Search found 3 matches

by acciaio
29 Jun 2014, 11:16pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Dealing with mosquitos
Replies: 49
Views: 11191

Re: Dealing with mosquitos

+1 for Scotland in May.

We go almost every year and have done for (cough) several decades.

In the age before kids it was for the climbing and walking, moving around places, since then we tend to base in Applecross. Great campsite and generally one of the best places in the world to chill-out, helped by having no mobile reception.

This year, with the oldest 14 we took the bikes up for the first time and the two of us did the round of the coast road and back over the Bealach na Bar. For any cyclist absolutely has to be done - fantastic climb followed by a seriously fast decent, which probably put me up there on the list of irresponsible parents.

And, being in May and on the coast, few midges.

In short, don't let the midges put you off …
by acciaio
28 Jun 2014, 12:08am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Dealing with mosquitos
Replies: 49
Views: 11191

Re: Dealing with mosquitos

Doesn't exactly help with the cycling, but consider taking up smoking :shock:

Seriously, my wife and two of my kids seem to be midge and mosquito magnets, while me and the other kid seem almost immune. We've tried most things, and found that none of the fancy commercial methods work as well as they claim. In terms of repellant, vanilla scent spray is pretty good and also makes you smell nice. Joss sticks also work well, although they may confirm other campers' suspicions about the nature of cycle tourists.

If it gets really bad, such as in the Highlands after June (and some times/places before then) headnets are worth considering.

The worst place for midges and mosquitos (and not only) we ever camped was in the Kielder Forest in Northumberland. Plan was for a week, we stuck it for 2 nights and high-tailed it to the coast.
by acciaio
27 Jun 2014, 12:36pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Where is your most Ideal place to go touring?
Replies: 30
Views: 12922

Re: Where is your most Ideal place to go touring?

For something involving limited time off and without breaking the bank, Brittany for me.

Wonderful countryside, quiet roads with very cycle-friendly drivers, generally good weather, some hills to keep up interest (but nothing serious).

Great food. Shellfish is super fresh and not at stupid UK prices. Croissant plus pain au chocolat and coffee for breakfast, baguette or crepe for lunch, kouign aman or some other pastry for afternoon snack and fruit de mers with a glass or two of wine in the evening and I'm very happy indeed.

Loads of nice camp sites around the coast and no need to ever book when cycling. Fewer inland, although there are some not on any maps/guides I've seen, eg the lovely one in Sizun, and informal arrangements with farmers easy to make.

Can't wait until 13 August ....