Have I read the government info properly, are we good to do our thing from the 26th of April.

I feel a HT550 trip is in order.

Looks that way, doesn't it. 'They've' ghosted past England on the outside, having been more cautious all along. Let's hope no-one (or not too many) take the pish.

Yep. Announcement from Holyrood on 20th should confirm it all. Assuming no local restrictions (like a sudden spike somewhere), travel restrictions across the UK look to be harmonised.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coron ... timetable/

Richpips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 5:38 pm Have I read the government info properly, are we good to do our thing from the 26th of April.

I feel a HT550 trip is in order.

Hope so, a friend and I are hoping to start the HT550 on Friday 30th April.

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 5:54 pm Yep. Announcement from Holyrood on 20th should confirm it all. Assuming no local restrictions (like a sudden spike somewhere), travel restrictions across the UK look to be harmonised.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coron ... timetable/

Great news!

Is Aviemore happy to be reopening Colin?

Richpips wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 6:16 pm

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 5:54 pm Yep. Announcement from Holyrood on 20th should confirm it all. Assuming no local restrictions (like a sudden spike somewhere), travel restrictions across the UK look to be harmonised.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coron ... timetable/

Great news!

Is Aviemore happy to be reopening Colin?

Pretty much. The economy depends on tourism and even the curmudgeonly (like me) will admit it loses a bit of life/sparkle when it's all too quiet. Of course, we could (all) do without the dirty camper brigade and my own fear is that we 're not lucky enough to escape a major forest fire this year. Conditions are tinder dry at the moment and there are already a number of folk camping around Loch Morlich.

It will be nice to see things getting back to normal, even if that actually restricts my own movements. Some folks on the likes of the NC500 route are now in a season of dread that will last until November.

Aye looking like the HT group start is a goer so I've no excuses. Better get some training in...

What is snow like on the HT550?

My friend was lead to believe there is still snow on some of the passes.

And only two weeks until we start.

What is snow like on the HT550?

Same as anywhere really - white, cold and sometimes slippery. However, being Scottish means that it's completely free to settle on the floor wherever it likes.

Can't wait to finally graduate from garden warrior to weekend warrior.

Asposium wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:14 pm What is snow like on the HT550?

My friend was lead to believe there is still snow on some of the passes.

And only two weeks until we start.

Top of Bealach dubh / cumhann - mebbes.
Top of Corrieairyack - mebbes
Rest of it - nay probs.
www.sais.gov.uk - check out the blogs,

I wonder how the lack of open bothies will affect the HT550 experience?

Alan has telt us all we have to carry a shelter of some sort. Doesn't really bother me as the bothys were pretty full the last time. Plus the Larachantivore porch is still fair game!

Asposium wrote: ↑Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:14 pm What is snow like on the HT550?

My friend was lead to believe there is still snow on some of the passes.

And only two weeks until we start.

The top of Corrieairyack pass has some snow lying across the top and on the northern side - just means you've got to walk the first few hundred metres down. No biggie. Ben Alder has a couple of patches on the route, but pretty small.

Just confirmed. Travel to and from Scotland and England permitted as of 26th. Whole of Scotland to Tier 3, which allows overnight stays.

But please take two Lateral Flow Tests before visiting the islands. First should be 3 days before travel, second on day of travel. If positive, book a test at your local centre to confirm infection and, if positive, do not travel.

I literally can't wait for Scotland to open. Not bothered about pubs and Primark.