Hello everyone.
Just after a little advice please on a trip away in the caravan for October. Really fancy a look around the Mull of Kintyre. Never been there before, although I have travelled around much of the west coast of scotland.
Problem is I'm just not sure about the weather there at that time of year. I'm wondering if it might be endless strong winds and stormy? I appreciate that can happen at any time of year, but I don't want to deliberately tempt fate if the usual autumn weather in that area is just not good.
Am I better waiting until the spring when the weather can be far kinder around there?
Any views appreciated, particularly from anyone with local knowledge. Thanks!
PS Great site (I'm new around here).
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Generally, as I'm sure you know, the west coast (of the UK, not just Scotland) is inclined to be wet, so it's hard to know the best time. Perhaps looking at monthly rainfall / weather charts for the area will give you an idea.
As for the Mull of Kintyre itself, I don't know where you're starting from, but I'd do it as a one way trip- starting (or finishing) at Lochgilphead to Campbeltown and then by ferry to Ardrossan. Now, I think this route may be seasonal, so that might influence your choice of dates.
You might even consider travelling across Arran - Ardrossan - Brodick - Lochranza - Claonaig. Again, I believe this is seasonal.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
I'm afraid I'm pretty cynical when it comes to the Met Office forecasts. We seem to have a sort of 'micro climate' in this area and it often doesn't agree with the official forecast.
However.... what I'm suggesting is to look at historical charts to get a general idea of when the best weather might be. On the other hand, you can just pick a date, pack sun cream and waterproofs, and hope for the best.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I agree with the Capt. Each glen has a different micro climate. When I lived in Argyll, we could have beautiful weather and Inverary could be peeing it down. And then Campbelltown was roasting whilst Tarbet was iffy, all at the same time..
Not sure when the sites shut for the season. October is less good for strolling beautiful sandy beaches or sitting outside at the Skipness Seafood Shack with a plate of mussels looking over to Arran; but on the west side there might be snow on Jura to stand out against blue sky. Autumn can be beautiful here but there's no doubt it's getting a bit nippy at night.
I'd suggest going in May - the bluebells will be out (& the rhodies in Achamore Gardens on Gigha), the midges won't be, there's even a chance of getting sunburnt (happened to me on Arran).
But which side of Kintyre to go down? I favour the east side with the hairpin bends & steep slopes & single track road & viiews of Arran, but great sunsets & an easier road on the west, plus access to Gigha. Compromise is to stay at the south end, near Machrihanish & explore both sides. I've done the ferry back to Ardrossan, I think it stops for winter, it's a smashing run as Capt Lightening says.
PS the actual Mull of Kintyre is just the southern lump of Kintyre, south of Campbelltown.
Thanks everyone, great advice. Probably best left until the spring I think - we had been planning to visit the west coast again then anyway cos we love it there, it's just that we're impatient now having just bought our first caravan!
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Topic: Mull of Kintyre October?
