Midges in England: What have you experienced?

I am 63 and have never seen a midge in England or Wales.

Probably the safest country in the world - what have you been reading?

Scotland has midges in some areas. Maybe that’s what you read. They aren’t a problem in England.

Thank you Camborne2018 and Helen. I’m glad you have not experienced any issues with midges in England and Wales. Perhaps the posts on RS Travel Forum, Trip Advisor and other travel guides were from people like me who are highly sensitive to bug bites. The “no see ums” in Florida leave whelps, intense itching, and tender red areas for about 2 weeks after a bite. We toured Scotland last year but were there in the spring before the midges become an issue. But this year, our travel dates only allowed for us to travel the end of July into August.
Ramblin on, thank you for your reply. I’m not concerned about safety. I’m concerned about my trip being negatively impacted by my highly sensitive skin to insect bites.

maybe global warming is making a difference although I don't know how. Midgees are a flesh eating monster of Scotland - I have never seen them south of the border. For greatest security given your sensitivity you could order a midgee net on the amazons and wear long sleeves and long trousers, and maybe thin gloves. Good luck

There are midges in the Lake District, but in very, very out of the way places. Certainly nowhere near where Rick's tour gets to, and they are nothing
like they are in Scotland- in volume or ferocity.
In the Lake District I thought Rick did Catbells but the itinerary this year says Derwentwater Boat Cruise (1 hour) and Castlerigg.
Even if you were doing Catbells it just isn't a problem location for other insects.
On a hot still day you do get lots of harmless insects, but not on a moving boat on the Lake. Nor have I ever encountered any kind of a problem on the top of the hill at Castlerigg. You get the insects more if you are walking the remoter valleys.
Likewise on Hadrians wall and Vindlolanda it's just not the right kind of countryside for swarms of insects. The wall west of Carlisle (where you aren't going to) could be a bit more of an issue in places.
Looking at the entire itinerary I can't see anywhere I would expect an issue.

Bring bug spray for the few rural days if you are really very sensitive, but it really is nothing to worry about. Maybe also bring some bite treatment cream to be on the ultra safe side.

Nigel and isn31c,
Many thanks for your thoughtful and detailed responses. I am feeling better about the trip, but it’s like I wear a sign inviting any insect within 100 miles to find me! I’m planning on following your advice because I truly am that sensitive. Thanks again!

Hi demps -

There are midges in England and in profusion can be every bit as horrible and vicious as their Scots counterparts. I was once nearly eaten alive on a camp site in Langdale in the Lake District.

As has been mentioned here before, midges like damp and still conditions so tend to accumulate near water. They tend to be encountered at early morning and dusk, but not exclusively so. They hate wind, or even a brisk breeze because it prevents them flying.

On your trip I’d guess you are most likely to run across them in the Lake District but given you now know when and where they are likely to be, you can avoid them! In towns like Bath, York, London you are unlikely to be troubled by them. Only in the countryside are they a threat in reality. If in doubt, wear long trousers and long sleeved tops, and if you want to ‘belt and braces’ it, pick up a head net from a U.K. outdoor supplier (mesh needs to be ultra fine).

Ian

What you may well find are mosquitoes, so I’d bring whatever preventative sprays and treatment for bites that you usually find help you, as you don’t want to have to look for them in your hour of need.

Thank you kindly Ian and Amanda. I agree with your assessment and I will bring my favored resources to deal with them.

There not really an issue in.England apart from Keilder forrest area in my experience.
Even then but a fraction of a fraction of a full on West coast of scotland experience