A Midwest girls Packing Guide to the Scottish Highlands in Spring

Highlands, Hikes & Hot Rollers: What I Packed for Spring in Inverness

I’m about to hop on a plane to Inverness to see Barry—he just moved there from the Isle of Skye. I’m flying over to help him get settled in. Think: furniture shopping, picking out dressers, and finding plant friends for Norbert (the leafy little guy I immediately named the moment Barry bought his first plant—very proud of him).

I’ve only been to Inverness for about 24 hrs before, back in January 2024 when I first met Barry. So I’m extra excited to go back. We will have a mix of city wandering, forest hikes, a day trip back to Skye, a visit to Loch Morlich, an overnight stay at Dunfallandy House Hotel in Pitlochry, Easter weekend down south with his family and finishing off the trip with a group cabin weekend for his friend Joe’s birthday. So yeah… this trip has a little bit of everything!

Spring in the Highlands is unpredictable—rainy, chilly, sometimes sunny, usually damp—so I needed to pack smart. Layers, waterproof gear, cozy basics, and a few things to keep me feeling like myself, even if I get soaked to the bone while hiking through a forest.

To save space (and my sanity), I ordered a handful of bulky beauty items on Amazon UK to arrive before I land. Last time I visited, I blew up my American blow dryer —so lesson learned (RIP). This time around, I’ve got a UK-compatible one waiting for me, along with a few other essentials I didn’t want taking up precious luggage real estate.

📦 What I Ordered to the Flat (UK Amazon Haul):

Blow dryer
Curling iron
Round brush
Body wash
Shampoo & conditioner
Body lotion
Makeup remover
Cotton rounds
Q-tips
Hairbrush
Squatty Potty – I was formally known as the “Poo Fairy Godmother”, long story from another lifetime. But this is something I can’t live without. No shame in my game lol.

🧳 What’s in My Bag: The Spring in Scotland Edition

👕 Clothes
I packed for layers, lazy mornings, and last-minute date nights. A mix of cozy, casual, and a little edge.

Thermals / waffle knits
Mock necks + sweaters
Graphic tees
Hoodie
One good dress
A few cute night-out outfits
Gym shirts

👖 Bottoms
Options for every mood and plan.

Light wash jeans
Green jeans
Black jeans
Leggings
Sweatpants
Tights + skirts
Gym shorts

🧥 Jackets

My Barbour waxed jacket: waterproof, timeless, and the MVP of spring layering

🥿 Shoes

Chelsea Doc Martens
Converse platforms
Slides or Vans
Cozy slippers for the flat
Gym shoes

I think I might look at buying a pair of gym shoes and hiking boots to have there as well. We will see what TKMaxx has.

🧴 Toiletries & Essentials
Besides what I ordered ahead, here’s what’s coming with:

LTB = What I have packed to “Leave This Behind” so I can have it next time I am there and do not have to fly with it

Toothbrush + toothpaste (LTB)
Witch hazel (LTB)
Face lotion (LTB)
Makeup
Hair clips
Razor + extra heads (LTB)
Deodorant + perfume
Supplements
Dry shampoo
Hairspray
Travel mirror

🧦 Undergarments & Extras

Panties, bras, socks
A few pieces of lingerie (because you know what time it is)
Pajamas
Swimsuit (Loch Morlich cold plunge, maybe?)
Gloves + scarf for chilly moments
Jewelry

🎒 Random but Vital

Wallet + passport
Neck pillow + eye mask
Book
iPad + charger + battery pack
Headphones
Car phone charger
Tripod/phone stand
Embroidery kit (love a little hobby to do on the plane)
Deck of cards
Film camera
Glasses + sunglasses
Hats: biker cap, knit beanie, baseball cap

🍫 Snacks

Check out my blog on what gluten free snacks I pack on my long haul flights

Gluten-free goodies for travel days and hike fuel

It’s a mixed bag of adventure and downtime, and I’m just trying to stay cute while keeping up with the weather and the road trip itinerary. I’ll share what actually got worn vs. what just got carried around if you’re curious. But for now—I’m packed, hyped, and heading into three weeks of Highland chaos with my love, a plant named Norbert, and a suitcase full of options.

Chat soon from the other side of the Atlantic.
xo,
Laura