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!