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Midges in August day hiking in the Highlands

Posted by (Boston) on

We are planning to be in the Highlands of Scotland in mid-August, taking day hikes most days, training between cities and staying at B&Bs. Cities we plan to day hike in include Inverness, Portree, Blair Atholl, a walk from Blair Atholl to Pitlochry, a walk from Fort William to Spean Bridge.

We have heard about the midges - is a head net necessary? or just long pants and long sleeves?? I am assuming the cities themselves may not be horrid, but the walks along rivers/canals may be.

Thanks for any advice!

Posted by
19200 posts

If you plan to do some serious hiking, a small, portable head net might be a good idea.

Also consider getting some Smidge midge repellant. I carried some with me during my travels throught the Highlands and Islands but luckily didn't need it.

You can get it at most drug stores and sporting good stores in Scotland. Or online from Amazon UK.

Posted by
1706 posts

You are unlikely to be bothered by midges in Inverness, but all the other locations you mention could well have midges, especially Skye and Fort William to Spean Bridge. You will want a midge net rather than a mosquito net, the net is finer. You will also want repellent. Most locals use Smidge which you can find in outdoor shops here (and even in the supermarket in Portree). You will be miserable if the midges are out and you are hiking without nets and repellent.

But if it's breezy and or sunny you'll be fine!

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