Clothes for Hiking in Scotland

Why write a post on clothes for hiking in Scotland? Well, since I moved to Spain, I can count the rain days on the fingers of one hand, well, almost, it’s been a few years and we have a handful of rain days a year. Ok, both hands and feet! So when my sister Melanie suggested a family holiday in Scotland this year – “it’ll be great” she said, “remember all those summers when we were children?” I thought “Why Not? ” – I do remember some issues with the weather, but the idea of hiking in Scotland was quite appealing and as the months rolled on by and we entered the oven like temperatures of August, the idea grew more compelling. Until I looked at the weather forecast!

So, dressed as I am for Spain’s sunny climes, I realised a major wardrobe overhaul was required.

Poncho

So this was recommended me by Kiersten from Spanish Highs, a completely waterproof poncho than can do double duty as a gear protector, sleeping bag cover, bivouac, etc. Very light, robust and relatively inexpensive. I bought the Rab Silponcho. It may not make me a fashion icon, but if I’m warm and dry, I don’t care!

Rainproof Hat

To keep the sun and the rain off my head, I opted for the Tilley Wanderer Hat – I’m not really a hat person, but in Spain the sun is brutal and in Scotland the rain and the midges pose a hazard worth sacrificing vanity for!

Neck Gaiter

To seal the gap between Midge net and shirt, I used a Berghaus Neck Gaiter, I use these a lot in winter simply to keep my neck warm, they are stretchy fabric and can be used as a hat, a balaclava, as well as a neck warmer. The range has plenty of acceptable patterns, the branding can easily be hidden in the folds and they are very comfortable.

Gloves

I’m using my trusty Vallaret Gloves – the Pro Stretch Liner on its own is affordable, hard wearing and allows you to use your camera without fumbling. It is also midge proof!

Midge Net

I looked at a bunch of nets – this may seem like overkill, but dusk and dawn are when midges are at their busiest and you haven’t experienced midges until you’ve been to Scotland. They hunt in swarms!

I eventually chose the SmidgeNet – all of the nets I looked at obstruct the vision and the reason I chose this one was that it fits over a hat, thus keeping the netting away from your face and it is long so it can be sealed by a neck protector

Midge Repellant

Smidge have an excellent reputation when it comes to the war against midges! I bought a two pack of Smidge 75ml 8 hour midge repellant for the pair of us.

I wrote another article last year on kit to take to the mountains where there are no midges (not Scotland then)

So that’s the wardrobe for Scotland – I have one burning question – Midges & Kilts? Can you see the problem there?

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