SCOTLAND IN APRIL – HERE’S WHAT TO SEE AND DO

With dramatic lochs and mountains, spellbinding cities, and mouthwatering foodie haunts, there’s no bad time to enjoy a luxury Scottish vacation. But for nature lovers, spring is especially exciting as flowers are in full bloom all over the country. Whether you’re cozying up in a castle stay near the capital, or checking into the wilderness of the Highlands, evidence of springtime is everywhere.

This is a great time of year to be out and about – here are some of the things to see and do in the month of April in Scotland.

What a time to be outdoors, and you don’t even have to go far from the city to the daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons. Urban parks are great places to go for a stroll, but if you really want to get away from it all, make sure you add something like the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to your list. Outside of the capital, there’s The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow and Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen.

April is one of the driest months on the mainland, making it a wonderful time to plan a pre-summer sailing vacation. Summer in Scotland usually means crowds, particularly on the well-known destinations of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. And the midges also come out around June time, so a springtime adventure on the water is ideal. Charter your own boat and explore the scenic canals, or hop on the many loch cruises open to the public.

April weather is perfect for exploring one of the Scottish peaks. Expect temperatures of around 7°C – 13°C (45°F – 55°F), a comfortable climate for any uphill hike. Ben Nevis is the tallest at 4,411 feet high, but Ladhar Bheinn in the Knoydart Region is considered to be one of the toughest. Whilst many amateur climbers have conquered the famous Nevis, it’s still a very long day for beginners, taking up to 8 hours (or more) from start to finish. If you’re experienced and used to rough terrain, Ladhar Bheinn may be more worth your while.

Edinburgh is home to some of the most important festivals in Great Britain, including the world-famous Hogmanay during New Years’ Eve and some of the best arts and music events during the summer. Spring is no different, with the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, the Edinburgh International Science Festival, and the traditional Beltane Fire Festival lined up for the month of April.

Not only is April one of the driest months (though spring showers can still occur), but it’s also one of the greenest. Making it such a nice time to take a trip to one of Scotland’s many surrounding islands. Some of the most popular destinations include Skye (connected to the northwest coast by bridge), the Isle of Mull (in the Inner Hebrides), and also the Isle of Arran (the largest island in the Firth of Clyde).