How late to start?

[TomAMoore]

It looks like I will not be able to take vacation until late September or early October. I plan on hiking the Way in 7/8 days. Is this too late in the season to start? Should I put it off until the spring? Next Fall?

thanks

Tom

[Loon Dod]

Don't see why you should.  Yes, you have less daylight but over 7/8 days it should still be OK.
I ran most of it in December between Xmas and new year last year.  It was nice and quiet.

[Jacquetta]

September/October can be a great time of year in Scotland, as long as you're aware of the shorter days (if you're based in the US you won't be used to how much the daylight varies here).  But the midges will be gone and the trail much less crowded.

You don't say whether you plan to camp or use B&Bs.  If the latter, you still need to book (and may have slightly less choice than in high season).

Over 7/8 days you have a relaxed schedule and daylight shouldn't be a problem.  You should also have time to look around and listen to birdsong and (if you're lucky) perhaps hear red deer roaring in the rut!  Please let us know how you get on idc.

[TomAMoore]

 

Folks:

Thanks for the info. However, my vacation was pushed back until mid/late Oct, (low person at work), so will not be able to do the WHW this year, but definitely looking to do it Fall 09, hopefully in late September. I was/am planning on using B&Bs and bag carrying and they all seem to shut down by mid Oct.

Tom

[Jacquetta]

Shocked to hear their priorities don't take your WHW needs into account   You're right, late October is far from ideal, mainly because the daylight is then an issue on longer sections and even if the weather is awful you just have to walk when it's light because you are committed to B&Bs (there are lots still open in late October, BTW, but much less choice than in season).  So go for September 2009 and make sure it's written into the vacation calendar.  Good luck!