Five Things I'd Add to my Packing List for a Trip to the Scottish Highlands

As someone who lives in the Scottish Highlands, it can sometimes be hard to step into the shoes of someone who is visiting for the first time. There is so much about Highland life that just comes naturally to me now that I have lived here for almost five years, yet I know there is a lot about visiting the Scottish Highlands that people would love to learn about.

One thing I've seen a lot of people asking about visiting the Scottish Highlands is what they should be packing on their trips. I think the unpredicable weather and the constant heavy rainfall often mean visitors from warmer parts of the world don't always know what to bring on their trip. This isn't the most extensive list, but hopefully this little tips from a local will help you if you are planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands soon.

Layers, Layers and More Layers

Probably my number one recommendation of what to pack on your trip to the Scottish Highlands is plenty of good layers. No matter what time of year you visit, the weather in the Scottish Highlands fluctuates all the time. I regularly wear knitted cardigans even during the height of summer. Temperatures can drop to freezing, even in the summer months.

No matter what time of year you are coming to the Scottish Highlands, I really recommend packing some sweatshirts or jumpers to pull on if the weather is cooler. I generally wear jeans all year round (even though they aren't the most waterproof trousers) and I would say packing long trousers is a must all year round. A wooly hat is also a good thing to pack.

A Good Pair of Walking Shoes/Boots

Another non-negoitable thing I would recommend everyone brings on a trip to the Scottish Highlands. A good pair of walking or hiking shoes or boots is a must pack for your trip to the Scottish Highlands.

All across the internet and social media, short walks to see some of the Scottish Highlands msot popular spots are described as being "easy" so people assume they can do them in regular trainers or even sandals or flipflops. (We have a friend who once saw someone walking to the summit of Ben Nevis in Lochaber Britain's highest mountain, in flipflops!) But due to the often unpredicable terrain and boggy conditions, I highly recommend buying a good pair of walking shoes to protect your feet and make your experience more enjoyable.

A Good Pair of Thick Socks

Again, alongside the walking shoes, I'd really recommend adding some good pairs of thick socks to your Scottish Highlands packing list. I am the kind of gal who unfortunately is prone to getting blisters and sore feet. Finding a good pair of thick socks has helped me so much when out exploring the Scottish Highlands (especially during the autumn and winter months when we generally have more time to explore).

A Good Waterproof

No matter what time of year you visit, a good waterproof is essential for exploring the Scottish Highlands. The weather in the Scottish Highlands are often pretty unpredicable. Rain is almost always a guarantee on your visit to the Scottish Highlands, espeically if you planning on visiting the West Highlands or Scottish Islands.

And one thing I recommend NOT packing on your trip to the Scottish Highlands: an umbrella. Rainy weather in the Scottish Highlands is almost always accompanied by high winds. In this kind of weather, an umbrella really proves to be useless. Save yourself from bringing something pointless on your trip and just bring a good waterproof jacket instead.

A Refillable Water Bottle

Tap water is safe to drink in Scotland and, if I am allowed to be biased for a second, I truly believe water in the Scottish Highlands is some of the best you can drink. In recent years, Scottish Water have also built loads of water refill stations so you can easily refill your water bottle on the go around the whole country. If you're someone who loves to be constantly drinking water (like me) save yourself some money by bringing a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water wherever you go.