Scotland in July - bad idea or not ?

smallzoo2

We were planning a family 6 day holiday in Scotland in the 2nd week of July. The idea was a day or two in loch ness and then 4 days in loch lomond area.

We have 3 dogs so aiming for nice walks in the countryside, woods and by the various Lochs. We would try and get a place with lovely views and in the country or by a lake with a hot tub and relax in the evening..

I went on a couple of Scotland holiday groups on facebook and I would say 95% said it was a bad idea.... why ?  Midgies !

First they said July is the worst time of the year for them, second the worst places are woods, countryside and by water and third, sitting out in the evening in a hot tub a definite no. They even said the midgies would bite the dogs too.

They were all so negative we are now thinking it may be a bad idea and to wait until September onwards for scotland

Are they all just scaremongerers or are they right ?

cheers

daveyjp

They are right.  Anywhere in the Highlands inland, where its damp with woods and lochs can be a nightmare.  Coastal areas are generally better and if you go to the east coast midgies aren't an issue.

If September is an option go then.  The schools will also be back so it will be quieter.

El_Torro

Some years ago I spent a couple of nights in May on the shore of Loch Lomond and definitely felt the presence of the midges. July might be even worse, I don't know.

In my experience though it wasn't an issue during daylight hours, just after dusk. I certainly wouldn't sit in a hot tub at dusk, unless the hot tub was indoors.

teaselMay

If there's any wind you'll be fine, it takes just a slight breeze to clear midges. Still evenings and early mornings will be likely to be midgy especially near water or damp ground.

I travel to Scotland, with dogs, a lot and have very rarely had a problem with midges. I do avoid feeding the dogs outside (back step of the van) in the early morning though after a few midge blanket experiences, one of my guys attracts them like you'd not believe.

If you want to be outside of an evening look for somewhere exposed, coastal or higher up so that there'll be a breeze

fatbelly

I have fond memories of a walk through Scotland that I did when younger - in July. I walked down the East side from John O'Groats to Inverness, down the Caledonian Canal and then took the West Highland Way to Glasgow.

Yes there were some midges but if I was fit enough, I'd still do it. Scotland is beautiful when the days are long and the weather reasonable.

sheramber

Midge season is April to September- depending on the weather.

No midges around when it is hot or it is windy.

Evenings and early mornings are worst.

It pays to be covered so long trousers and long sleeves tops when midges are around.  And ahat as they get in your hair.  You can buy midge nets to wear in any camping /local shops.

The east coast has less problem than the west as it is generally a drier climate.

'Smidge' is an excellent deterrent which does work and s also sold in midge areas.

Have spent many holidays in the north of Scotland and lived there for  13 years.  Yoiu get used to dealing with them.

Skiddaw1

I agree. Don't let the midgies put you off. Yes, July & August are usually peak season for them (September is likely to be significantly less midgie) but take reasonable precautions and you'll be fine. I'd suggest investing in some midge hoods if you're going to be sitting out of an evening regularly. Some holiday lets have midge screens around outside sitting areas, which can also be effective.

Avon make a product called 'Skin So Soft' which really does work as a midge-repellent (it isn't just an urban myth). In addition, Boots suncream with added insect repellent also works IMO.

Have a lovely holiday whenever you go!

Eldi_Dos

smallzoo2 

They were all so negative we are now thinking it may be a bad idea and to wait until September onwards for scotland

Are they all just scaremongerers or are they right ?

cheers

I have always found September to be the month when midges are most noticeable.They seem to appear in evening when light level drops and if it is a still damp evening.If you are lucky enough to get a heatwave type July they will not become active till evening which will be quite late in July.
One tip is have some joss sticks to place around the seating area, and I have to agree Skin so Soft does make a difference if they are out and about.

As a aside I have never been bothered with midges in Cumbria, have I just been lucky or is there a reason for this?

Murphybear

I don’t know if I was exceptionally lucky but I went to Scotland in July when the weather was hot and dry the whole week.  We didn’t encounter a single midge   We were staying on Loch Ness and toured round a lot of Scotland in that time 

daveyjp

Hot and dry is why.

West of Scotland and Highlands are typically wet and warmish in summer which is when midges appear.  I've been on the west coast and not seen a midge all day, a slight drizzle and muginess and they appear in their millions.

Skiddaw1

Eldi_Dos said:

smallzoo2 

They were all so negative we are now thinking it may be a bad idea and to wait until September onwards for scotland

Are they all just scaremongerers or are they right ?

cheers

As a aside I have never been bothered with midges in Cumbria, have I just been lucky or is there a reason for this?

They are about up here in Cumbria (especially in some of the hotspots- Wasdale Head for example) but they're not anywhere near as pernicious or as mean. They're like midgies on tranquilizers.