UKC

Hi All,

I will be spending some time in Scotland in August mostly by the sea on the west coast but was thinking about heading to some mountain crags for some climbing. Lets say on Ben Nevis for example or the shelter stone crag. Will they be so overrun with midges that its juts not fun?

Ta

Shane

You'll be fine as long as there is a breeze/wind. Gets really bad when it's still.

Buy a mozzie hood just in case and bathe in Deet, be prepared to change venues depending on wind direction

It's also worth noting that I've been midged on sea cliffs as well. I had some huge clouds of midges on top of me whilst I belayed my mate on tree route at suidhe biorach. Basically, wherever you go at that time of year, you're likely to find midges (though fewer in the east than west). Generally though they can't handle any "extremes" of weather: rain, wind or sun.

It really isn’t something I’d do through choice. There’s another thread on here about the current midge threat level and it seems pretty high.

Most days if you go to a crag in Scotland there'll be a breeze and thus no midges. If it is a calm day then check the weather forecast and go somewhere that's a bit exposed.

While being eaten alive is not good the odd bite isn't something that should keep you away from a crag. They won't kill you.

Thanks everyone. I'll keep a keen eye on the wind when I'm there

I've only very rarely had midge issues on mountain crags. Certainly no more than coastal crags and probably more rarely. Inland outcrops likely to be worst. If you are flexible in venue, midges are not often an issue for actual climbing.