When Is the Best Time
This gorgeous scenic trail can be hiked year-round. However, the best time to hike the Kintyre Way in Scotland is from May to October
Read on for our suggestions regarding the best months:
Mid-April – May: Good chance of dry weather. The temperatures go up to 10 – 15 °C. However, Scotland’s weather is unpredictable. For hikers, May is often one of the best months: Warm enough, longer daylight, lush and green landscape, wildflowers bloom, fewer tourists.
June – August: Long, sunny days, warmest time. However, it’s peak season: Most tourists and highest accommodation prices. Annoying midges are at their worst.
September – October: Less busy and midges start to disappear as well. Temperatures in September are between 10 and 16°C in and between 6 and 12°C in October. Idyllic landscape with beautiful foliage. In October deer is rutting. Great time for hiking and wildlife spotting here.
November – March: It can get very cold and days are short. Guesthouses are often closed.
The Kintyre Way is fairly new. It’s a 161 km self-guided hike which was established 2006. It runs along the length of the Kintyre peninsula.
On the way you discover ruined castles, rich wildlife and magnificent scenery. The sea is never far away and the views across to other islands are just stunning. You’ll explore quiet and hidden places, small local fishing villages as well as the crashing Atlantic waves. The rich wildlife includes deer, otters, seals, seabirds and maybe even a basking shark.
More details: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/…
Midges: These tiny, flying and biting insects can become annoying on Kintyre as well. Avoid the peak months if you don’t like them. Statistically the worst times are: Beginning of June, end of July and beginning of August. In general they start to appear in April/May until October. They are at their meanest around sunrise and sunset.
Some photos by Angie Hutchinson. Thanks!
