Adventures in Scotland

How the weather can change your experience of hiking in the Highlands

One of the great truths of exploring the Scottish Highlands is that the weather is not a backdrop — it’s a living part of the story, especially in the autumn and winter. The landscape transforms almost daily. How the weather can affect your trip, particularly when you’re spending time outdoors, should always be positive (even if it is type 2 fun – enjoyed in retrospect). In the autumn and winter you are far more likely to see mist curling through the glens, dustings of snow highlight the peaks, and shafts of sunlight break through the clouds to turn a dull day into something transcendent. The Highlands have a mood for every hour, and those moods shape every walk, every view, and every story that guests take home from Fraoch Lodge.

The weather’s not always perfect (it is Scotland) but can sometimes add drama to the scenery.

The rhythms of autumn and winter – how the weather can affect your trip

By late September, the air begins to sharpen. Heather fades from purple to russet, and the first snows start to appear on the Cairngorm tops. It’s not unusual to have four seasons in one day — a bright, frosty morning; a brief sleet shower; then sunshine strong enough to make you peel off your jacket. Mists can roll in unexpectedly, softening the landscape into mystery, while a sudden clearance reveals crisp views that feel like a reward for patience.

Winter brings its own variety. Sometimes we wake to hoar frost and glittering trees, other times to wild winds sweeping over the plateau. Snow can arrive in gentle flurries or overnight dumps, transforming trails and glens into quiet wonderlands.

Adapting without losing the magic

For Andy, the weather isn’t an obstacle — it’s part of the craft. Every day begins with a careful read of the forecast, avalanche reports, and local conditions. Routes are chosen not just for safety but for the quality of experience.

Andy advising some guests on weather and hiking

When high winds rule out a summit, we might head into a sheltered glen instead, where waterfalls are at their most dramatic and the birchwoods glow in autumn light. When snow closes one pass, another opens new possibilities — meandering through Caledonian pine forest, or pausing to spot deer moving quietly across the white landscape.

Our aim is always the same: to find the right blend of safety, comfort, and Highland magic. Flexibility is the secret ingredient that makes each trip feel like a small adventure.

Unexpected weather moments

Ask anyone who’s spent time in the Highlands, and they’ll have a “weather story.”
The rainbow that appeared over Loch an Eilein after a downpour. The way mist lifted just as a guest reached the top of Meall a’ Bhuachaille. The crunch of fresh snow underfoot after an overnight freeze.

These moments — unplanned and unscripted — are often the ones guests remember most. They remind us that in the Highlands, nature always has the last word, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Another fog bow

Staying comfortable and positive in all weathers

A good experience in the Highlands isn’t about perfect weather — it’s about being prepared and keeping an open mind.
Here are a few practical tips to help make every outing enjoyable:

• Layer wisely. Start with a breathable base layer, add an insulating mid-layer (fleece or lightweight down), and finish with a waterproof, windproof shell. NB base layers – we recommend either merino wool like Icebreaker or a Norwegian style string vest. Sounds very “grandad” but particularly if you sweat a lot this is surprisingly warm.

• Keep extras handy. Gloves, hat, and buff are essential in autumn and winter — they weigh almost nothing but make a huge difference when the temperature drops. Spares are also a good idea, particularly if you are on expedition.

• Stay dry. Pack a dry bag for spare clothes and a waterproof cover for your rucksack. I can’t recommend lining your bag enough. Autumn can be quite a wet season and the rain has a way of permeating your bag no matter what. We recently did a cycle trip into Loch Ossian Youth hostel in the dark and rain. Despite knowing better, I didn’t line my bag. Consequently by the time we reached the hostel I was not able to reward myself with dry clothing to change into. Not pleasant if you can’t change into dry clothing!

• Footwear matters. Waterproof boots (leather rather than synthetic fabric boots are what’s required the closer it gets to winter) with good grip are non-negotiable; gaiters are a smart addition in snow or boggy conditions. NB Leather boots, though heavier, really come into their own in the autumn and winter as weather is naturally water resistant and is also generally warmer than synthetic fabrics. If you take care of your leather boots and make sure they don’t dry out when not used, they’ll last you for years and if treated will remain waterproof for far longer than any synthetic fabric boots.

• Keep spirits high. A flask of soemthing hot – be it hot chocolate, tea, soup or coffee; a good snack (we do a pretty good range of home-baked snacks in the packed lunches, and often get asked for the recipes); and the promise of a warm meal back at Fraoch Lodge go a long way.

And remember — it’s often the changeable weather that gives the Highlands their drama. Without the mist, we wouldn’t get those fleeting, golden-clear moments that feel like pure reward.

Ready to embrace the elements?
Our guided walking holidays and winter skills courses are designed to help you experience the Highlands in all their moods — safely, comfortably, and with a sense of wonder.