Are you in the Outer Hebrides NOW? Midge update required!!

Ginger · Post by **Ginger** » Wed May 18, 2016 8:20 pm

Hi Guys,

I am looking to go to the Isles of Uist, Harris and Lewis at the end of the month, bank holiday weekend.

Its been warm and now the rains have fallen which triggers the hatch of the little flying piranhas.

I am well aware of the midges on the west coast, what works and what doesn't; (Avon Skin So Soft, Smidge etc........)

All I need to know is; are you there now? How's it looking? As I am susceptible to the bites I need to decide whether is north to the Outer Hebrides or West to Ireland for the weekend!!!

The Midge Forecast website isn't yet up and running this midge season yet.

Ta muchly.

mabawza · Post by **mabawza** » Wed May 18, 2016 9:11 pm

I live in Gairloch and the wee feckers are not out just yet but they won't be far away.
As well as using repellant you could try taking one a day Antihistamine tablets a week or so before you go, I find they help you to build up a bit of tolerance to the bites and they prevent your skin swelling up in welts. Oh and don't forget to take a midge net
Have fun Ian.

92kk k100lt 193214 · Post by **92kk k100lt 193214** » Wed May 18, 2016 9:12 pm

I too suffer badly from midges and allergic to wasp and bee stings.

But I always travel with citronella night lights or candles in my gear. Does wonders camping or sitting around in the evening. They don't trouble much in a breeze but calm damp evening under trees is nightmare territory. I leave them loose inside the tent porch and keeps them out big time.

We get midges in France even but I wasn't aware of midge forecasts....

Dark Knight · Post by **Dark Knight** » Thu May 19, 2016 10:29 am

Was up at Fort William over the weekend, no sign of any midges.

92kk k100lt 193214 · Post by **92kk k100lt 193214** » Thu May 19, 2016 11:16 am

If you plan on camping make sure you have an inner tent you can keep closed up no matter what. Leaving the citronella in the porch, a few in the inner tent and keeping inner closed all the time I don't get midges where I sleep.

AustinW · Post by **AustinW** » Thu May 19, 2016 1:41 pm

We were in Inveraray last night and on our way to Barra right now. The little bastards were out last night in Inveraray enough to drive us indoors. Similar reports from others in the hostel for the last couple of days. It's the warm weather immediately followed by rain. After Barra we are on our up the OH for a few days camping and then Skye and onto the ADVScotland out west rally for the bank holiday weekend. If I get a signal I will post updates as we go.

Ginger · Post by **Ginger** » Fri May 20, 2016 7:11 pm

Thanks for all your replies chaps. Ive decided that this year my trip to Scotland will actually be to Ireland!!

Ferries and accommo are booked for RoI. Outer Hebrides will be next May but the first bank holiday!!!

sprintster · Post by **sprintster** » Fri May 20, 2016 8:02 pm

Ginger wrote:Thanks for all your replies chaps. Ive decided that this year my trip to Scotland will actually be to Ireland!!

Ferries and accommo are booked for RoI. Outer Hebrides will be next May but the first bank holiday!!!

Good choice,in my experience April and May are the best times to visit the west coast. (thumbs)

andymac · Post by **andymac** » Sat May 21, 2016 9:03 am

I'm going up to the Shetland Islands in 8 days and was wondering about the midges,,,,,

Oop North John · Post by **Oop North John** » Sat May 21, 2016 10:10 am

andymac wrote:I'm going up to the Shetland Islands in 8 days and was wondering about the midges,,,,,

Not too many there at the moment:

https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

If it's the normal windy and wet. I'd suspect that they'll keep hidden away.