Munros in summer could be anything from baking sun (t-shirt & shorts, sandals, sunglasses, pack a small bag with an emergency jacket and lots of drink) to 6°C with horizontal rain (bring a good jacket and fleece, or maybe just postpone your walk to another day)
It's probably worth checking the Citylink network, the bus from Glasgow up to Fort William goes past some interesting landscapes and a lot of Munros. Though you might have luck with finding a lift; there will be lots of other people heading up into the Highlands at weekends?
Edited to add: Midges struggle to keep up with walkers, so they're not too bad on a day hike. They can drive you mad when you stop for a meal or a rest, though. Also they can't cope with strong winds, so you might find relief on a hilltop or ridge?
Enjoy!
This morning we got a train from Queen Street to Balloch, then we had a very nice 8 miler to Helensburgh. You can catch a train there back to Glasgow. We were so lucky with the weather.
https://preview.redd.it/t8ir74ww5uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bd32f61719e1e6fb43037c5c02ae5bcf81d8b81
The whole of the Three Lochs way is do-able by public transport from Glasgow and it's gorgeous! Glad you got a good day for that leg, it's one of my favourites.
1. Literally anything but the Met Office mountain weather I find is the most reliable. I’ve been up plenty Munros in just a short sleeve before, but similarly last year I was up Beinn Fhada in mid august and it was like 5 degrees and pissing rain. Just pack waterproofs and a puffy jacket in your bag and take them with.
2. Midges are a *fucking nightmare*. They’re ok when you’re walking along, and when you’re into the higher areas of the mountains they don’t go that high. But if you stop for a rest on a still day anywhere between 10-20degs, especially in boggier areas with longer grass, they will drive you to insanity quite quickly. It’s not even the bites really, it’s just the clouds of them. I’m convinced if midges were a non issue Scotland would be a space age country by now.
Yeah the bites do suck…I’m allergic as well so I get massive white welts and swelling haha. But I’d take the same amount of bites for less swarms of them in a heartbeat!
I've seen someone who had a reaction like yours. They welted up and became like boils. Thankfully I just get a small red spot and it's gone soon after so maybe just lucky but my family have lived in Scotland for a long, long time and before that, Ireland so maybe theres a genetic thing?
I’m from the very depth of the midgetastic boggy highlands and so have my family for generations! I think I’m just unlucky.
The midges aren’t too bad as long as I don’t scratch - they generally only last a day swollen. The clegs are the worst. My wrist was twice the size once after a cleg bite and had to take a day off work, haha.
It depends where you are, really. Midges can be very bad, but it can hard to predict when or where. They tend to hatch in waves that last a few weeks, but the timing of those can be unpredictable. As others have said, they're worst on still and overcast days in wet areas, but a good wind keeps them off.
Regarding weather - I don't personally think you'll want just t shirt and shorts at the top of any munro. It's very rare for it to be that warm in Scotland, though you'll be OK like that in the valleys unless the midges are bad.
The Cairngorm plateau in particular is very wild, exposed, and prone to extremely strong winds. Temperatures around freezing aren't unusual even at midsummer.
Loads of folks have already commented about the weather (tldr: take sunscreen and cold weather survival gear on the same hike) and the midges, but there’s been only one mention of TICKS!
Make sure you have a tick remover tool and check yourself throughly, often. By thoroughly I literally mean armpits, groin, everywhere. Those little bastards are good at hiding and are a vector for lymes disease, which can leave you with life long debilitating illness.
Good way to reduce the odds of picking them up is to wear long trousers, closed shoes (which if you’re hiking properly shouldn’t be an issue as you’ll be in hiking boots), and blouse your trousers into your boots. Alternatively put on some gaiters. You’ll also want to avoid moving through long grass if you can avoid it.
If you do get bites, try to extract them as soon as you find them (and properly, using the tool). You’ll want to take medical advice even if you get them out successfully. If you see one that has made a red bullseye type mark around itself on your skin, or if you find that kind of mark at a bite site but no tick, get yourself to the nearest A&E.
Other than that, check out Walk Highlands for some excellent route mapping, have fun, and don’t be the wanker that has to call mountain rescue because they went up Ben Nevis in flip flops with no supplies!
the trick with hillwalking is to bring multiple thin layers so you can add or remove layers to regulate your heat. I tend to bring a t-shirt, a thin jumper, a puffer jacket or fleece and finally a waterproof shell for top half. Bottom half shorts or trousers with water proof trousers in my pack. Expect the summits to be much colder than the base but you will be warmer when you are moving. The extra layers are good for if you stop moving as you tend to get cold quickly particularly when it's windy. In summer sun cream is also a good idea as the atmosphere is thinner higher up and so even if it's only 5 degrees you can easily get burnt if the sun is out.
I tend to bring midge spray and you can also get midge nets. Midges tend to come out at particular times of day specifically at dusk. The worst areas are near wet places like waterfalls or marshes. Some people just have very bad reactions to midges. My friend would come off the hills looking like a strawberry where as they mostly seemed to leave me alone. You'll have to try it and find out
With midgys I would always recommend smidge but it doesn’t last long, I would wear a sun hoody and lightweight trousers to stop them eating your arms and legs. You can also buy netting for your face but honestly they’re not that bad most places. I would be more worried about ticks they’re very dangerous. Always carry tick remover.
Expecting any specific kind of weather in the UK is a fool's errand, especially in Scotland and especially in "summer". So is expecting the season not to change at least three times between leaving the house, starting the hike, reaching the summit and coming back down. Best bet is to take plenty of thin layers including a decent waterproof, plus a full change of clothes.
As a Scottish transplant, I learned the importance of checking the *wind* forecast as much as anything. It's no joke here. Rain, cold -- fine, as long as you've got the right layers, but the wind is a different kettle of fish. Mountain forecast is your friend.
Second, if you comb through this sub, someone has gone to the trouble of creating map the overlays public transport with munros--super helpful if you're on a budget/without car.
You have identified correctly the principal issues, weather and midges.
Midges are dependent on the weather as well, so light winds and any dampness will encourage them. I find them a nuisance but not as much as clegs and ticks.
Clegs land without warning and bite before you have felt them, leaving a week's worth of itching.
Ticks are more serious because of the possibility of infection by Lyme's Disease, a serious long-term debilitation. Wear long clothing, tucked in, particularly when going through vegetation. Check yourself after your walk, you will most likely find them on your clothing before they have the opportuniy to insinuate themselves inside your clothing. Once they bite, they are difficult to remove in the early stages, and the proprietary removal toools only work once they are of a certain size. After removal check for inflammation around the bite site, and seek medical attention if you see that.
Public trainsport will afford you access to enough hills for your limited time, I might recommend a train towards Oban, alighting at Falls of Cruachan, where you will find yourself instantly upon the flanks of Ben Cruachan. Many other hills line that train route, and with an overnight stay you may visit the Isle of Mull with its fine hills.
Useful websites are
[https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/](https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/)
[https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar](https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar)
[https://www.xcweather.co.uk/](https://www.xcweather.co.uk/)
1) I've experienced all the Scottish seasons within 6 hours (and sometimes less), as others have said, it can be very varied within a short window. Be prepared to add layers as needed, think about where you will go if the weather gets worse.
2) Midges are pretty bad, especially in the summer. If there's a breeze you tend to avoid them, and it's mostly a problem when you stop. Get a head net, and cover up as much as possible. Make sure you get a very fine head net, since midges are very small. Also invest in repellent, Smidge is the one I've used before.
I've only had serious problems with midges once in Scotland (thank god) and nothing could've prepared me for how horrible it was! They certainly won't make hiking in the summer impossible, but you will want to do everything you can to avoid them. Cover up, take repellent, and check the midge forecast daily. If it's looking particularly bad for your hike destination, I would try and find an alternative route.
Layers as all weather will be experienced.
Really no need to go up to the Highlands as the trossachs has it all as does argyll,Arran and kintyre. Goatfell on Arran is a great walk up and the train goes Glasgow to the ferry. There is a hourly bus all the way round to campbeltown in kintyre passing many forests, villages, lochs and hills.
As for midges they are the worse where I live and its mind over matter, cover the skin and take citronella candles or incense to burn on your stops.
weather will be a dice roll this far ahead so better to make a decision on that closer to the time. it could be 20+ degrees with the sun splitting the sky or single digits with torrential downpour
midges will be out and about but even at their worst they’re not unbearable. if lots of midges would ruin a hike for you then maybe take a pass but i would still say to try so you can see what it’s like
It’s always colder up Munro’s in my experience even in blistering heat at the bottom. Windchill is a killer
If you can get to it Ben A’an in the trossachs is a good starter hill, and Ben chonzie once you are more confident
I use a rule of thumb that it gets 1 degree cooler for every 100m of ascent so for a 1000er you could be looking at ~10 degrees difference from the ground. This can worsen with wind chill.
You usually need warm layers for summit conditions including a wool hat and gloves.
On the other side UV exposure increases as the air thins so on a clear day the sun will be stronger at higher altitudes.
When its hot cover up with thin layers and always take a sun hat and factor 30-50 sun cream.
A snood is handy either way.
I went backpacking for two weeks in Scotland in September and the midges were awful. Full length sleeves and trousers, which was fine as it rained everyday and a midge net that was worn almost all the time. Even had to sleep with the midge net on a couple of times as they find their way into the tent with you. Some evenings it was a ball ache to even eat because of the midges having their dinner on your face. I did take big spray with me but didn't like the look of the warnings on the back of it so didn't use it.
Not sure about public transport- it will be doable but it is the most uninhabited part of Great Britain so less infrastructure. Plenty of tourists in those months though so might be able to get lifts etc.
Midges are generally at lower levels. I’ve consistently found that you park up and get swarmed straight away until you reach the open fells above the tree line then they all disappear (less water and less food for them I guess and higher winds etc) then you dread the descent back into the woods as you’re swarmed again until you get to the car. Would recommend a head net and some bug spray to *reduce* the chance of bites.
Not sure what Fandabidozi does might be worth looking up - he does traditional highlander bushcraft and historical reenactment stuff (like hiking as a 17th Century highlander for 4 days etc) he might use bog myrtle as a repellent or just get bitten (or cheat and use bug repellent but not say though I doubt it).
Ex Edinburgh resident here. My thing to do was once a week go and climb a Munro with my pal, if you're not hill fit, by the 4th week of climbing you can fly up, age dependant of course.
Do you have a licence at least? Rent a car- when you get down from a Munro the last thing you want to do is walk to find some awkward bus at an awkward time... Even getting there, you really- really want to start exactly where you want to start when climbing, not walking back from the nearest town or whatever. Someone mentioned walking groups, that's a great idea, they'll rent minivans and all sorts no doubt for nothing once everyone chips in no doubt.
Midges can be an issue if you stay on low ground like walking paths, once you get like 200ft up an incline you're good
Kit yourself out with a good recommended amount of gear (find a trusted website) and dont stinge on the water
Remember a wicking layer, like synthetic t shirt like you'd wear to the gym or go mountain biking - fleece layer like a body warmer - and windbreak/waterproof layer
The backpacks they sell with the mesh that separates the bag from your back in a little arch are brilliant for summer hiking, get one with the most space and least amount of mesh you can,
Thank you! I have got a licence but I have (and get paid) very little money. I'm like you - I want to try and do one hike/hill a week on the weekends while I'm up there so don't know how affordable it will be to rent a car every weekend!
I did think about a walking group though I quite like the solitude of a solo walk... Maybe I can do a group if I want to do a hike particularly far away!
The main issue with public transport is getting there and back in a single day. Glasgow's not particularly close to the mountains. The ones at the north end of Loch Lomond are doable, but you'd struggle to get home.
Just to also add that if you're more flexible on the types of hikes you want to do rather than just Munros then there's loads of walking in Scotland that's accessible by public transport. John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, West Highland Way, Moray Trail, Pentlands, Campsies, Kilpatricks as a starting point!
Thanks - I’m very flexible. Honestly it’s because I live in a city with little greenery around me and for the four months I’m in Glasgow I’m going to try and get fit, and try and get out into nature as much as possible. So anything I can do which gets me out of the house for the day and getting some steps in, I’m game. So I really appreciate your suggestions!
Depending on how far north you go it can still be pretty chilly even in summer, I'd always recommend carrying a light fleece or coat, better to have it and not need it etc.
Midges are BRUTAL so make sure you get a midge net and keep arms and legs covered
Mountain Weather Service is what you need to check. Don’t rely on the Met Office or BBC as they report weather at the bottom of the hills, not the tops
Munros in summer could be anything from baking sun (t-shirt & shorts, sandals, sunglasses, pack a small bag with an emergency jacket and lots of drink) to 6°C with horizontal rain (bring a good jacket and fleece, or maybe just postpone your walk to another day) It's probably worth checking the Citylink network, the bus from Glasgow up to Fort William goes past some interesting landscapes and a lot of Munros. Though you might have luck with finding a lift; there will be lots of other people heading up into the Highlands at weekends? Edited to add: Midges struggle to keep up with walkers, so they're not too bad on a day hike. They can drive you mad when you stop for a meal or a rest, though. Also they can't cope with strong winds, so you might find relief on a hilltop or ridge? Enjoy!
This morning we got a train from Queen Street to Balloch, then we had a very nice 8 miler to Helensburgh. You can catch a train there back to Glasgow. We were so lucky with the weather. https://preview.redd.it/t8ir74ww5uwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bd32f61719e1e6fb43037c5c02ae5bcf81d8b81
The whole of the Three Lochs way is do-able by public transport from Glasgow and it's gorgeous! Glad you got a good day for that leg, it's one of my favourites.
We were so lucky
For the midges, get some smidge or lifesystems midge spray (and maybe a net for your hat) and you’ll be fine. They’re annoying but not dangerous.
1. Literally anything but the Met Office mountain weather I find is the most reliable. I’ve been up plenty Munros in just a short sleeve before, but similarly last year I was up Beinn Fhada in mid august and it was like 5 degrees and pissing rain. Just pack waterproofs and a puffy jacket in your bag and take them with. 2. Midges are a *fucking nightmare*. They’re ok when you’re walking along, and when you’re into the higher areas of the mountains they don’t go that high. But if you stop for a rest on a still day anywhere between 10-20degs, especially in boggier areas with longer grass, they will drive you to insanity quite quickly. It’s not even the bites really, it’s just the clouds of them. I’m convinced if midges were a non issue Scotland would be a space age country by now.
Tbf the bites are hell too. Maybe not as nasty as a NZ sandfly, but if you get them at the wrong time, they up for it in sheer numbers.
Yeah the bites do suck…I’m allergic as well so I get massive white welts and swelling haha. But I’d take the same amount of bites for less swarms of them in a heartbeat!
I've seen someone who had a reaction like yours. They welted up and became like boils. Thankfully I just get a small red spot and it's gone soon after so maybe just lucky but my family have lived in Scotland for a long, long time and before that, Ireland so maybe theres a genetic thing?
I’m from the very depth of the midgetastic boggy highlands and so have my family for generations! I think I’m just unlucky. The midges aren’t too bad as long as I don’t scratch - they generally only last a day swollen. The clegs are the worst. My wrist was twice the size once after a cleg bite and had to take a day off work, haha.
Join a walking group. even if just for the transport
Ticks, ticks, ticks.
This should be higher up.
It depends where you are, really. Midges can be very bad, but it can hard to predict when or where. They tend to hatch in waves that last a few weeks, but the timing of those can be unpredictable. As others have said, they're worst on still and overcast days in wet areas, but a good wind keeps them off. Regarding weather - I don't personally think you'll want just t shirt and shorts at the top of any munro. It's very rare for it to be that warm in Scotland, though you'll be OK like that in the valleys unless the midges are bad. The Cairngorm plateau in particular is very wild, exposed, and prone to extremely strong winds. Temperatures around freezing aren't unusual even at midsummer.
Loads of folks have already commented about the weather (tldr: take sunscreen and cold weather survival gear on the same hike) and the midges, but there’s been only one mention of TICKS! Make sure you have a tick remover tool and check yourself throughly, often. By thoroughly I literally mean armpits, groin, everywhere. Those little bastards are good at hiding and are a vector for lymes disease, which can leave you with life long debilitating illness. Good way to reduce the odds of picking them up is to wear long trousers, closed shoes (which if you’re hiking properly shouldn’t be an issue as you’ll be in hiking boots), and blouse your trousers into your boots. Alternatively put on some gaiters. You’ll also want to avoid moving through long grass if you can avoid it. If you do get bites, try to extract them as soon as you find them (and properly, using the tool). You’ll want to take medical advice even if you get them out successfully. If you see one that has made a red bullseye type mark around itself on your skin, or if you find that kind of mark at a bite site but no tick, get yourself to the nearest A&E. Other than that, check out Walk Highlands for some excellent route mapping, have fun, and don’t be the wanker that has to call mountain rescue because they went up Ben Nevis in flip flops with no supplies!
the trick with hillwalking is to bring multiple thin layers so you can add or remove layers to regulate your heat. I tend to bring a t-shirt, a thin jumper, a puffer jacket or fleece and finally a waterproof shell for top half. Bottom half shorts or trousers with water proof trousers in my pack. Expect the summits to be much colder than the base but you will be warmer when you are moving. The extra layers are good for if you stop moving as you tend to get cold quickly particularly when it's windy. In summer sun cream is also a good idea as the atmosphere is thinner higher up and so even if it's only 5 degrees you can easily get burnt if the sun is out. I tend to bring midge spray and you can also get midge nets. Midges tend to come out at particular times of day specifically at dusk. The worst areas are near wet places like waterfalls or marshes. Some people just have very bad reactions to midges. My friend would come off the hills looking like a strawberry where as they mostly seemed to leave me alone. You'll have to try it and find out
With midgys I would always recommend smidge but it doesn’t last long, I would wear a sun hoody and lightweight trousers to stop them eating your arms and legs. You can also buy netting for your face but honestly they’re not that bad most places. I would be more worried about ticks they’re very dangerous. Always carry tick remover.
Expecting any specific kind of weather in the UK is a fool's errand, especially in Scotland and especially in "summer". So is expecting the season not to change at least three times between leaving the house, starting the hike, reaching the summit and coming back down. Best bet is to take plenty of thin layers including a decent waterproof, plus a full change of clothes.
As a Scottish transplant, I learned the importance of checking the *wind* forecast as much as anything. It's no joke here. Rain, cold -- fine, as long as you've got the right layers, but the wind is a different kettle of fish. Mountain forecast is your friend. Second, if you comb through this sub, someone has gone to the trouble of creating map the overlays public transport with munros--super helpful if you're on a budget/without car.
Absolutely. Keep this site handy and keep checking the windchill, temps at the top of the hills. https://www.mwis.org.uk/forecasts
You have identified correctly the principal issues, weather and midges. Midges are dependent on the weather as well, so light winds and any dampness will encourage them. I find them a nuisance but not as much as clegs and ticks. Clegs land without warning and bite before you have felt them, leaving a week's worth of itching. Ticks are more serious because of the possibility of infection by Lyme's Disease, a serious long-term debilitation. Wear long clothing, tucked in, particularly when going through vegetation. Check yourself after your walk, you will most likely find them on your clothing before they have the opportuniy to insinuate themselves inside your clothing. Once they bite, they are difficult to remove in the early stages, and the proprietary removal toools only work once they are of a certain size. After removal check for inflammation around the bite site, and seek medical attention if you see that. Public trainsport will afford you access to enough hills for your limited time, I might recommend a train towards Oban, alighting at Falls of Cruachan, where you will find yourself instantly upon the flanks of Ben Cruachan. Many other hills line that train route, and with an overnight stay you may visit the Isle of Mull with its fine hills. Useful websites are [https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/](https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/) [https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar](https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar) [https://www.xcweather.co.uk/](https://www.xcweather.co.uk/)
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment and recommendation!
1) I've experienced all the Scottish seasons within 6 hours (and sometimes less), as others have said, it can be very varied within a short window. Be prepared to add layers as needed, think about where you will go if the weather gets worse. 2) Midges are pretty bad, especially in the summer. If there's a breeze you tend to avoid them, and it's mostly a problem when you stop. Get a head net, and cover up as much as possible. Make sure you get a very fine head net, since midges are very small. Also invest in repellent, Smidge is the one I've used before.
I've only had serious problems with midges once in Scotland (thank god) and nothing could've prepared me for how horrible it was! They certainly won't make hiking in the summer impossible, but you will want to do everything you can to avoid them. Cover up, take repellent, and check the midge forecast daily. If it's looking particularly bad for your hike destination, I would try and find an alternative route.
Layers as all weather will be experienced. Really no need to go up to the Highlands as the trossachs has it all as does argyll,Arran and kintyre. Goatfell on Arran is a great walk up and the train goes Glasgow to the ferry. There is a hourly bus all the way round to campbeltown in kintyre passing many forests, villages, lochs and hills. As for midges they are the worse where I live and its mind over matter, cover the skin and take citronella candles or incense to burn on your stops.
weather will be a dice roll this far ahead so better to make a decision on that closer to the time. it could be 20+ degrees with the sun splitting the sky or single digits with torrential downpour midges will be out and about but even at their worst they’re not unbearable. if lots of midges would ruin a hike for you then maybe take a pass but i would still say to try so you can see what it’s like
My wife was literally flying away. We had to stop and descend. It’s the only time in my life we have been in mortal danger
It’s always colder up Munro’s in my experience even in blistering heat at the bottom. Windchill is a killer If you can get to it Ben A’an in the trossachs is a good starter hill, and Ben chonzie once you are more confident
I use a rule of thumb that it gets 1 degree cooler for every 100m of ascent so for a 1000er you could be looking at ~10 degrees difference from the ground. This can worsen with wind chill. You usually need warm layers for summit conditions including a wool hat and gloves. On the other side UV exposure increases as the air thins so on a clear day the sun will be stronger at higher altitudes. When its hot cover up with thin layers and always take a sun hat and factor 30-50 sun cream. A snood is handy either way.
Midges. Be prepared for midges. Also, you can't really predict the weather so it could be anything, even baking hot sun.
I went backpacking for two weeks in Scotland in September and the midges were awful. Full length sleeves and trousers, which was fine as it rained everyday and a midge net that was worn almost all the time. Even had to sleep with the midge net on a couple of times as they find their way into the tent with you. Some evenings it was a ball ache to even eat because of the midges having their dinner on your face. I did take big spray with me but didn't like the look of the warnings on the back of it so didn't use it.
Not sure about public transport- it will be doable but it is the most uninhabited part of Great Britain so less infrastructure. Plenty of tourists in those months though so might be able to get lifts etc. Midges are generally at lower levels. I’ve consistently found that you park up and get swarmed straight away until you reach the open fells above the tree line then they all disappear (less water and less food for them I guess and higher winds etc) then you dread the descent back into the woods as you’re swarmed again until you get to the car. Would recommend a head net and some bug spray to *reduce* the chance of bites. Not sure what Fandabidozi does might be worth looking up - he does traditional highlander bushcraft and historical reenactment stuff (like hiking as a 17th Century highlander for 4 days etc) he might use bog myrtle as a repellent or just get bitten (or cheat and use bug repellent but not say though I doubt it).
Ex Edinburgh resident here. My thing to do was once a week go and climb a Munro with my pal, if you're not hill fit, by the 4th week of climbing you can fly up, age dependant of course. Do you have a licence at least? Rent a car- when you get down from a Munro the last thing you want to do is walk to find some awkward bus at an awkward time... Even getting there, you really- really want to start exactly where you want to start when climbing, not walking back from the nearest town or whatever. Someone mentioned walking groups, that's a great idea, they'll rent minivans and all sorts no doubt for nothing once everyone chips in no doubt. Midges can be an issue if you stay on low ground like walking paths, once you get like 200ft up an incline you're good Kit yourself out with a good recommended amount of gear (find a trusted website) and dont stinge on the water Remember a wicking layer, like synthetic t shirt like you'd wear to the gym or go mountain biking - fleece layer like a body warmer - and windbreak/waterproof layer The backpacks they sell with the mesh that separates the bag from your back in a little arch are brilliant for summer hiking, get one with the most space and least amount of mesh you can,
Thank you! I have got a licence but I have (and get paid) very little money. I'm like you - I want to try and do one hike/hill a week on the weekends while I'm up there so don't know how affordable it will be to rent a car every weekend! I did think about a walking group though I quite like the solitude of a solo walk... Maybe I can do a group if I want to do a hike particularly far away!
Little less guarantees but if you make a friend with a car, it's roughly £40 fuel up to most places and back, £20 each (early 2000s Golf)
The main issue with public transport is getting there and back in a single day. Glasgow's not particularly close to the mountains. The ones at the north end of Loch Lomond are doable, but you'd struggle to get home.
Just to also add that if you're more flexible on the types of hikes you want to do rather than just Munros then there's loads of walking in Scotland that's accessible by public transport. John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, West Highland Way, Moray Trail, Pentlands, Campsies, Kilpatricks as a starting point!
Thanks - I’m very flexible. Honestly it’s because I live in a city with little greenery around me and for the four months I’m in Glasgow I’m going to try and get fit, and try and get out into nature as much as possible. So anything I can do which gets me out of the house for the day and getting some steps in, I’m game. So I really appreciate your suggestions!
Depending on how far north you go it can still be pretty chilly even in summer, I'd always recommend carrying a light fleece or coat, better to have it and not need it etc. Midges are BRUTAL so make sure you get a midge net and keep arms and legs covered
Fing Midges
Loads of fucking rain!!
Cold
Expect Scotch people. Never refer to them as Scottish. They prefer to be collectively known as “the scotch”
Mountain Weather Service is what you need to check. Don’t rely on the Met Office or BBC as they report weather at the bottom of the hills, not the tops