October 26- November 1 Sun - Sat
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Farr 2 nights , Strontian 4 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
This exceptional late-season tour is designed to present mammals during a particularly active period of their annual life cycle. Glens colourful with autumn leaf-change resound with the mating calls of Red Deer stags. Hares are particularly numerous, with some Blue Hares changing into their elegant white-coats.
Being largely nocturnal Wildcats, Badgers, Foxes and Pine Martens are rarely seen and, accordingly, we conduct our search for these species after dark using powerful spotlights - which often produce exceptional views of owls (Tawny, Barn, Short-eared and Long-eared) as a bonus. Martens are also viewed at a bait sight.
In order to locate the widest possible range of mammal species the tour embraces the breadth of the Highlands, from Ardnamurchan to Speyside. A leisurely two-hour drive brings us to the West Coast, at this time devoid of midges or tourists. Four nights are spent by Loch Sunart, where Daubenton's Bats, Otters, Wildcats, Pine Martens, Grey and Common Seals, and Harbour Porpoises are the main focus of attention.
Two full days and nights based above Loch Ness are devoted to viewing Bottlenose Dolphins, Blue Hares, Red Squirrels, Roe and Sika Deer (the latter rutting).
Although the main focus is mammals we also expect to encounter many notable birds, including raptors , divers and grouse. Large influxes of Fieldfares and Redwings, plus the first Snow Buntings are on the scene, and skies contain skeins of migrating geese.
Our tried and tested nighttime excursions usually take place from about 21:45 until midnight, with a civilised leisurely breakfast at 09:00 the following morning.
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 Sun & Mon...09:00 Rendezvous:
From Inverness we drive to the Black Isle, to open the tour with a search for Bottlenose Dolphins along the Moray Firth coast. Common and Grey Seals are also seen, plus a great many incidental birds. Red Kite and Common Buzzard, Pink-footed Goose, Long-tailed Duck, plus other raptors, waterfowl and waders.
An after dinner excursion produces close views of Roe and Sika Deer, Brown Hares and possibly a Badger or Pine Marten. Owls and Woodcock are also on the cards.
Venturing into the Monahdliaths we look for Blue Hares, and on Speyside Red Squirrels are of principal interest. We shall also see the Cairngorm Reindeer herd, plus birds including Crested Tit and possibly Scottish Crossbill.
Days 3 - 6 Tue - Fri:
Transferring to the West Coast we reach destinations unrivalled for scenic content. Wild Goats are seen near Ardgour, also birds including Great Northern Diver, Shag, Black Guillemot and Eider.
The pattern of activity for the following days prioritise nightly spotlighting outings in search of Wildcat, Pine Marten, Badger and Fox with possibility of American Mink, plus very close views of Red and Roe Deer. A visit is also made to a Pine Marten bait site (good sightings on every previous visit). Pipistrelles are usually seen around the hotel at dusk and we visit a location where Daubenton's Bats may still be active.
Daytime excursions target Otter, Grey Seal and Harbour Porpoise, plus notable birds of the area: Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Greenshank, Raven, Dipper, Common Crossbill and Twite.
Destinations visited from Strontian include Kingairloch, Ardnamurchan, Loch Ailort and Mallaig. An excursion to Mull is juggled in accordance with weather.
Day 7 Sat:
The tour finishes late afternoon on arrival in Inverness, with transfers provided to transport terminals or accommodation.
Cost: £730...includes:
Six nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; lunches days 1-7; all excursions including transfers to and from transport terminals/accommodation.