Am I mad to consider camping in Scotland - midges?

[VivaLeThrustBadger]

Want to go to Newton Stewrt area in Galloway next July. Was thinking about one of those wooden wigwam "tents" but can't find one nearby. Have found some nice campsites and have a large bell tent....will the midges get into the tent? I don't mind unzipping to get in the tent and then fastening it down behind me and shutting myself in as its only going to be me on my own and I can read all evening. But would they get in through tiny gaps at the bottom of the zip, etc?

[VivaLeThrustBadger]

Thanks, that's reassuring. I'll certainly be out and about enjoying myself in the day - am going cycling. I'm hoping on a bike I'll be too quick for them - was just worried about the evenings, but it sounds like it'll be OK. I react badly to English midge/gnat bites.

[TiggyD]

I did a thread asking the same sort of things. Try searching the camping section for my name.

What came out of my thread was: West coast is midgey, not East. Go to the West before June. Midges don't like wind and rain. Cover up and use anti bug stuff on yourself. It does work quite well. I forget the make though.

[Perihelion]

There's wigwams at Gorsebank near Dalbeattie. They're not part of the big website. Have stayed for a couple of nights and it's my favourite Wigwam site. Loads to do, without going far, and you can have a fire to keep the midges away. Was there at the start of July this year and the midges were about, but not as bad as further north.

[Thatballwasin]

I grew up around there and the midges do seem to have eased off a bit. Still bring all the repellant you can though - DH was chopping a tree down for my DM last summer, he couldn't stop until he'd finished and he got thoroughly munched!

[AgentProvocateur]

Ooh, I've been waiting for a midge thread because I have STUFF THAT WORKS!! It's not the Avon one.

I'm in bed and I can't remember what it's called, but the DC came back from scout camp on the west coast unbitten.

Newton Stewart and the Galloway Forest is a lovely part of the country. Enjoy.

[CavemanDaveIsVeryBrave]

Pissing myself laughing at Agent's post

[specialmagiclady]

They are no way near as bad as Mosquitos and the bites are itchy but small and calm down quickly. They really shouldn't bother you too much.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haha!

You haven't seen me after my friends' weddings on the "scenic" west coast. 150 bites on my legs alone (I gave up counting at my arse). itching for weeks I was.

I am TERRIFIED of midges. My father is too. He once had to hide in a loch for an entire weekend.

(delicate East coast flowers that we are…)

[GooseRocks]

West coast of Scotland is fab. Take Smidge midgie repellent and citronella candles just in case.

[PacificDingbat]

Yy to Smidge - it works!

It's not mad to go camping in Scotland - it's lovely.
You should be fine re midges in Galloway - the West Coast in the summer is another matter; never mind just the bites, it's when they come in clouds and you end up breathing them in !

Take waterproofs and wellies whenever or wherever you're going though - it could be nice and sunny, or NOT.