Backpacking/hiking Scotland, need input

[Chef]

Yes. See the EU directive on: "endangered species of insect, annoying, small, Scottish", for full details.

In all seriousness though heed the words of Jock Scott and MacMillian. I too set off on a week long walk in a kilt. Luckily I had other clothes with me as the kilt lasted about half a day. To this day, two of the friends I went with remind me of my suffering whenever the subject comes up.

I also agree about not going alone. One of the great risks of the Highlands for summer hikers is hypothermia. It usually is a combination of wet weather and getting lost that does the harm. If you are going to be wild for more than a couple of nights in a row make sure someone is expecting you. Give them your expected arrival time and agree on a margin of error. If you exceed that margin have them contact the authorities. People unfamiliar with the Highlands tend to underestimate how dangerous it can be.

That said it is beautiful and an experience to last a lifetime. While I did quite a bit of hiking when I was younger I preferred the bike. We would ride and camp in someone's field. Occasionally we would be woken up by the farmer with an offer of breakfast. Of course this was a few years ago.