Escape the congested Southern circuits and head North. We explore the 2026 Glenforsa Fly-In on the Isle of Mull and provide essential tips for navigating the unique weather and terrain of the Scottish Highlands for GA pilots.

Body: For many UK pilots, the ultimate logbook entry isn't a trip to Le Touquet, but a landing on the spectacular grass strip at Glenforsa on the Isle of Mull. The 2026 Glenforsa Fly-In, scheduled for late May, remains one of the most evocative events in the General Aviation calendar. It represents the very best of British "adventure flying" which is remote, beautiful, and technically demanding.

Flying in the Highlands requires a shift in mindset. Unlike the flat lands of the Midlands or the South East, the weather in the Inner Hebrides can change in minutes. The "Green" tip for this year is to embrace the "Scottish slow-tour." Instead of rushing the transit, many pilots are opting for "airfield hopping" stops at Oban or Perth (Scone) to wait for the perfect weather window. Glenforsa itself offers a 780-metre grass runway that sits right on the water's edge, famous for its "hotel on the airfield" hospitality.

In 2026, the fly-in is focusing on "Sustainable Touring." A new initiative by the Highland airfields is encouraging pilots to utilize electronic conspicuity (EC) to help mitigate the risks of flying in Narrow Glens where traditional radar coverage is spotty. Even if you aren't flying a high-performance tourer, the Glenforsa event is inclusive of everything from Microlights to classic taildraggers.

The social atmosphere at the Glenforsa Hotel during the fly-in is legendary, with evening ceilidhs and aviation tales shared over local malts. If you’ve been stuck in the circuit at your home base all winter, the trek to Mull is the perfect way to sharpen your navigation skills and remind yourself why you earned your wings.

Just remember: check the tides, respect the hills, and always carry a spare litre of oil - it's a long way back to the nearest maintenance hangar!