Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MIDGES AND TICKS
Despite being only just over a millimetre long, and enjoying a life span on the wing of just a
few weeks, the
midge
(genus:
culicoides
) - a tiny biting fly prevalent in the Highlands (mainly
the west coast) and Islands - is considered to be second only to the weather as the major
deterrent to tourism in Scotland. There are more than thirty varieties of midge, though only
half of these bite humans. Ninety percent of all midge bites are down to the female
Culicoides
impunctatus
or
Highland midge
(the male does not bite), which has two sets of jaws sporting
twenty teeth each; she needs a good meal of blood in order to produce eggs.
These persistent creatures can be a nuisance, but some people also have a violent allergic
reaction to midge bites. The easiest way to avoid midges is to visit in the winter, since they
only appear between April and October. Midges also favour still, damp, overcast or shady
conditions and are at their meanest around sunrise and sunset, when clouds of them can
descend on an otherwise idyllic spot. Direct sunlight, heavy rain, noise and smoke
discourage them to some degree, though wind is the most effective means of dispersing
them. If they appear, cover up exposed skin and get your hands on some kind of repellent.
recommendations include Autan, Eureka!, Jungle Formula (widely available from
pharmacists) and the herbal remedy citronella. An alternative to repellents for protecting
your face, especially if you're walking or camping, is a
midge net
, which is a little like a
beekeeper's hat; though they appear ridiculous at first, you're unlikely to care as long as they
work. The latest deployment in the battle against the midge is a gas-powered machine
called a “midge magnet” which sucks up the wee beasties and is supposed to be able to
clear up to an acre; each unit costs £520 and upwards, but there's been a healthy take-up by
pubs with beer gardens and by campsite owners.
If you're walking through long grass or bracken, there's a possibility that you may receive
attention from
ticks
, tiny parasites no bigger than a pin head, which bury themselves into
your skin. Removing ticks by dabbing them with alcohol, butter or oil is now discouraged; the
medically favoured way of extracting them is to pull them out carefully with small tweezers.
There is a very slight risk of catching some nasty diseases, such as encephalitis, from ticks. If
flu-like symptoms persist after a tick bite, you should see a doctor immediately.
local tourist o
ces, which, along with outdoor
shops, can also supply other local maps, safety
advice and guidebooks/leaflets.
For relatively gentle walking in the company of
knowledgeable locals, look out for guided walks
offered by rangers at many National Trust for
Scotland, Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural
Heritage sites. These often focus on local
wildlife
,
and the best can lead to some special sightings,
such as a badger's sett or a golden eagle's eyrie.
Mountaineering Council of Scotland
W
mountaineering-scotland
.org.uk. The representative body for all mountain activities, with detailed
information on access and conservation issues.
Ramblers Association Scotland
W
ramblers.org.uk/scotland.
Campaigning organization with network of local groups, and news on
events and issues.
Scottish Mountaineering Club
W
smc.org.uk. The largest
mountaineering club in the country. A well-respected organization which
publishes a popular series of mountain guidebooks.
WALKING TOUR OPERATORS
Adventure Scotland
T
01479 811411,
W
adventure-scotland
.com. Highly experienced operator providing a wide range of courses
and one-day adventures, from telemark skiing to climbing, kayaking
and biking.
C-N-Do Scotland
T
01786 445703,
W
cndoscotland.com. Prides
itself on offering the “best walking holidays in Scotland”. Munro-bagging
for novices and experts with qualified leaders.
G2 Outdoor
T
01479 811008,
W
g2outdoor.co.uk. Personable,
highly qualified adventure specialists offering gorge scrambling,
hillwalking, rock climbing, canoeing and telemark skiing in the Cairngorms.
Glenmore Lodge
T
01479 861256,
W
glenmorelodge.org.uk.
Based within the Cairngorm National Park, and internationally recognized
as a leader in outdoor skills and leadership training.
WALKING INFORMATION
W
outdooraccess-scotland.com
All you need to know about the
Scottish Outdoor Access Code, plus daily information for hill walkers
about deerstalking activities (July-Oct).
W
walking.visitscotland.com
O
cial site from VisitScotland, with
good lists of operators, information on long-distance footpaths, and
details of deerstalking restrictions and contact phone numbers.
W
wildlife.visitscotland.com
Highlights the fauna and flora you
may spot on a walk.
WALKING CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Mountain Bothies Association
W
mountainbothies.org.uk. Charity
dedicated to maintaining huts and shelters in the Scottish Highlands.
