We will be in Iona mid October. Are there recomendations for areas to walk in October in Scotland. We are definitely budget travelers. We would like to stay in a small town and take day hikes even in October.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
It sounds as if you may already have an inkling of what the weather for hiking is likely to be in the Scottish Highlands in October: probably as gray, wet and cool as Portland Oregon in late November or later. As the Scots say: There is no bad weather, only inappropriately dressed people. Iona is a tiny island, just 3 miles x 1.5 miles and there is no elevation higher than 300 feet above sea level. There is good information, including a good map, at www.isle-of-iona.com
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
If you want a place beyond Iona, then you might want to look into staying in Dunkeld in Perthshire. There a lots of short walks. And it's not far to other places as its centrally located. Also, there is the added benefit of the Music Bar which is pub where there is often live music. It's sessions which means the musicians are not necessarily professionals. Dougie McLean who is professional started it and sold it recently to a couple who seem to have kept up the tradition. You might want to check out this web site http://walking.visitscotland.com/ I searched on Perthshire and found several other walks as well. The Birk's of Aberfeldy is a nice walk. There are other walks around Loch Tay. It's a beautiful place.
As mentioned above don't forget your Goretex for feet, legs, body and head. And of course, layers of wool or fleece will keep you warm.
I've walked in September, but never in October, but I'm thinking about it!
Pam
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We were in Scotland in September and enjoyed hiking around Glencoe--we stayed at at Tulachgorm B&B on main street for about $60. a night. Glencoe is a charming small town with just a main street, a grocery store, a folk museum and little else. We had dinner at the Clachaig Inn (http://www.clachaig.com/) and if we go back to hike we'd try to stay there--(it's a short drive outside of town.) October would be low season so less expensive--it was cool in September but not uncomfortable.