The Scottish Smidge.

[Gee-]

Bikers and Tourists keen to avoid the worst of the midges this spring and summer,
can also use The Scottish Midge Forecast to plan their trips. The forecast uses data from biting midge traps and mini-weather stations across the country to provide a regularly updated view of midge levels throughout Scotland.

Two Scots Abroad's midge guide adds: "If you’re planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, this is the one practical topic worth actually reading up on. Not because midges are dangerous, they’re not, but because they can genuinely ruin an otherwise brilliant day out if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time."

See below for the full list of the worst locations in Scotland for midges and the areas in the country where you can avoid the insects according to Two Scots Abroad. More information and the full guide can be found on the Two Scots Abroad website.

The worst locations in Scotland for midges​

• Northwest Highlands
• Argyll and Bute
• Glen Coe
• Fort William and the Great Glen
• Torridon
• Isle of Skye
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Cairngorms National Park
• Parts of the North Coast 500

Where in Scotland to avoid midges​

• Edinburgh and the Central Belt
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire
• Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders
• Fife, Dundee, St Andrews, and the Northeast coast
• Orkney and Shetland
• Aberdeenshire
• Royal Deeside
• Perthshire up to Fraserburgh on the North East Coast

Don't let the wee beastie spoil your lovely trip up North to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountain scenery in the world, with some of the best rides.
The Scottish Midge Forecast is for all to use and best part is, it's Free, rare for Scotland.



The Scottish Midge Forecast

 

[MikeS]

Thanks for that, I would love to do more of Scotland but I got bitten badly on last camping trip. My 2 mates only got a few. I had to buy a full net suit and helmet.

 

[Gee-]

Thanks for that, I would love to do more of Scotland but I got bitten badly on last camping trip. My 2 mates only got a few. I had to buy a full net suit and helmet.

I feel the pain, my best advice is stick close to the many coastal routes, avoid camping beside rivers or boggy grounds. Head nets are a good buy, after a while you forget your wearing them until the laughter from your pub pals. You can always compare your lack of midge bites and red lumps.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Bikers and Tourists keen to avoid the worst of the midges this spring and summer,
can also use The Scottish Midge Forecast to plan their trips. The forecast uses data from biting midge traps and mini-weather stations across the country to provide a regularly updated view of midge levels throughout Scotland.

Two Scots Abroad's midge guide adds: "If you’re planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, this is the one practical topic worth actually reading up on. Not because midges are dangerous, they’re not, but because they can genuinely ruin an otherwise brilliant day out if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time."

See below for the full list of the worst locations in Scotland for midges and the areas in the country where you can avoid the insects according to Two Scots Abroad. More information and the full guide can be found on the Two Scots Abroad website.

The worst locations in Scotland for midges​

• Northwest Highlands
• Argyll and Bute
• Glen Coe
• Fort William and the Great Glen
• Torridon
• Isle of Skye
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Cairngorms National Park
• Parts of the North Coast 500

Where in Scotland to avoid midges​

• Edinburgh and the Central Belt
• Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire
• Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders
• Fife, Dundee, St Andrews, and the Northeast coast
• Orkney and Shetland
• Aberdeenshire
• Royal Deeside
• Perthshire up to Fraserburgh on the North East Coast

Don't let the wee beastie spoil your lovely trip up North to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountain scenery in the world, with some of the best rides.
The Scottish Midge Forecast is for all to use and best part is, it's Free, rare for Scotland.

View attachment 498601View attachment 498602View attachment 498605

The Scottish Midge Forecast

I have found the east side to be best - Cairngorms/Royal Deeside and eastern coast is fine June/July and August when I have been

 

[Posh Pete]

April and May.
September and October.
These dates will stop you being bitten all over!

 

[Gee-]

I have found the east side to be best - Cairngorms/Royal Deeside and eastern coast is fine June/July and August when I have been

Safe bet NO midge, on the North East Coast, as you mention above, nothing all year round.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

April and May.
September and October.
These dates will stop you being bitten all over!

There endeth the salutary lesson from a wise man
I am up for the very first week of May, next week for the SSDT at Fort William
I wouldn’t risk it any later in May

 

[stever1]

I’m off up the west coast in a fortnight. Hope I miss the little blighters.

 

[Gee-]

Midges in Scotland typically become active from late April to early October, with peak activity occurring from mid-June to August. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, especially during calm weather

"May tha wind blaw far above yer ankles, to keep tha dreaded Midge at bay"<--Dumbed doon fae real Scots draw o' breath.

 

[Teamin]

Nothing and I mean nothing bites me.....except the Scottish Midge.
I have never met anything so bloody aggressive.
I once was told it is only the female midge that bites.
To this day I am still wondering if they were pulling my leg

 

[Mzokk]

I remember 20 odd years ago staying in the Rhiconich hotel (just south of Cape Wrath) in August and having to get suited, booted and helmet on in the reception area then sprinting to the bike and straight off to avoid being eaten alive Off to the Borders for a few day's in the morning. High pressure and no midges.......bliss.

 

[Gee-]

(Teamin:- To this day I am still wondering if they were pulling my leg)

Never heard of a midge pull someones leg, however only the female midges bite, as they require blood to develop their eggs, while male midges do not bite and primarily feed on nectar.

Males primarily feed on nectar and do not have the mouth parts necessary for biting. <--Dave

<--Mrs MacNastymidge

 

[Barnoe]

See below for the full list of the worst locations in Scotland

The worst locations in Scotland for midges​

• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

avoid camping beside rivers or boggy grounds.

I pitched my tent at the side of loch Lomond like a plonker!

Next thing you know these flying sharks started eating me alive, i stayed in my tent until morning.
A few got in the tent with me and i was scratching like a flea infested dog.

Packing up in the morning was horrendous and an experience i never wish to repeat!!!

Fuck you Smidge... especially the one who got inside my crash helmet before i rode off, your a special kind of bastard!

I'm itching now just thinking about it.

 

[Gee-]

She only wanted a happy meal, you was it.