Myself and 3 others are touring the [Pictish Trail in Scotland](https://bikepacking.com/routes/the-pictish-trail/) sometime this summer, and I’m looking for tips/suggestions from folks familiar with this route (or UK touring generally). We’re all originally from the western U.S.; 2 of us (myself included) have done about 5 different tours now, but this will be our first one outside the U.S.
Specifically, I’d love feedback on
1. Good times of the year to go (we’re thinking June or July, but are flexible)
2. Spots in Ediburgh where we’d be able to store bike boxes/cases, and also assemble any broken down bikes
3. Suggestions for spots to avoid/check out along this route
4. General recs for bikepacking in Scotland
Thanks a ton for any info!
by poe_hunter
2 Comments
1. Jun/Jul/Aug sound good. Should get long days and the warmest weather you’ll get all year. Weather can change quickly but should be good.
2. Sorry, can’t help you on that one.
3. Sorry, can’t help on this one either.
4. Top tips: Bring midge/ bug nets for your head. Midges are awful creatures and if you dont bring a net, you will find out rapid. Outside large cities, many shops close on a sunday/ have small opening hours, so plan ahead for food etc. If planning to wild camp, have a good idea of the rules. It is legal but only in certain circumstances. Have a look online for Bothies or wilderness huts, these can be great shelters for a night. Bring waterproofs and have enough waterproof bags to waterproof everything you bring with you.
P.s. Drink Irn Bru and eat a deep fried mars bar for the authentic Scottish experience.
You could try Edinburgh Bike Coop for storage / workshop – https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/
For bothies checkout the Mountain Bothies Association – https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/