another newbie says hi

[annshacks]

hello! just back from my second walking trip to scotland which was brilliant! this is a very useful site for keeping notes of where i've been - thanks! i don't think i'm going to be a proper bagger but it will be good to do lots of different mountains, and its so beautiful (when there isn't lots of cloud) even in the snow.
both my trips have been in the winter as i'm very wary of those midges. is it possible to be midge and snow free at any point in the highlands? is there a time where there is good weather and no biting beasties?
thanks!
ann

[cjwaugh]

Hi ann the best chance of avioding the midges is .............sorry dont think you can unless its winter but i stand to be corrected i always use deet it works well for me even when fishing by a loch or river

[Paul Webster]

Hi Ann

They are not really so bad most of the time - IMO

Last two years April and May have had great weather - and there's not midges then really. Though there is usually some snow left for April at least.

There are also fewer midges over towards the Cairngorms and the eastern areas.

[fatdogwalks]

Hi Ann and welcome to the site .

You might want to ask another newbie about the midges. MidgeFodder is an expert on the subject from what I recall .

[Freewheelin]

Hi Ann,

There are plenty of oppertunities for walking without midge or snow in Scotland - 'cos if it ain't freezing, it's either blowing a howler, chucking it down, or both!

[mountain coward]

Definitely May and October are your best chances of being midge (and more importantly cleg) free. That's why I don't go to Scotland at all between say mid-June and mid-September. Those times are usually okay for lack of snow, or at least not much snow.

[Caberfeidh]

Usually the midgies don't rise from Hades until the end of May but last year we had unusually warm weather in April and by May the midgies were out in force.Just in time to coincide with my attempt at the West Highland Way.In a kilt...

[MidgeFodder]

Hi,
As for being an expert
I only have one piece of advice- 'No mater how many of the buggers you swallow never ever spit while wearing a midgy net'
Cheers

[cjwaugh]

Hi,
As for being an expert
I only have one piece of advice- 'No mater how many of the buggers you swallow never ever spit while wearing a midgy net'
Cheers

Thanks for that got me rolling about

[mountain coward]

Yeah woke my neighbours too when I suddenly shrieked loudly!;-)

[annshacks]

thanks guys i will take on (some) of your advice about midges, maybe not the kilt bit!

[Caberfeidh]

Right now we're having some lovely weather, sunny and breezy, and not a midgie yet. Those old time highlanders must have been tough, wearing kilts all the time.Even in the midst of midgie season!

[mountain tortoise]

hi there
On the subject of midges you could read what I put on the subject on 'four days walking in August' hope it helps.

[Myth]

Hey Ann,
I am a total midge magnet (well anything that bites actually) and like to get as much time out and about before mid May - as that's when I find the little buggers start to be a real pain.
It really does seem to depend on:
- where you are: west generally worse except for Glen Affric which is always bad.
- weather conditions: hot and dry discourages them, as does heavy rain.
- wind: the little beggars won't take off in a good breeze.

And none of the usual lotions and potions work "well" for me. The truly repellent ones are not only repelling to midges, but melt clothes and equipment, and the less hideously smelling ones don't seem to repel anything other than myself! That said, the Avon "Skin So Soft" does provide some value in reducing the number of bites (they still crawl on you though) at the expense of making you and your kit slippery and slimy.
Your mileage may vary.