May 24 – June 1 Sat – Sun
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Calgary 4 nights, Plockton 4 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
Mull is the third largest Hebridean island, characterised by terraced hills and mountains of volcanic origin. Large expanses of forest and woodland, barren deer forests, fertile pastures, craggy shorelines and deeply indented bays are among its varied habitats.
Raptors, especially Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Otters, seals and deer are all part of the Mull package. Visiting Iona we add Corncrake to the event, with opportunity to explore the splendid Abbey.
A cruise to Staffa - for the magic of Fingal's Cave - and the Treshnish Islands, presents an outstanding seabird colony and touch of romance to the tour experience.
From our second base in the charming village of Plockton we explore the dramatic landscapes of Skye, looking for Ring Ouzel, Greenshank and viewing a Golden Eagle eyrie.
The most accessible and reliable Ptarmigan location in the Highlands is also visited. Freshwater lochs in Wester Ross provide us with good views of Black-throated and Red-throated Divers, also Common Scoters.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sat...09.00 Departure:
Travelling along south Loch Ness Black-throated Diver, Eider, Buzzard, Dipper and Sika Deer are some of the wildlife seen.
Late afternoon we take the ferry (15 mins) from Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull. Arctic and Common Terns, Common and Black Guillemots, Cormorant, Shag and Harbour Porpoise are typical of wildlife viewed during the crossing.
Days 2 - 4 Sun - Tue:
White-tailed and Golden Eagles are a main focus, looked for at well proven locations. Young conifer plantations often produce hunting Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl, also Merlin. Just a short walk from our hotel Narrow-leaved Helleborine and Bloody Cranesbill are among noteworthy wild flowers to be found.
A cruise from Ulva Ferry to Staffa (1 hour ashore) and the Treshnish Isles (2 hours ashore) is a tour highlight. Fingal’s Cave is a unique and awesome spectacle, whereas the seabirds of Lunga are a photographers dream. Puffins feature prominently among close bird encounters, also Razorbill and Common Guillemot. Great and Arctic Skuas, Rock Pipit and Twite may also be expected. An evening excursion takes us to see roding Woodcock, Tawny and Barn Owls and Pipistrelle.
During a visit to the Island of Iona there is opportunity to spend time at the abbey (associated with St Columba) and look for Corncrakes.
Day 5 Wed:
After a visit to Tobermory we depart the island for our next base at Plockton, following the Great Glen to Glengarry and through Glen Shiel to Kintail, arriving late afternoon.
Days 6 - 8 Thu - Sat:
A day on Skye is a must for the ultimate viewing of Golden Eagles. We shall also endeavour to find breeding Ring Ouzels and Greenshanks.
Ptarmigan is a very approachable bird looked for at the heights above Applecross. Golden Plover and Blue Hare are commonly seen in the same area.
The lochs of Wester Ross are guaranteed to provide us with good viewing of Black-throated and Red-throated Divers and, hopefully, Common Scoter.
Day 9 Sun:
Otters are on the agenda throughout the tour, some of the best spots - including a very large holt - occurring close to our base. The local area, including outstanding wild flower meadows around Diurinish, is explored before setting off back for Inverness. Whinchat, Twite, Lesser Redpoll and a wide range of warblers (including Grasshopper) occur.
The tour finishes late afternoon, with transfers provided to transport terminals or accommodation at Inverness.
Cost: £1100...includes:
Eight nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; lunches; all excursions (including ferries plus transfers to and from transport terminals/accommodation; guidance.