| Self Catering Scotland | Links |
|
Scotland weather forecast and description Through the seasons
Winter.......why go to Scotland in the winter?
Winter weather can be wild, yet with the correct location you can enjoy the most exhilarating views in total comfort. Take Dunnet head, Britain's most Northerly point. Imagine yourself in the comfort of a fully heated cottage double glazed with thick stone walls and sitting in a cosy conservatory watching the sight of 30 foot waves crashing over 20 foot cliffs right in front of your eyes. Or perhaps the peace and tranquillity offered inland from the comfort of a Luxury Log Cabin. As you become absorbed in a good book you take a look out of the window and see snow fall around your log Cabin, you then look a little further and see snow covered mountains assuming a more "arctic and alpine" character reflecting onto the Loch. The beautiful peace and tranquillity is broken occasionally with the sound of snow falling from the roof and the sweet song of the bird. If you want to see the dramatic side and be in awe of the magnificence of nature, Why not come to Skye in the winter. You won't be disappointed and when it's not stormy you'll be treated to a beautiful island bathed in the calm, still light of crisp, fresh winter weather. Take care to choose the correct location for your holiday and prepare with the correct clothing and winter can be as enjoyable as any other season. A clear bright day in winter can inspire and refresh even the most jaded heart and in the evenings don't forget the Northern lights "Aurora Borealis". With good timing you have the opportunity of experiencing one of the world's most magnificent natural phenomena: the Northern Lights. The Northern night sky dancing with red, yellow, green, blue and violet streamers, arcs and rays. The best place to see the Northern lights are in the more remote locations and the best time in the winter months on cold crisp clear nights between 10 pm and 3 am. If you don't see the Northern Lights, then at least you'll see the stars - many, many more than you'll see from anywhere less remote. The longer you look up, the more stars will appear! But do wrap up and enjoy nature in the raw, or finish the year with a toast to your next visit at one of our many hogmanay parties.
The season of snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and flowering shrubs, is generally the best time to sample dry warm weather....and a total absence of midges. Stay inland in the North West and you will be treated to very pleasant, almost tropical weather from the middle of March. Stay around the coastlines particularly the Northern highlands and you will be greeted with gentle warm gulf stream breezes, longer evenings, spectacular red sunsets and early morning sun rises. The Isle of Skye gets an average of 201 hours of sunshine in May, but only 125 hours in July. On the east coast however, June and July tend to be the sunnier months. All along the coast of Scotland, spring is heralded by the frantic trilling of the sky lark as it soars into the sky announcing the end of winter. For many this is the first intimation of better weather on the way. For others the buds on the birch trees and songs of early migrant birds, enjoying the first warmth of the sun is the sign.
Scotland will always be all things to all people because it offers everything to everyone and because of this....do take care to select your holiday destination well in advance to avoid any possible dissapointment, choose from Lochside Cabins, Cottages by the sea, mountains and Islands Scotland does not suffer the oppressive heat found in cities and in the south of England: while daily maximum summer temperatures in London frequently exceed 30°C, we nestle around a comfortable 16 - 21°C. Perfect temperatures for all sorts of outdoor activities. The long summer days give you more time to enjoy yourself. (In the Caithness area, sunset in midsummer is about 11pm.) Step back in time and visit some of Scotland's historic sites and buildings. Walk through the Gardens and glens in Argyll, part of the West highland way, or the Cuillin hills, or why not tee off for a round of golf at midnight as is the tradition in the Far North of Scotland on the longest day in June. Awaken your senses while exploring some of our spectacular gardens. Follow the trails through the Scots Pine forests, such as those in Wester Ross and the Cairgorms.
Scotland passes from long summer evenings and settled weather into the less predictable but glorious autumn season. The birches, rowans and bracken bring a riot of yellow and red to the glens and hillsides. Wherever you visit you will be rewarded with breathtaking colours particularly in Argyll and Wester Ross where you can relax in Luxury and comfort and enjoy panoramic views of Lochs and mountains while taking in the most wonderful mix of late Autumn colours. The moorlands and peatlands offer a colourful display in autumn as the hillsides turn a golden brown, seen best at the end of the day with low sunlight showing up every hump and hollow so vividly that you'll have to stop for a photograph. Now is the time to really hear the rutting deer and unmistakable roar of the stag. Move out to the coast and you are greeted by warm gulf stream breezes, fiery sunsets reflecting off the ocean and of course the Northern lights "Aurora Borealis". With good timing you have a good chance of experiencing one of the world's most magnificent natural phenomena: The Northern night sky dancing with red, yellow, green, blue and violet streamers, arcs and rays. The best time to see the Northern lights is in the winter months and late Autumn between 10 pm and 3 am. The best locations are remote areas and particularly the Far North, if you don't see the Northern Lights, then at least you'll see the stars - many, many more than you'll see from anywhere less remote. The longer you look up, the more stars will appear! "The Northern lights"
|
