Scotland road trip - late Feb / Mar?

[Omaruk]

Late February/early March. Silly idea, or is this a good time to go?

I normally go on 2 wheels in summer. Would be great to hear of experiences and what to expect at this time of year with 4 wheels.

[Cylon2007]

I and a group of mates have done a fairly regular last weekend April / May bank hol long weekend on the bikes, we have had good and bad weather from clear cold, driving rain, showers, snow, horizontal sleet and snow etc etc. I would expect the weather to be much worse as early as you suggest, however 4 wheels may work. It's Scotland you really can get weather from all seasons in one day but early in the year mailny winter.
We will be doning the trip 2026 Early May Bank hl weekend so are hoping the weather will be kind.

[cuprabob]

Cold, wet & windy.

[lizardbrain]

A last minute trip could work, it's very unpredictable, but if you get lucky with the light and dry, each month has its charms. If it rains I wouldn't bother

[Omaruk]

Thanks all . Lizard brain makes sense.
I think the option would be last minute and based on forecasts, plus point is decent accommodation will be available unlike summer which you really have to book and you are prey to the weather gods

Edited by Omaruk on Sunday 28th December 15:24

[hiccy18]

You could easily hit snow, or bright sunshine, or both!

[a_dreamer]

I went late Jan this year. Week before there was snow. Week I was there it was cold and a mix of sun, cloudy and rainy. Was actually perfect. Was cold no doubt, but roads were in perfect condition and there was little to no traffic.

If you can I'd leave it to as late as possible to book. Plenty of web cams on roads to be checking conditions etc

Edited by a_dreamer on Sunday 28th December 17:30

[AndyAudi]

Any idea where?
Lots of cold weather & untreated roads in some areas.
Snow a real consideration, driving ability in these conditions has seriously deteriorated with Scots themselves. Good tyres are a must if venturing off the main routes.

[Mr Tidy]

I wouldn't want to go as early as February, especially if planning to visit the Highlands.

I did do a trip around the Borders in late March last year and it was fine, although pretty chilly and damp at times.

[Omaruk]

Thinking of east Scotland, my favourite area the distillery region Ballater and the Cairngorms. Hopefully the old military road towards Tomintoul
Car will have 4WD but is a sports car and will be on winter Bridgestone Blizzak tyres

[a_dreamer]

Omaruk said:

Thinking of east Scotland, my favourite area the distillery region Ballater and the Cairngorms. Hopefully the old military road towards Tomintoul
Car will have 4WD but is a sports car and will be on winter Bridgestone Blizzak tyres

I was up in Cairngorms, Aviemore, Inverness and then did a fair bit of the nc500 in a M3 on pilot sport 4s in Jan. The week before I'd not have been able to go, given snow, but it was perfect.

Followed a 911 for a fair bit on the west coast until they left me behind, I assume they knew the roads pretty well, and she could really handle corners

[sherman]

Scotland doesnt open until 1st of April outside of the main tourist centres.
You may be able to get accomodation cheaply but thats because the pub/resaurant/chippy in the town is shut sunday - thursday.

As said above its very weather dependent at that time of year.
Snow is possible anytime until May. Usually after March/Easter is safe enough though.

[a_dreamer]

sherman said:

Scotland doesnt open until 1st of April outside of the main tourist centres.
You may be able to get accomodation cheaply but thats because the pub/resaurant/chippy in the town is shut sunday - thursday.

As said above its very weather dependent at that time of year.
Snow is possible anytime until May. Usually after March/Easter is safe enough though.

This is a great point, that id forgot. I was in Aviemore mid week, cheap hotel but very few places open to eat. Ended up in the train station - which was really nice actually.

[AndyAudi]

sherman said:

Scotland doesnt open until 1st of April outside of the main tourist centres.
You may be able to get accomodation cheaply

The area he’s looking at will hopefully be tourists Skiing..!

[Omaruk]

Thank you Sherman - that’s a v good point with regards hotels and restaurants being open. I do want to enjoy that aspect too so perhaps April is a better time and longer days and hopefully without the hordes of camper vans

[TheFungle]

My preference is the weekend of when the hour changes and I've been super lucky with the weather.

Doom laden warnings of snow IMO are vastly exaggerated -although it does add to the sense of adventure to talk about it- and unless there has/or forecast to be heavy snowfall then you're safe enough.