Visiting Scotland in autumn is a must for anyone who loves walking and enjoys the magnificent scenery that the Highlands has to offer. The weather in that area of the UK is usually going to be cooler the further north you travel but as long as you pack appropriate clothing this should not be a problem.

The key to keeping warm in the great outdoors is layers and plenty of them. Thermal under layers are a good idea both for the upper and lower body and remember that lots of thin layers are better than a couple of thick ones as the body heat is trapped between the layers keeping you warmer.

A waterproof and windproof coat as a final layer is necessary as the weather can change quickly and it is important to stay warm and dry.

Choosing the correct footwear is vital to the comfort of your experience. Walking boots or shoes should be worn in if possible before any long-distance walking is undertaken and should fit well to avoid rubbing. Socks should ideally be made from a natural fibre such as cotton or bamboo to prevent your feet becoming too hot and sweaty.

Finally, remember to pack nutritious snacks and drinks that you can enjoy during your walk so that your energy levels are kept high.

Many people have had to cancel or delay their holidays this year due to the Covid pandemic and whilst some have decided to wait until next year when hopefully things will be a little emore back to normal, so are still set to go away later on this year.

It is always important to pre plan your travel arrangements as it can avoid you having to pay over the odds fees for taxis etc and ensure that you get where you need to on time. But at present it si even more essential to pre plane where possible.  

If you are planning a holiday then it is vital to arrange your travel in advance. Not only can this give

If booking flights, check times and days when booking as often travelling in the middle of the night or early hours of the morning or flying mid week can save you money. Always check a day or so before you are due to fly to ensure that the flights are still leaving as planned. At present flights are being cancelled with very little notice so you do not want to turn up at the airport only to find you cannot go. Some countries are doing random Covid tests. If you are selected for one of these at the airport then you will have to isolate for 24 hours until you have the results back. If they comeback positive then you will have to isolate in that country for 14 days.  

Although you cannot avoid every situation like this, you can try and plan ahead as much as possible and have back up plans as to what you can do should flights be cancelled or there be an outbreak when you are there.

If you really want or need to get away for even a few days but worry about money, then there are ways in which you can still have a holiday without having to break the bank. Holidays abroad are often the most expensive unless you know someone you can stay with in which case you may only need to pay for the flights. If you have children then you may also have to go in school holidays which can make it even more expensive as tour operators and holiday home owners cash in on this time of year.

Camping is by far the cheapest way to holiday. If you are going with children, do not worry that you cant take them to a swanky hotel or a resort packed with entertainment as they are often happy as long as they are away. If you haven’t got a tent then why not ask around and see if you could borrow one. You can often borrow much of what you need to go camping or take items from home, for example, you don’t need to have sleeping bags, instead you can just take your quilts.

If camping is not for you then a mini break in the UK is likely to cost you around £200 – £300 for a family room in a hotel for 3 nights, meaning you may even be able to do more than one a year as you can easily spread the cost out.