June 2 - 8 Mon – Sun
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Strontian - 3 nights, Farr (Strathnairn) - 3 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
For the naturalist who seeks the full Highlands wildlife experience amidst the splendour of Scotland's most scenic locations, no better trip is on offer anywhere. Sightings of the fullest possible range of breeding birds, mammals and other wildlife achievable in a single week is our aim.
In Speyside's ancient pinewoods we look for Osprey, Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Scottish Crossbill, Crested Tit and Red Squirrel. Above Loch Ness Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Red Grouse, Tawny and Barn Owls, Dipper, Ring Ouzel, Blue Hare, Badger and four deer species are the main targets.
North of the Great Glen Red-throated Diver, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Greenshank and Bottlenose Dolphin are the highlights.
Golden and Sea Eagles are looked for against the unforgettable panoramas of the west coast, where Great Northern Diver, Black Guillemot, Ptarmigan, Twite, Harbour Porpoise and Otter are also seen. Manx Shearwater, Common Scoter, Great and Arctic Skuas, Puffin, Short-eared Owl, Wood Warbler and Winchat are among the many other birds encountered; diverse mammals include Grey and Common Seals, while Pine Martens are watched at a baited site. A notable mix of wild flowers, butterflies and dragonflies also feature during daily excursions. Typical of all our tours the pace is relaxed, though we inevitably range quite widely across the Highlands in order to fulfil our aim.
Itinerary
Days 1 - 3 Mon - Wed...09.00 Departure:
From Inverness we travel to Fort William and cross to Ardgour by ferry (5 mins.). Here our wildlife watching starts in earnest with Black Guillemot, Shag, Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser and Great Northern Diver opening the show. A first Golden Eagle, plus Red Deer, Wild Goats, Common Seals and perhaps an Otter, may be seen before arrival at our excellent base in Strontian.
Ariundle oak-wood presents a wealth of small birds. Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Common Crossbill, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Cuckoo and up to seven warbler species may be expected. Pipistrelle and Daubenton's Bat are looked for at dusk and Pine Martens are viewed at a baited site. Ardnamurchan is a wonderfully wild region where White-tailed Eagle, Manx Shearwater, skuas and other seabirds, plus Harbour Porpoise, are targeted.
Days 4-6 Thu - Sat:
Transferring to our next base in Strathnairn we check locations where Black-throated and Red-throated Divers and Slavonian Grebes nest, also seeing Japanese Sika Deer. GGW's private nature reserve is visited where Bullfinch and Lesser Redpoll are seen by day, and roding Woodcock are watched late evening.
Speyside is explored for Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Osprey, Ring Ouzel, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Goldcrest and Treecreeper. Red Squirrels with white summer-tails are also seen.
Ptarmigan are looked for in Wester Ross where close views of these approachable birds are usually achieved without an arduous climb. Common Scoter, Raven and Golden Plover occur in the same area.
Day 7 Sun:
Our final day is held in reserve to target wildlife we may hitherto have missed or not seen very well. Loch Fleet, Strathconnon or Glen Affric are among options for a visit.
The tour finishes mid/late afternoon on arrival in Inverness, with transfers provided to transport terminals or accommodation.
Cost: £685...includes:
six nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; plunches; all excursions plus transfers to and from transport terminals/accommodation at Inverness.