June 12 - 18 Sat - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: South Uist
Walking: Easy
Description :
To experience the Hebrides is to enjoy a taste of life as it was in rural Britain many decades ago. Crofts are traditionally managed remaining environmentally sympathetic, preserving habitats long since lost on the mainland. Wet meadows flaunt beds of yellow Flag Iris and Marsh Marigolds, while ground cover is sparse and good for viewing birds.
This is Corncrake country, residence of a bird often heard but seldom seen - its rasping calls interrupting many a summer’s evening. Barra, in our experience, is the best Corncrake destination in Scotland. Hebridean evenings may be tranquil but hardly quiet - a constant cacophony of bird-sound fills the air. Corn Buntings ‘trill’ from telephone wires, Snipe ‘drum’ over marshes, Curlews ‘wicker’ on sheep pastures, while Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Skylarks contribute to the chorus.
Mountains along the east host Golden and White-tailed Eagles, with Merlin, Golden Plover and Greenshank in moorlands that plane down to the west. Miles of white beaches line the western seaboard, providing feeding areas for migrant waders. Great Northern Divers appear offshore and northbound skuas pass promontories.
On Benbecula a rarity on the scene is Red-necked Phalarope; on North Uist we may find the resident Snowy Owl and, on Harris, a reliable Otter haunt is visited.
Sea crossings often produce whales, dolphins and Basking Sharks, plus the full range of seabirds.
Itinerary :
Day 1 Saturday: Morning rendezvous in Inverness followed by journey to Uig on Skye for the 14:00 ferry to Lochmaddy (1 hr 45 mins) on North Uist.
Days 2 - 6 Sunday - Thursday: Explore the Uists and Benbecula, including Eriskay and Berneray, with day trips to Barra and Harris.
Day 7 Friday: Midday we take the ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig on Skye. The tour finishes on arrival in Inverness late afternoon/early evening, with transfers provided to accommodation or transport terminals.
Cost: £975...Includes: Accommodation, all meals plus packed lunches, all travel.
Deposit: £100
Single Room Supplement: £150
