Edinburgh Travel Forum

Best summer month to avoid midgets in Scotland?

I am planning a 3 month England, Wales, Soctland, N. Ireland, and Ireland summer trip (starting in Brighton, and working up the west coast (via Wales). My question is when to arrive in Scotland when the insect problem (midgets) is not as severe? I am planning on a hiking tour of Scotland, and hitchhiking as well. If I know when the best time to visit Scotland is, I'll know to start 3-4 weeks earlier in Brighton. It should take a bout a month to take in SW England, Wales, and NE England (before entering Scotland).

Thanks

I dont think you can avoid midgets, but they generally pose no dangers. :-)

If, however, you mean 'midges'......well, they are worst from June to September.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usfeatures/midges/

and

http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/midges/index.html

make useful reading.

My advice is to do Scotland first or last, either in April/May or in September/October.

We were greatly troubled and attacked by midges during an early July holiday on the NW Coast near Ullapool. One particularly susceptible family member - my younger brother - required hospital treatment.
In his little book "Midges in Scotland" George Hendry describes the different species and seasons of midges and says the serious biting begins in mid-June and lasts through July into August. Overall the biting season lasts for about 12 weeks. By mid-September, he says,the midges are no longer an intolerab;e problem. My older brother would have disagreed - he and all his family suffered terribly one late September and abandoned their trip.

If you know yourself to be a susceptible candidate for their affections I would stay well clear of the area until mid- September.

I think its "midges" you want to avoid.

The local midgets are harmless.