Scotland in November...

[Shay HTFC]

I'm planning on heading to John O Groats before I start work in December (I need to do something... never done John O Groats, so why not)

Was planning on bringing a tent and going camping. I want to mainly wild camp and get that sort of unplanned, rugged adventure feel, but will plump for sites if they are notably easier to use.

I need to know if the weather is going to be a big issue. I know you just can't predict Scottish weather, but is it going to be mainly heavy rain all day long? And is it going to be unbearably freezing? And are the midges going to be out in force?

Regardless of what people say, I will probably still go and see how it goes, but it would be nice to know how much I should prepare.

And does anybody have any advice on wild camping? One of my goals is to spend the night on a beach, which I think would be just too fucking cool! The prospect of just calling it a day somewhere and pitching up is also something I am highly anticipating.

Any words of wisdom about anything that could help would be highly appreciated.

P.S. I have done a lot of camping before all over the place, so that is not an issue.
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Full Motorbike License - GS500E '95

[stinkwheel]

No midges in November.

Not a great deal of daylight (you will learn why the clocks change).

Chance of snow (but looking like a mild winter this year).

Much drier on the East coast of Scotland but colder. You could camp, but take 4-season kit with you. The quality of your gear could be a survival issue in November. 100% definately take a thermal matress of some sort (even just a foam roll mat).

You are allowed to camp anywhere that seems sensible in Scotland providing you are being responsable, not interfering with crops and livestock and aren't in someones garden.

John O groats in November will be cold and dark but no wetter than anywhere else in the UK. It's pretty shit in the summer tbh, very little to see and do. Northernmost point is actually Dunnet Head, not John O Groats.

West coast is a lot warmer but wetter. Just as dark.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[king756]

I'm looking to go camping in Scotland Sat 14th / 21st November, not decided on date yet.

Only got the weekend so not going to far, just heading around Galloway Forrest area. I fancy having some time to take it easy and explore rather than going as far north as possible, sleeping and coming home.

If you got a few days it should be fun going John O Groats aslong as it isn't snowing. As said short days may be a issue but if you got a few days you can take it easy and pitch up nice and early before it goes dark.

I plan going light as possible...sleeping bag, stove, torch, hammock or bivy, tarp...
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https://www.thebikersbar.com

[transporter]

Hi there,Having spent some horrendous nights out in the Snow i cant tell you how important it is to have a very warm top quality sleeping bag and make sure you keep it dry,if everything goes tits up,snow storm,tent blows down around you,gets ripped etc as long as youve got a good bag you should be OK,down is good but looses all insulation qualities if it gets wet so go for synthetic.As for tents i have always gone for the simple ridge type,preferably outer/flysheet pitch first so your inner doesnt get wet if youre pitching in the rain or snow. Seen/had lots of dome/geodesic types blow flat in the wind,never had this problem with ridge tents and if you do break a pole a stick will get you by until you get a replacement. As the weather turns cold again i am really feeling the benefits of my newly aquired heated vest and i would definitely take it with me if i was doing what you where thinking of doing,i find as well as keeping my body warm it also helps keep my hands and feet warmer too. Anyhow hope it all goes well for you and you have a great time if you go,just dont skimp on the sleeping bag,all the best,Rich

[tatters]

After reading this thread l,m quite tempted to take my bmw up to the west coast of scotland at the start of december for a few days as l do have my cold weather touring gear sat in the shed
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