Best Time for touring Scotland

[RONALD5555]

Hi all, we are starting to plan a grand tour of Western and Northern Scotland, for around three weeks, next year, from Yorkshire. Can anyone suggest the best time of year, with regard to decent weather, and the dreaded mozzies? Thanks.

 

[mealsonwheels]

We did a 5 week grand tour around the Highlands in 2008 to celebrate a special wedding anniversary. May, into June is usually good for weather in the north and west and we didn't have a problem with the dreaded midge, but pack wet weather gear with you, just in case!
We can certainly recommend the CC site at Bunree and the site at Morvich is handy for Skye. We had a fantastic time and hope you do too

.

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi, end of may begining of june should just about be right for both, by the way they arn't mozzies if they were that wouldn't be so bad,
the little stripey blighters are about 1/4 the size of a mozzie and get through most insect nets, best tip I would give would be to aviod pitching at the side of water especialy sea water and use insect candles in the awning also the further north you go the the more of them there are, or so it seems.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Ronald

I reckon from years of experience the worst times are between beginning of June and end August. However a lot depends on the weather and exactly which area you are in.
I have always found Glencoe , Fort William and the Campbell town area near Loch Sween bad. Similarly the CC sites at Bunree and North Ledaig are bad as is any site on or near a still Loch.

That said and contrary to the other views I have found Sutherland , like Scourie and further up Dunnet Bay fine .

We usually do the Scottish trips in May or September as 99% of the midges have gone.
There are various defence repellant preparations available. We use Avon Skin So Soft . The best bite soother is called Eureka Bite Soother available at the two CC sites mentioned above or by post from here:-
http://www.bitefree.co.uk/shop-online-insect-repellent/

The following daily forecast will also prove most useful.
http://2010.midgeforecast.co.uk/

SWMBO also uses scented joss sticks like Colin's candles..
In reality if you choose your time and location carefully you may well see none at all.

 

[Raywood]

To avoid the midges I would go up to about the middle of May or September. The weather is just pot luck. Avon Soft Skin seems to be the best protection and candles in the caravan.

 

[emmerson]

Any time! It's always spectacular, but don't forget your Avon "skin so soft" to ward off the mozzies.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I've been 3 times at the beginning of June and the midges have been dreadful. Luss, Bunree, Morvich, Killin, Carradale Bay, all as bad as one another. Don't put to much faith in the Avon Skin So Soft either. I used it and they thought it was gravy.
I must admit it's interesting driving in the safety of your car in the evenings and watch people waving their arms around like demented loons. The wise wear hoods like bee keepers wear to keep the midges at bay. It's at villages like Kenmore that you will see this amazing and amusing spectacle

If you want to avoid them stay on the east coast at sites like Rosemarkie or Brora in the summer months.

 

[RONALD5555]

Thank you for all your info, friends. I think September may be the best time.

 

[Alimac1]

Hi

you should try staying here! If it is a still night then you can forget any outdoor activities, no bbqs or sitting in the garden admiring the fantastic scenery, or low sunsets or enjoying the peace and quiet.

ps I live by Loch sween and Campbeltown is some 65 miles away!

Ali

 

[RayS]

Years of wild camping and later caravanning in Scotland taught me to seek out the sites and pitches most exposedto the wind - not the little enclosed glens, however charmng.
The little beasties have quite a low flying speed (some expert will doubtless give the details) so it does not take much breeze to keep them at bay. Never did take a powered fan but this might do the trick, particularly keeping the sleeping area clear.

 

[mullsy1]

Years of wild camping and later caravanning in Scotland taught me to seek out the sites and pitches most exposedto the wind - not the little enclosed glens, however charmng.
The little beasties have quite a low flying speed (some expert will doubtless give the details) so it does not take much breeze to keep them at bay. Never did take a powered fan but this might do the trick, particularly keeping the sleeping area clear.

Its about 5mph.Wild camping in July at Fidden Farm on Mull, the midgies werent such a problem because of the constant breeze,but out of that breeze they were bad this year.We wear the nets sometimes,especially if your stationary(in my case to set up a camera).I can recommend the Repel 55 anti midge spray.The Avon has never worked for me.