Highlands and Skye next week in a Motorhome?

TomKat · 26 March 2013, 17:44

Was planning a trip to Skye and highland next week in my Motorhome hoping to stop at Loch Lomond then head up to Skye loop around Loch Ness then back via Cairngorms.

Would appreciate any on the ground reports of road conditions, thinking of cancelling and heading for Achill Island in Ireland if roads are dodgy.

Poly · 26 March 2013, 18:15

TomKat,

I think as it stands all the routes you want to use are open (assuming by Cairngorms you mean A9). However a week is a long time in Scottish weather, and I'd be keeping a general eye on Traffic Scotland > Traffic Info
Generally speaking it is accurate for any major issues (even on small roads).

The route you suggest is mostly "main" roads for Scotland and so even if they do get closed by snow you would NORMALLY expect them to be cleared and open within 12-24 hrs. Obviously if there is really bad snow or drifting then that might not be possible.

Whilst on a weatherman's scale its not that cold - the wind chill / damp etc mean is it bitterly cold in the last week or two and I wouldn't fancy sleeping in a van unless it was well equipped / insulated / heated etc.

mick · 26 March 2013, 20:04

See if you can borrow some snow chains just in case or hire them

TomKat · 26 March 2013, 20:08

chains-not a bad suggestion but if its that bad I don't what to be there! Have a set that may fit in the garage but the motorhome is a big truck when it starts to slide so will prob leave it unless things start to look a lot nicer closer to Friday.
Had a great time on Mull last Easter! funny weather!

mick · 26 March 2013, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKat

not a bad suggestion but if its that bad I don't what to be there! Have a set that may fit in the garage but the motorhome is a big truck when it starts to slide so will prob leave it unless things start to look a lot nicer closer to Friday.
Had a great time on Mull last Easter! funny weather!

Was thinking mainly for the campsite the rds will be fine
The site at Glenmore will be awesome this time of year with the Cairngorm in the back ground looking at the webcam it's clear at the mo but the guy clears the rds and a place for the motor home if needed

TomKat · 27 March 2013, 10:09

Good tip re webcams, had a look at a few and they all look relativley snow free so will call a few campsites and see what access is like!
Woke this morning to bright sunshine so thinking might just go for it!

mick · 27 March 2013, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKat

Good tip re webcams, had a look at a few and they all look relativley snow free so will call a few campsites and see what access is like!
Woke this morning to bright sunshine so thinking might just go for it!

http://www.sledges.co.uk/squirrelcam.htm
This one looks over the campsite through the trees and you can just see the snow