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?
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.
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.
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.
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This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...