Edinburgh - Lisbon (Winter) Possible?

[AndreMartins]

Hi!

I'm planning to bike from Edinburgh (UK) to Lisbon (Portugal). Probably I'll do it in January 2012 and I was wondering if you think it's possible or just insanely crazy, because of the Winter and all. I have never done such a thing but I am really keen to do it and, unfortunately, January is the best time I can find for myself.

What do you think?

[DaveB]

How familar are you with both Winter conditions and the length of daylight in Scotland that time of year?  Do some climate research and then decide if it's insane or not.

[Jambi]

I don't think it will be possible to camp for the majority of the UK. The ice hung around until February this year so you can probably expect some pretty tough riding especially on the roads that don't see much maintenance.

[RussSeaton]

I rode in Lisbon in early November many years ago.  Early November is different than January though.  It did get cool weather, 50-60 F or so, and rainy in Lisbon.  Personally I don't think your route is very good for that time of year.  See if you can fly down to Madrid Spain and just ride around southern Spain instead.  Or southern Italy.

[DaveB]

I rode in Lisbon in early November many years ago.  Early November is different than January though.  It did get cool weather, 50-60 F or so, and rainy in Lisbon.  Personally I don't think your route is very good for that time of year.  See if you can fly down to Madrid Spain and just ride around southern Spain instead.  Or southern Italy.

I don't think Lisbon will be his primary problem that time of year.  Edinburgh and it's vicinity certainly will be.

[indyfabz]

See if you can fly down to Madrid Spain and just ride around southern Spain instead.

From The Rough Guide to Andalucia:  The winter months - particularly December and January - can often be dismal and wet as well as cold at altitude...."

Spent 7 weeks touring there from mid-March through the end of April. Some places were quite nice that time of year, including Almeria province, Cordoba province and the area immediately around the city Sevilla. Others, not so much. Chilly and rainy, even in a few places along the coast. At higher altitude, there was definitely a chill.  I saw snow still clinging to some relatively low mountains, and it was snowing in the Alpujarras, which lie between the coast and Granada.

[Mark Manley]

If this winter is anything like last it will be very cold and snowy, also remember short days particularly in Scotland, only about 8 hours of daylight at the beginning of January. Not such a good idea unless you like being uncomfortable and have really good gear if you plan to camp.

[waynemyer]

Riding your bike through the Channel might also be a bit of a challenge. 

[tonythomson]

I can't think of a worse idea than riding in GB in winter - especially if planning to camp.  Not sure if any of the camp sites are even open and wild camping is not that easy. At the least I would suggest Youth Hostels.
Even if you did hit lucky and the weather was not wild (guaranteed wet & cold) my concern is often visibility that time of the year quite hard for drivers to pick you out in the murk.
Let me know if you do decide to do this trip as may be able to help with accommodation on a couple of occasions. 

[Juan Burro]

...re’ Scotland/Northern-England; the right bike (the right tires & lights), the right clothing, the right mind-set, an accommodating credit-card: ...what a fabulous proposition. From Ed’; stick to the coast (less snow/ice issues), assume the weather’ll be really-really-really shite (wet/freezing) & so, so very grey & depressing, half your summer daily-millage etc, but: ...sunny days in winter are the finest days of the year (you’ll get one or two) / adventurers are enthusiastically welcomed / anywhere out-of-season can be perversely fun (& is cheaper re’ accommodation etc). I’m assuming that camping isn’t being considered. As for ‘I can't think of a worse idea than riding in GB in winter’; I’d suggest riding in Florida in winter: ...pleasant but so very dull. Happy to help re’ route details (including Iberia) / digs available in Westmorland, Chin-chin, J’.