March 31 – April 4 Sat - Wed
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Farr (Strathnairn)
Walking: Easy
Description: This early-season event features an extremely appetising range of Highland wildlife. Within a ten-mile radius of our Strathnairn base, in the uplands above Loch Ness, we may expect to see at least ten mammal species. Pine Martens are watched on our private nature reserve, where Red Squirrels have now become established – that’s where the photo of ‘Blondie’ the blonde-tailed individual was taken (within fifteen minutes of photographing the marten!). Badgers are very active around a local sett at this time, while three species of deer (Red, Sika and Roe) plus Blue and Brown Hares inhabit the area around our base. Early risers may even see one of the resident Stoats that inhabit the hotel environs.
For Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, Otters, seals (Common and Grey) and Wild Goats we make excursions to the Black Isle and Kintail.
This is the perfect time to accrue an impressive list of top birds. Our base is again central to some very productive haunts. From the hotel we have seen Black and Red Grouse, Golden Eagles, and Hen Harriers, while Slavonian Grebes nest just down the road. Roding Woodcock are observed at our private reserve, Tawny, Barn and Long-eared Owls having all been seen during the short drive between the hotel and the reserve.
Extending the radius from the hotel to fifteen miles we then encounter Ospreys, Capercaillies, Ring Ouzels and Crested Tits. Lots of wintering birds remain on the scene – Whooper Swans, Pink-footed Geese, Long-tailed Ducks, Iceland Gulls, Fieldfares and Redwings – while the first Sand Martins and Wheatears should be arriving from the south.
Our exceedingly comfortable hotel base has a fabulous outlook combining great hospitality with excellent cuisine.Itinerary :
Day 1 Saturday: Morning rendezvous in Inverness followed by drop-off of baggage at the hotel and visits to sites in Strathnairn and the Great Glen.
Days 2 - 4 Sunday - Tuesday: Excursions to Speyside, Kintail, the Black Isle and Loch Ness-side.
Day 5 Wednesday: The tour finishes in Inverness late afternoon, with transfers provided to accommodation or transport terminals.
Cost: £650...includes: Accommodation; all meals plus packed lunches; all travel.
Deposit: £100Single room supplement: £60
