MIDGIES. The very word strikes fear into the heart of the most experienced hillwalker. In fact, it can be hard to explain the full horror of a midge attack to someone who has not experienced it, and I remember laughing off stories of Biblical midge plagues when I was younger. Many years later, I’m no longer laughing (at least not until the itchy bites have eased).
Although most associated with Scotland, the Highland midge (Culicoides impunctatus) is found in all British upland areas – and throughout Europe, especially Scandinavia.
One of the worst midge incidents I have experienced occurred last summer in, Carey Davies, and my brother James. We selected what we thought would be an idyllic riverside spot for our camp. Up went the tents. When the breeze dropped, the midges descended – and didn’t let up until morning. We ate breakfast under siege. The resulting videos went viral on Instagram and thousands were amused by our misery.
