the airlines in Europe (which are slightly smaller than the dimensions on Delta which is my go-to airline). The suitcase weighs 4.5#.

Start with a packing list. I have my wardrobe so everything is able to be sink-washed and will dry overnight or within 24 hours. You may not be able to start off that way and may want to plan for an afternoon in a location where you can do laundry. I take 4 short sleeve shirts, 1 long sleeve shirt, 2 quarter-zip dry-fit long sleeve shirts that go over everything. I take 3 prs of pants - usually I travel in jeans and take 2 other pr depending on my activities. In October I'd want a puffy vest or jacket (depending on how cold tolerant you all are) to layer under the rain jacket. 2 pr of shoes.

I totally agree with everything Mardee says above- if you have already booked all your flights, definitely take the train up rather than drive- it's faster and way less stressful. You can rent a car once you get up there. October is indeed a wet month, there seems to be a general mist in the air even when it's not actually raining. Not sure where in Scotland you are planning to go but my top destination for whiskey is Islay. You can get a short flight there from Glasgow or you can get a ferry across. Good luck with your planning.