Calling JenniferW

[Prana]

Hi Jennifer! Hope you are well. We are leaving in the next couple of weeks to come visit your lovely country, but I heard that you are having some random snow problems! What is the weather doing over there right now? What should I expect for the end of April?

I saw a very cute picture of a very cute highland cow up to his ears in snow. I'm wondering if we should try to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle instead of our 'Ford Focus or similar'.

 

[Jennifer W]

Hello!

Well, last Saturday I had to drag the kid out of the garden to put sunblock on her, then on Tuesday, I had to drag her out of the garden to put her snow suit on... Our weather is um, variable?

Today was warm and sunny (I sat outside and ate icecream). Tomorrow, who knows? We do often get snow at Easter, but it rarely lasts.

Where are you headed? Most places are free of snow now and not likely to have more, but the far North might still be a bit icy. The roads will be fine though, they are gritted and cleared. Check out this site - put in the postcode of the area you're going to and you'll get a 5 day forecast:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Depending on where you're going, I'd give the 4x4 a wide berth. They are considered a little anti social in some areas.

Hope you have an amazing trip, and if you need anything, feel free to email me via work

 

[Porridge]

What the blazes is going on with the weather?!? Just over a week ago I got sunburned and last night I got hailed on! Crazytown.

/end threadjack, enjoy your trip

 

[Maisie]

I think the cold weather is heading here (Bedfordshire). I just walked the dog and it was frosty and freezing!

 

[Prana]

Porridge-no problem about the threadjack! Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your responses Jennifer and Maisie! We are going to the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, by way of Sterling/Fort Williams so I would say mostly the Central area? Aside from the Isle of Skye which would probably be considered more Western Northern? I'm just hoping and praying that we don't get caught up in some freakish weather and end up like these people...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/19/gps-tourists-australia_n_1363823.html

 

[Maisie]

Porridge-no problem about the threadjack! Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your responses Jennifer and Maisie! We are going to the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, by way of Sterling/Fort Williams so I would say mostly the Central area? Aside from the Isle of Skye which would probably be considered more Western Northern? I'm just hoping and praying that we don't get caught up in some freakish weather and end up like these people...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/19/gps-tourists-australia_n_1363823.html

Oh dear! Well that wasn't anything to do with the weather.... It was the GPS. They always send me the wrong way!

 

[Jennifer W]

Ah, you'll be fine. Even if it does snow, it's unlikely to lie in any of the Central places. Fort William is quite far North - check the forecast, but again, it wouldn't be bad this time of year. A flurry of snow is no big deal here - the roads are treated and it will melt quickly.

Stirling is nice, I used to work there. Interesting castle. Edinburgh is amazing, so many cool things to see and do there. Check out Scotland's parliament building if you get a chance, and if you're shopping, go to Harvey Nichols' restaurant for a cocktail and a fabulous view over the city.

Have fun!

 

[Prana]

Thank you!

P.S. Is the Stirling bridge easy to find? My brother is requesting a picture of us by the bridge...I believe it was a part of the movie braveheart, and that the bridge has quite a history?

 

[Pandora II]

Don't talk to me about British weather... I'd got all conned into looking out spring and summer clothing and I'm back in 2 jumpers, coat and woolly hat today. Grrrrr. Also planned a barbeque for Saturday and I believe it's going to rain all sodding day... will still barbeque as have Big Green Egg that works fine in rain/snow/sun but entertaining a hyperactive 6 year-old plus 2 x 2 year-olds is going to be hell especially as Daisy doesn't do sharing yet.

Basically, bring layers plus a mac for rain and a decent thick cosy jumper. The weather here can also vary in the course of a day.

Jen, when does midge season start for you guys?

Maisie, what are you doing in Bedfordshire... I thought you lived in Newcastle?

 

[Jennifer W]

Thank you!

P.S. Is the Stirling bridge easy to find? My brother is requesting a picture of us by the bridge...I believe it was a part of the movie braveheart, and that the bridge has quite a history?

Yes, it's in the middle of Stirling, pretty much. It's a fairly small town. You'll see it from the castle, and you can walk down if you want to get a photo, should take about 5 mintes. It's a stone arch bridge, very pretty. Take a look at the Wikipedia entry - I'm pretty sure this shot was taken from the Castle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stirling_Bridge

Pandora, midge season never truly goes away, but mercifully I'm on the East coast. West coast is waaaaay worse. They are at their most ferocious between June and September.

 

[Prana]

Thanks Jennifer W!