October 31 - November 6 Sun - Sat
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Helmsdale 3 nights, Dundonnell 3 nights
Walking: Easy

Description :

Chattering flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares; Red Deer roaming glens bronzed from autumn colour; and the clamour of migrating geese forming lines across chill morning skies, are just a few items typifying this late season holiday experience.

The tundra-like flow country of Sutherland and Caithness is a virtual wilderness and one of the most sparsely populated regions of the UK. Most breeding birds have departed the scene, but raptors remain - Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine and Merlin - while inland waters have received influxes of Whooper Swans, Wigeon, Goldeneye and other wildfowl from Iceland.

On the west coast we watch the magnificent White-tailed Eagle and see large gatherings of Black-throated Divers, also Black Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags, with likelihood of a Glaucous or Iceland Gull at one of the harbours. We shall look hard for Otters and Harbour Porpoises.

The east coast sees the main show of waders: Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Dunlins, Sanderlings, Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones. Great Northern Divers and sea ducks are back in large numbers, while stubble fields receive great flocks of Greylag and Pink-footed Geese.

Itinerary :

Day 1 Sunday: Morning rendezvous in Inverness followed by journey to Navidale for exploration of East Sutherland and Caithness.

Days 2 & 3 Monday & Tuesday: Daily excursions featuring easy walks.

Days 4 - 6 Wednesday - Friday: Transfer to Dundonnell near Ullapool.

Day 7 Saturday: Return to Inverness mid/late afternoon where the tour terminates, with transfers provided to accommodation or transport terminals.

Cost: £825...Includes: Accommodation, all meals plus packed lunches, all travel.

Deposit: £100

Single Room Supplement: £60