Hoping to do a chunk of the West Highland Way this weekend and wondering if I need to add DEET to my already heavy rucksac. I’ve half convinced myself that because it hasn’t rained for weeks and the frosts have already started then there won’t be many about so I don’t need repellent.

Which of the three counts am I wrong on (rain, frost, repellent?)

they were fine at weekend, but there was a breeze. If it’s still they will be out in force 🙂

they were out a fair bit last night, but generally have been OK in the daytime unless you stop for half an hour.

Its reasoably still and pretty warm in Scotland at the moment – at a guess I would say they’ll be out in force getting some fresh blood before the end of the season 🙂

I wouldn’t Go without DEET.

Scottish Midge Forecast.

Pretty accurate.

It doesn’t matter whether Scotland votes YES or NO a week tomorrow, they will still stay no matter what.
(That is what the vote is about, to get rid of midges, isn’t it?)

friend just doing WHW in a day at the moment – first message received “fixing puncture getting eaten by the wee bastards” – started at 3 am and just of the devils stair case 1 hour ago

The midges really put me off Scotland. I love the place but it’s a real problem for me as I am allergic to insect bites. Not dangerously so but even after taking antihistamines a bite will always result in an angry itching spot. Being as I seem to be a fine delicacy to the damn things you can guarantee they will be all over me the second I am out of the car.

Robdob just go between October and May. No midges then. And autumn/winter is the best if you can wait for the good weather.

The midges really put me off Scotland

To be fair you get them in the lake district too.

To be fair you get them in the lake district too.

Not to anything like the extent they are on the west coast of Scotland.

I experienced midge Armageddon in Torridon the other week. Within 5 minutes I couldn’t even see the words “endura” in white on the back of my gloves.

I did the Ben Lomond loop yesterday with a pal which eventually took us down the path to just short of the Inversnaid hotel. Didn’t see / feel / observe one of the critters. It was a glorious day, with zero wind…normally idea conditions for them.

Top of Ben Lomond loop by Rosscopeco, on Flickr