West Coast in August

[speed8]

Just a quick question as it's been a number of years since I've been in the Highlands at that time of year.

I'm thinking about coming up in August with the missus and son. The wee man is only a few months old so I can't really be bothered with too many midges. Can somebody remind me how bad they get in the summer.

Looking at Loch Ness/Inverness/Torridon areas if it narrows it down any. I don't remember them being too bad round Loch Ness as you would get a breeze down the loch which would keep them at bay but I may be blocking out bad memories just as easily

[Skyedriver]

August, midgies, yup, sorry.
Need to be in a BREEZY place as any sheltered spot is midgie heaven

[GetCarter]

They can be bloody awful in Torridon, but then again, if the weather is windy, you'll not see them, and if it's hot and sunny, you'll only get them early and late. Best to avoid August if you can... it's fab here at the moment!

[Sandy59]

At the risk of being accused of advertising, if you happen to be interested in renting a nice 'cottage' on Loch Ness at Fort Augustus I can mail you some details.
As for midges there I've only recently got the place so too early to tell, but it's quite close to the shore.

[whirligig]

West coast always worse than the east for midges so I'd say the Loch Ness/Fort Augustus area would be a better bet for you or even the Black Isle or Dornoch? Nices beaches, walks etc and you could always make a couple of day runs over the west.

[naetype]

Avon 'skin-so-soft' , get it from an Avon rep' before you go as the retail shops up here will charge a premium for it as everyone knows it's pretty much the only thing that works (and that won't numb various parts of you anatomy).

[GetCarter]

Indeed... we by on-line (in bulk!)

[speed8]

Cheers.... I was at school in Fort Augustus and I have family in the Black Isle so I know they areas fairly well but was rarely up there in August so can't really remember how bad it gets.

I'll hopefully be up at the end of May with just myself and the wee man on an excuse for a drive (if the missus thinks she trusts me enough :P ). Never been as far west as Torridon area hence why I fancy it this time. The only other option is mid October but thinking that might be getting a bit unpredictable weather wise (if weather is ever predictable in the Highlands).

[GetCarter]

Torridon is worth a visit!

http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon.h...

October is indeed unpredictable - earlier the better in that month. End of May is nearly always pretty good.

[Well_Fans]

brewers yeast tablets for a few weeks prior and during your stay will make your blood smell fairly awful to the midges and make you a less attractive target than other soft skinned tourists. Wont necessarily make that much difference if your the only ones about but its a bit like car/burglar alarms - makes the thief walk that bit further to find an easier target.