Scotlands west coast midges

[insignia]

Can anyone advise on which months to avoid when planning a tour of Scotland and Outer Hebrides with regards to the midges

[paulmold]

Avoid west coast from May through to October (or first frosts). East coast not anywhere near as bad.

[malc d]

insignia - 2010-11-24 12:30 PM

 

Can anyone advise on which months to avoid when planning a tour of Scotland and Outer Hebrides with regards to the midges

 

 

We spent three weeks in the Outer Hebrides in June ( in 2006) and had no trouble with midges. It was quite windy which seems to make a difference.

 

Often been to west coast May/June time and not had a problem with them.

 

Did get a lot in S.West Scotland this year,in June, in Galloway forest, then crossed to Isle of Arran and saw none, so it's a bit hit and miss !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

;-)

[rupert123]

insignia - 2010-11-24 12:30 PM

 

Can anyone advise on which months to avoid when planning a tour of Scotland and Outer Hebrides with regards to the midges

 

The midges in Scotland are very exaggerted, have come across them all over europe that are just as bad in the right conditions. They can be troublesome but usually in the early morning or evening. On our last trip there, whichwasa month we covered east coast, west coast and the Orkneys. the only time we suffered a bit was one day on Hoy and a couple of evenings near Fort William. Take some midge protector and a midge head net, you will probably never use them though.

[Porky]

This might help.

 

http://2010.midgeforecast.co.uk/

 

(lol)

 

Roy Fuller

[alan k]

We toured Scotland up the west coast from Ayr to Mallaig, to Skye, then to the north coast and down the east coast and into the Grampians and finishing off witha few days in the Lake District in May and June this year.

 

The weather was generally cold and bright and we were only troubled on a few occasions and then when we were out walking on warmer, muggy days with light rain and even then they weren't that bad. Once was on Skye and the other time near Aviemore

 

cheers

 

alan

[Rayjsj]

We have been on the West Coast for the last three years, Mull, Fort William, Ardnurmurchan. May is the best Month, June can be midgy July/August the worst. Go for the Whole of May. This Year was gorgeous

Very Sunny. Ray

[insignia]

Thanks everyone for your replys all very helpful

[Corky 8]

Hi we live near Newton Stewart S/W Scotland, and there are only a few days in a year that were bothered with Midges and we live near water and trees, we have found lemon based midge repellent works,we have even started to grow our own Lemon balm (plant) to try and concoct our own repellent,  Don't let the Midges put you off or you will miss a Lovely part of Scotland, Come and enjoy..

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi, Eat Garlic, Speak Gaelic, wear a Kilt, and play the bagpipes. Either the smell, the sight, or the noise will drive them away.

 

Seriously though, May is the best time to go north, a suitable repellant is useful but not always successful, and a healthy weatherbeaten skin, tough as leather would be beneficial. In spite of these precautions, dont expect to escape unbitten.

 

tonyg3nwl

 

[Colin Leake]

We always go in May but take note so many people know this that Scotland gets booked solid for that month so book early. Most of the sites we used last year were fully booked and it was noticeable that most hotels, guest houses and B & B's had no vacancy signs up.

[tonyg3nwl]

tonyg3nwl - 2010-11-26 4:33 PM

 

Hi, Eat Garlic, Speak Gaelic, wear a Kilt, and play the bagpipes. Either the smell, the sight, or the noise will drive them away.

 

tonyg3nwl

Sorry , forgot one other precaution,, buy and consume some of their firewater, after a couple of bottles you wont worry about the midges !!!!

 

tonyg3nwl