Scotland 2025-06: Highlands & Inner Hebrides

AM arrival (by noon) at Inverness Airport (INV) and transfer to Mountview Hotel, Nethy Bridge, our base in the Highlands for the next six nights.

Today is firmly focused on the birds which make this wonderful part of the country so special. After breakfast we visit local ‘hotspots’ in Caledonian pine forest to see Crested Tit, and we often see adults with fledged young at this time. Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill are nomadic, though present throughout the year. Red Squirrel are seen on our Hotel feeders most days. Later we investigate local lochs and rivers, birchwoods and moorland, where your list may include Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Lesser Redpoll, Peregrine, breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. The beauty of divers and grebes in breeding plumage spellbinds many of our participants, and during this holiday we make time to find them at close quarters.

An early start to a nearby moor to visit a Black Grouse lek is a great start. Scanning for actors in the open ground and at forest clearings we may see Red Kite, Golden or White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Peregrine or perhaps Merlin. Capercaillie are increasingly scare, and we no longer visit private estates during the breeding season, though incidental sighting are possible.
Later we drive to the Black Isle, where birding should include Red Kite, ducks, waders, gulls and terns, particularly at Chanonry Point, a spectacular peninsula which juts into the Moray Firth, often giving close access. Depending upon the tides, we have excellent chances of seeing Bottle-nosed Dolphins too.

We spend a full day on the Cairngorm plateau, with unforgettable mountain scenery all around as we head to the right spots for Ptarmigan and Dotterel. Once Dotterel are ‘in’ by early May only bad weather can stop us seeing them. We carefully choose the best day for your comfort and safety, and we also take care not to disturb the birds. Look out also for Snow Bunting (sometimes singing). Brilliant birding in a very special habitat.

We take an exciting cruise to the foot of Troup Head, mainland Scotland’s only Gannetry to see the birds up close! Auks on the sea will include Puffin and Black Guillemot, and the first Great and Arctic Skuas of the season may be seen too. It is an exciting boat trip! Divers may be present, and we should see Rock Pipit, newly arrived Northern Wheatear and more. We also know quiet and underwatched places on the west coast where waders can be found in bright summer plumage. We also target any available rarities on this day, perhaps including King Eider. Later we plan to visit a Speyside Distillery, and perhaps sample Malt Whisky too!

A complete contrast as we visit the Moray Coast, where birding is excellent at any time of year. In summer we see gulls, terns, waders and duck, perhaps including migrants. We expect to see a range of breeding birds including Osprey fishing, Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Stonechat, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge. Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill are also likely.

We take our time as we make our way to magical Mull, heading west via Fort William and two ferries. The scenery is outstanding, becoming more rugged as we pass Ben Nevis on our way to the west coast, and we watch out for Hooded Crow, Black Guillemot, a variety of gulls, terns and ducks, and perhaps both Common and Grey Seal. On arrival on Mull we take lunch and begin to explore the island, with our key targets being Golden and White-tailed Eagles and Otter. Overnight Mull for three nights.

Mull is a wildlife paradise, becoming ever more popular with birdwatchers. It’s easy to see why, with more Golden and White-tailed Eagles than anywhere else in Britain, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven and a range of northern moorland species. The fields hold lots of waders, including Snipe, Golden Plover, Curlew, Lapwing and Oystercatcher, and we also intend to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering mountainous cliffs, picturesque shorelines, rocky foreshores and beautiful pristine beaches.

The coastal habitat is extra special, and we enjoy a thrilling boat trip, first visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan for Great Skua. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga, where the ‘Puffin experience’ is one of the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are tolerant, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along auks, Shag and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers will love this! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Many Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and ‘real’ Greylag Goose offshore.

As well as thoroughly exploring Mull itself, including a special place or two rarely visited by birders, we visit the small island of Iona. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, and an absorbing day should once again include both eagle species and Red Deer. On Iona at this time the grassy fields around the ancient Abbey hold Corncrake. There can be up to 20 males calling, and although we can’t guarantee a sighting, we should hear the birds rasping, and are usually rewarded with a glimpse or two! In late afternoon we take the ferry back to the mainland and make the short transfer to Strontian, where we are based for three nights. On this night we hope to spot Pine Marten at a quiet and private place.

One of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. North of Mull, west of Fort William, often overlooked, yet blessed with wonderful wildlife. Rugged coastline and mountains, vast moorland and lovely sea lochs. We also expect excellent views of Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle, Red Deer, both seals, Raven, Hen Harrier…quiet parts of western Scotland hold very special wildlife!

Minke Whale is the main target on this unforgettable boat trip. Watching a 30-foot whale swimming alongside and even underneath our boat is one of the truly wonderful wildlife experiences of Scotland. Basking Shark, Grey and Common Seal, Manx Shearwater, Black Guillemot, Raven, and maybe dolphins, Harbour Porpoise, and a tiny darting Storm Petrel ensure a wildlife day to remember! We may also see ‘real’ Rock Dove, Hooded Crow, Red-throated Diver, and perhaps eagles and skuas, plus thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, a few Puffin, lots of Gannet, Kittiwake… birds all the way! We will call at Eigg in both directions, and stay longer on Muck, where we have time to walk and enjoy views across to Rum, and have another chance at Corncrake.

This morning we drive north-west to Mallaig, and take the ferry to Skye. We cross the famous Syke Bridge and explore quiet places in the hope of finding waders, eagles and other birds of prey. We have time to seek out spots away from the main tourist areas, where the scenery is awe-inspiring, and this part of the holiday will be both relaxing and rewarding as we enjoy the beautiful island scenery.

After breakfast we transfer to Inverness birding along the way along with stops at historic picturesque sites, Eileen Donan Castle, and visit Urquhart Castle on the banks of Lock Ness! Mid-afternoon arrival in Inverness.

You may depart anytime this morning.