No superhuman heroics or lightning crossing for me. 15 days at a moderate to fast pace. Walking solo, I hope I might run into one or two people unlike the Cleveland Way last year where the only people I met were on the coast to coast.Say hello, if you run into me.

Will I need an insect repellent for PW?

Don't know about insect repellant but I did mine in June in 15 days, good luck with yours ... weather was atrocious crossing the Cheviots so hope that goes better for you :-)

thanks!

Good luck, hope the weather is better for you than recent hikes. Regarding the pace; 15 days camping and carry your gear is still a fast pace in my view, most seem to take 16-18 days.
I think the midge issue will depend on the weather you have. I had some insect spray in my bag when we did it in June, had to use it once only on the camp site in Bellingham which was bad with little buggers. It was the same last time I was there a couple of years back. Otherwise no real problems.

I always carry a Head Net, but have only ever needed it in Scotland.
Dave.

I walked the Cleveland Way last week and the flies on the first section were horrendous.Once the weather cooled a bit they weren't a problem but if the temperature hits the high twenties expect a problem.The wet months of May/June were ideal breeding conditions for flies.

In my experience you will have problems with flies on the section from Alston to Greenhead.Others have also reported problems on this section,including the famous mountain walker,Hamish Brown.Slogger's suggestion of a head net is the best way of coping with them.

In the past I have had problems with midges on Crowden campsite and also at Keld which is usually midge infested from late June until early September.

You can add Redesdale to the midge list.
A head net or a small spray of repellent weigh little, so I guess The Author has his answer.

I think I 'll have to get some protection.

I would get some midge repellent as well!

I thing the little blighters can pop up just about anywhere given the right conditions. Had a walk round to our local shops the other evening, they were everywhere. I was ducking batting them off the whole way and then had to be careful not to bring any back inside with me. Weve lived here for 26 years and Ive never experienced any Midge problems at all before. It seems it was only that one day as they have now gone.
Dave.

I've gone for the vitamin B1 supplement and the Avon Skin So soft Oil and dry body spray. I don't think I could cope with the net. I've been on quite a few stretches of PW before and haven't been bothered by midges although I have never walked in the Cheviots before. I do remember a dutch lad who was nearly eaten alive in his tent at Keld and was banging on the hostel door, begging for a bed!

It is rain folowed by sun that does it and boy has there been some rain.

See you on the 17th August, Joy! Have a cuppa on for about 3pm!

Well completed it! I didnt need any midge repellant in the end, it must have been the vitamin B1 supplements I was taking, that made me smell like a brewery or was that the beer I was drinking? Anyway thanks to everyone I met on the Way. Thanks Colin and Joyce for your kind hospitality, good food and good beer! I left at 6.30 and got there for 4.30pm on the final day! Sodden and tired but happy! Yes, you do have a ski slope with a mighty bog on top!

Glad to managed to avoid a waist deep mud bath. Well done