North East 250 Packing List: What to Pack for the NE250
The North East 250 is a 250-mile road trip through Aberdeen, the North Sea coast, the Moray Firth villages, Speyside, the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. The weather can change fast on this route, so packing the right kit makes a big difference.
This North East 250 packing list covers clothing, midge and tick protection, car and campervan kit, and the camping rules you need to know before you go.
Planning your route? Take a look at our Destination NE250 guidebook and our 5-day North East 250 itinerary.
What is the Weather Like on the North East 250?
Met Office averages for 1991 to 2020 show how changeable the north east can be. Aberdeen (Dyce) gets around 143 days of rain a year, and Braemar in the Cairngorms gets around 157.
Aberdeen (Dyce): an average high of about 7°C in January and 18°C in July
Braemar: an average high of about 5°C in January and 18°C in July
Braemar also averages around 98 days of air frost a year, so pack for cold mornings even outside winter.
Clothing to Pack for the NE250
A waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Warm layers, such as a fleece or a down jacket
A hat and gloves, even in spring and autumn
Comfortable walking boots
Lightweight long-sleeved tops and long trousers for walks through long grass and woodland
Swimwear if you plan to try wild swimming in Aberdeenshire
Midges and Ticks on the North East 250
VisitScotland says midges are active from May to October, with peak activity in the middle of summer. They are at their worst at dawn and dusk and on still, damp days.
Midge repellent
A midge head net
A quick look at a midge forecast before you pick a spot to camp
Ticks are common in woodland and moorland areas. NHS inform recommends keeping to paths, avoiding long grass, wearing long sleeves and trousers and checking your skin each evening.
Pack a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. Grip the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out without twisting or crushing it. See a GP if you get a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite.
Car and Campervan Kit for the NE250
Transport Scotland recommends carrying a basic kit in your vehicle, especially in winter:
An ice scraper and de-icer
A torch with spare batteries
Warm clothes and a blanket
A shovel
A first aid kit
Jump leads and a tow rope
Food and a hot drink in a flask
Sunglasses
A charged mobile phone
The A939 between Tomintoul and Cock Bridge is one of the highest roads in Scotland, and both it and the A93 at Glenshee can close after heavy snow. Never drive past a closed snow gate or a Road Closed sign, and check Traffic Scotland before you travel.
On single-track roads, use the passing places to let traffic pass, and never park in a passing place.
Wild Camping and Campervan Rules
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code covers lightweight camping in a tent, in small numbers and for no more than two or three nights in one place. Pitch well away from buildings and roads, take all your litter home and leave no trace.
Access rights don't include motor vehicles. In the Cairngorms National Park, the National Park Authority asks campervans to move on after one night in a layby, never to park in passing places and to empty waste only at authorised points.
Campfires are not allowed in the Cairngorms National Park from 1 April to 30 September, and neither are BBQs other than gas BBQs. Camping stoves are fine.
Want to hire a van for the trip? Have a look at Scotland Escape campervan hire.
Camera Kit for the NE250
From Bow Fiddle Rock to the castles of Royal Deeside, you'll want a good camera. See what we carry in our camera bag.
North East 250 Packing List FAQs
What should I pack for the North East 250?
A waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, a hat and gloves, walking boots, midge repellent and a head net, a tick removal tool and a winter car kit if you're travelling in the colder months.
How long is the North East 250?
The North East 250 is 250 miles (402 km) long, according to VisitScotland.
When are midges worst on the NE250?
Midges are active from May to October and are at their worst in the middle of summer, especially at dawn and dusk.
Can you wild camp in a campervan on the NE250?
Access rights in Scotland don't cover vehicles. Use campsites or formal laybys, move on after one night and never park in a passing place.
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