I will shortly be making another of my regular trips south, to
visit friends and family in Devon and
Hampshire. Every time I go, even in summer, I carefully pack my bag with
jumpers, waterproofs and woolly hat… and seldom if ever wear any of them. I’ve
become so used to our weather here, that I kind-of assume it’s the same
everywhere else in the UK.
Only yesterday, I came across a question from a lady who is
about to visit Skye in August for the first time, asking what clothing she
should be bringing with her. Good question! Glancing at the way many of the visitors
are dressed – they clearly didn’t think to ask that question before they
packed!
Daytime summer temperatures here can be as low as 13C or as
high as 26C (possibly all within the same day…) so wearing layers is good. Just
because it is a bright sunny morning, doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be
windy and wet by the afternoon, so be prepared for anything! Personally, I
prefer to keep my arms and legs covered in all weathers, as biting insects seem
to like my flesh – so there are no shorts in my wardrobe!
Obviously, it depends a bit on what you are going to be
doing, but for any trip which involves being outside for any length of time,
you are likely to need protection against rain. Since our rain is very
often accompanied by gusty winds (60 mph winds are not uncommon, even in summer…)
then an umbrella is not a lot of use. Likewise, poncho-style rainwear is not very
wind-friendly. The ideal is a lightweight, zipped, waterproof jacket with
fitted hood, which can be worn just over a shirt when warm enough, or maybe over a
jumper or fleece if chilly. Waterproof trousers (or over-trousers) are also
essential to have with you if you are going to be outside for long. The woolly hat
can be good when it is windy – at least it helps keep your hair out of your
eyes!
Footwear? Anywhere off a tarmac or gravel surface is likely
to be soggy, so shoes should be well-fitting, stout and waterproof. Wellies are not comfortable for walking. Full
hiking boots are only necessary if you are doing any serious trekking. Also –
you won’t need gloves in summer unless you are going high into the hills, and I
wouldn’t recommend doing that if you are not fully conversant with hill walking
in Scotland.
Evening-wear can be the same as day-wear – certainly in the
pubs and eating places that we frequent. There’s not much formality on Skye, though
you might feel like putting on a bit of sparkle if you are dining in one of the
posher restaurants.
I hope this post may be useful to some of our visitors – come
prepared, and enjoy Skye in all of its moods!
