Hi, I am thinking of going to Scotland for the first time camping in June. Can anyone recommend a site that is quite, excellent scenery and good walking from the site. The site must have electric and accept large tents and dogs. I dont mind where in Scotland . My other issue is the legendary midge , any info on dealing with it is most welcome. Thanks.
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Dingwell & Moray Firth. The pretty side is the west but your pay for it with the midges As Bernie47 says east side is better. Not free completely as anywhere where there are trees or water brings biters. Like anywhere. but no where near as much as the Middle to Western side up & down it. Mind you if you choose as site on the east then travel to the west to see it as we do, now that is not to bad.
Quote: Originally posted by beanpark on 13/4/2012
Dingwell & Moray Firth. The pretty side is the west but your pay for it with the midges As Bernie47 says east side is better. Not free completely as anywhere where there are trees or water brings biters. Like anywhere. but no where near as much as the Middle to Western side up & down it. Mind you if you choose as site on the east then travel to the west to see it as we do, now that is not to bad.
I assume you mean Dingwall on the Cromarty Firth.
Most sites on the coast are relatively midge free because midges do not like wind, but this is not always the case.
------------- Bernie
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The one at Oban ccc club site is absolutely terrible for midgses they seem to get stuck within the walled site as it is and stay going round & round sucking everyones blood. The site mgrs a couple fo years ago and maybe still do. Had a pith helmet and a mesh netting all over her face and shoulders to stop them.
But there was a site closer to the sea and yes the salty air they do not seem to like.So they seemed okay but not many on got on there.
Nice to go to Oban though loved the area, also Fort William. The sealife centre had a massive dangerous jellyfish in this big drop water tank just inside the entrance. The were facinating as they looked as it they had little lights all around them like an alien spaceship. Loved it there and very educational.When we go again we will stay on the East coast & travel West, as they eat me alive. Unless I put a mossie net all over me draped like a ghost will look great yes? enough to frighten everyone.
We would like to find some more sea side ones for that very reason but do need EHU as well. Culzean we got bitten at, but decided to go back a later time and got away with having not too many.
I've been toying with Culzean as we are going up to Scotland in early August but the whole midge thing has been putting me off. I thought Culzean would be okay as it is quite close to the sea but obviously not
Try and find a site where there's usually a bit of a breeze and avoid inland lochsides and trees. If you have a known reaction to bites, take piriton or the like for a while in advance; I'm told upping Vit B intake in advance also does but not tried that. Skin So Soft deters them. If you're sitting around a charcoal BBQ enjoying a drink after, try putting citronella tea lights on the dying embers - we've found this quite successful.
Best thing I found was a citronella gel stick (safe in tent) - never got them inside even with door open; it also used to let you sit in your car in the middle of a midge-infested forest with the windows open and none in the car. Can't get it anymore.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Findochty caravan park is stunning. Sitting outside eating breakfast and watching the dolphins. Pure bliss. I live on the West coast of Scotland and TBH manage to live with midges fairly easily. Just make yourself un attractive to them. Eat garlic don't wear perfume and most definitely do not eat bananas. There's something about bananas and the smell your skin produces that make you very attractive to midges.Use various essential oils like Eucalyptus, lavender and lemon to achieve the same aim. Peoples results with these generally vary although the main benefit is that they are much less likely to cause a reaction or any long term damage. The final plus point is that they make you smell nice, which is always a plus after a few days hiking.
------------- Live every day as if it's your last but not at risk to others :-)
These are great for midges. Yes you look a bit of a prat in them but at least you won't be inhaling midges! They're about £5 from outdoor shops (these came from Cotswold Outdoors I think).
Skin so Soft doesn't seem to deter them much but they die on your skin as soon as they come into contact with it so it has its uses!
If you're planning on walking when you're up there I'd strongly recommend investing in a pair of tick tweezers too. It's the one bit of kit that I'd hoped I'd wasted my money on but I didn't. I needed them. Yuck!
Finally, don't let the critters put you off. It's an amazing place to camp and I can't wait to go back!
------------- Mar - Milarrochy Bay - 9 days
Apr - Drayton Manor - 1 day
May - Saxdale - 4 days
May - Nantcol - 9 days
July - Weymouth - 1 day
July - Rozel Bay - 14 days
Aug - Corfe Castle - 2 days
Aug - Saxdale - 4 days
Sep - Stratford - 2 days
Oct - Stainforth - 2 days
Dec - Saxdale - 5 days
To be continued.....
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Quote: Originally posted by ficklejade on 14/4/2012
Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 13/4/2012
If you choose a site in eastern Scotland, or in Dumfies & Galloway in the south west, you should not be bothered with midges.
You are joking, Bernie??? I've been eaten alive in Dumfries and Galloway
Could not agree more. We stayed at Loch Ken last year and it was one of the worst places we have been for midges. Would not put us off returning though.
I have to say that I have had major midge attacks from places in both North Yorkshire and The Lake District so the pesky blighter does get about!!
------------- 2015 Trips
January - Red Squirrel
February - Red Squirrel
March - Gimme Shelter
April - Elie
May - Noah's Ark
May - Riverside, Skipton
May - Blair Castle
June - Braithwaite Bridges
July - The Star
July - Witches Craig
July - Scone
August - Highburn House
September - Gimme Shelter
Don't let the blighters get you down. My parents kept a van as a seasonal in Ardgarten near Arrochar and they swore by "SHOO" I'm not sure if its online only! They also used the electric mossie / midge plug ins and they seemed to work.
Go and have agreat time!
------------- Elaine
Clumber feb 1/2 term
clumber april 2011
May Clumber
May Scarborough
August Corfe Castle and any other weekend i can manage!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Recommended sites in Scotland/ midges
