Lake District and Edinburgh - what to wear?

Never go to Scotland without a rain coat or rain jacket, preferably for me, with a hood. You will need something warm underneath. I use a a cashmere sweater over a long sleeve shirt, underneath of which is a silk long john top or a light merino wool long sleeve tee shirt. Your pants should have some degree of water repellancy, and your shoes should be able to take a little damp. On the other hand it might be sunny. It might be windy. Both of us use Smartwool or Tilley socks. March is usually dampish in Scotland. I haven't been to England.

I reccomend polyester fleece over turtlenecks under gortex or other water repellant jacket with hood. Wool sweaters are more stylish but tend to weigh more. There are several shops that feature sweaters and other woolens in Scotland...the prices are not too bad for the quality. Be sure to bring water proofed shoes or boots. You can buy Wellies in the hardware stores if you plan any country walks. You may have some bright days...but it will be windy. I enjoyed wearing a wool head scarf...it kept my ears warm.

I recommend bringing a fleece with you and buying a lovely sweater when you get there. ; ) Also, do take the raincoat. Water proof is really better than water resistant. Pam

We've been to both places in May and in July and were quite happy that we had sweaters and wind/rain jackets with hoods. We take ONE sweater each (wear them onto the plane) and also wear our jeans. Gloves and a scarf are additional items that take up very little space in your bag but can be a blessing. You'll have some sunny days but at any moment it can rain and oooohh that WIND! Enjoy, Bob

Pam is right, have a waterproof jacket. Mine is LLBean, hooded and long enuf to cover my backside. Also maybe a pair of those stretchy little gloves that take up no room in your suitcase. Wellies can be purchased there at most garden centres.

As others suggest, a hooded water repellent jacket is a starting point. If you plan on doing a walking trip, add water repellent over pants. Wool or synthetic socks and goretex lined walking shoes/boots are essential and even so prepared plan on wet feet if you are walking in rain for a significant amount of time. A water proof map case is also essential. While a water resistant pack cover may work, if you need to keep contents dry, plastic bags or a dry-sack is worth its weight. And if you are properly prepared for inclement weather, the sun will come out and you will wish for hiking shorts and t.shirt. PS. Full-zip rain pants are useful in putting on in the field without having to take off your boots.