Midge advice in Southern Scotland

[thinkmalawi]

Hi I'm planning a charity group ride from London to Glasgow in early August 2023, and we're investigating routes. We may use some Lejog routes along our way so I hope no one minds me posting here!

I know that the west is more midge-prone than the East.

Has anyone cycled in the borders/Dumfriesshire/Lanarkshire at that time of year who can advise on areas to avoid, whether it's best to stick to the Eastern side of Scotland or had any other advice? I understand the midges would mainly be a problem when we stop, so if we can stop in suitable midge-free spots then would going through some midge country be bearable?

 

[Slick]

Midges are a pain in the erse, but the man-eating seagoing brutes rarely venture South of Glasgow. Early August should be good but stay away from thick vegetation and cary some of Avons skin so Soft, which is pretty good. The east coast does have less of them, but I wouldn't chose a route based on the midge score of any particular area.

 

[cougie uk]

If you keep cycling they are no problem !

 

[Ajax Bay]

These guys provide the best forecast around. I echo @Slick 's 'ye'r ok south of Clyde-Forth'.
https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/
Skin-so-Soft effect was an accident: Smidge is designed.
For your route, here's the London-Edinburgh-London route which heads due north up to Yorkshire before cutting across the Pennines over Yad Moss to Gretna. The simple boring route from there parallels the M74. I would head via/close to Dumfries, after Gretna, and approach Glasgow from the south (rather than SE). Very much depends on your touring style.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

A head net can be great when stopped, if moving they generally won’t bother you.

 

[slowmotion]

One of these evil potions might be worth having in your saddle bags....

https://outaboutscotland.com/best-midge-repellent/

BTW, is it true that Scottish estate agents give up showing people properties in The Highlands during the midge season?

 

[ColinJ]

If you keep cycling they are no problem !

Ha - if you CAN keep cycling! I encountered some nasty hungry Yorkshire midges one evening...

I got a puncture next to a stream at dusk last night. I can now report that glasses give no protection to your eyes whatsoever when you are not actually moving! I ended up with several midges in my eyes after they found their way round my glasses (as well as numerous bites on my arms and legs).

Helpful hint: If you puncture somewhere where midges are waiting to pounce, walk your bike to somewhere windier and drier where you will only get half eaten while carrying out the repair!

 

[Ajax Bay]

I will always pack a headnet if I cycle in the highlands (again) May-September.

 

[Petrichorwheels]

Midges are a pain in the erse, but the man-eating seagoing brutes rarely venture South of Glasgow. Early August should be good but stay away from thick vegetation and cary some of Avons skin so Soft, which is pretty good. The east coast does have less of them, but I wouldn't chose a route based on the midge score of any particular area.

can you point me at a handy source of this Skin So Soft? Though Avon is a common brand I have never seen any of the stuff.

 

[Sallar55]

can you point me at a handy source of this Skin So Soft? Though Avon is a common brand I have never seen any of the stuff.

Some garages on the west coast or where forestry operations are will have it or smidge .They are an essential product if working outdoors if its damp and wind is light.

 

[Petrichorwheels]

Some garages on the west coast or where forestry operations are will have it or smidge .They are an essential product if working outdoors if its damp and wind is light.

thanks, ah those lumberjacks and their rigorous skin-care regimes,.

 

[Brandane]

can you point me at a handy source of this Skin So Soft? Though Avon is a common brand I have never seen any of the stuff.

Never seen it any shop, but easily available online.

 

[Slick]

can you point me at a handy source of this Skin So Soft? Though Avon is a common brand I have never seen any of the stuff.

https://avon.uk.com/collections/ski...Vis3tCh37tgKsEAAYASAAEgKoUvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Not quite how I remember it, but that seems to be how they package it these days.

I worked in darkest Argyll for years, and this did the trick for me.

 

[Slick]

One of these evil potions might be worth having in your saddle bags....

https://outaboutscotland.com/best-midge-repellent/

BTW, is it true that Scottish estate agents give up showing people properties in The Highlands during the midge season?

No.

 

[ColinJ]

thanks, ah those lumberjacks and their rigorous skin-care regimes,.

I think it was the Royal Marines who started it (having discovered that their Avon So Soft-using partners avoided becoming midge meals...)!