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Highlands and Skye in spring

A superb week of birding across the Highlands including two nights on the stunning Isle of Skye

Destinations
Focus
2024 Dates
  • 13 Apr - 20 Apr 2024
  • 20 Apr - 27 Apr 2024
Duration8 Days
Guides
2024 Price
£1695 pp
No single supplement. Deposit £300
2025 Dates
  • 12 Apr - 19 Apr 2025
Duration8 Days
2025 Price
£1695 pp
No single supplement. Deposit £300
Max Group Size7 per guide

A fantastic holiday from Heatherlea, featuring a rewarding few days on Skye. Key targets here are Golden and White-tailed Eagle, and we should enjoy prolonged views of both as they contest territories.

Travelling to or from Skye we seek roadside Ptarmigan on a mountain pass if weather allows. On arrival on the ‘Misty Isle’, we visit wild and remote corners where birders seldom venture, with plenty of time to scan for Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier. Along the miles of coastline, we catch up with Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot, and migrants are possible at these under-watched locations, often showing very well. These may include scarcities such as Whimbrel, Greenshank and White Wagtail, with Wheatear, Stonechat, Whinchat and Meadow Pipit turning up everywhere on the heaths and rough pastures. We have chances of Otter, with seals and Harbour Porpoise offshore too. We have chosen our timing carefully, targeting three diver species (very occasionally four with White-billed!) in full summer plumage.

The rest of our time is spent around our home territory in Strathspey, where a great spring experience awaits. Resident birds are breeding, many summer visitors are now here, and birding is excellent with Black Grouse busy on the lek plus Crested Tit, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Scottish Crossbill. The first Tree Pipit and Redstart will be arriving to join our local breeders, and we explore the mountains for Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting. On another day we target unseen species on the Moray Coast or Black Isle - this time of year often producing a high birdlist, with large numbers of wintering birds overlapping with those arriving to breed.

This is certainly a cost effective way of including Skye in your Highland birding holiday, combining the island with all our special spring birds.

KEY MOMENTS at our Friday round-up - which will be yours?

  • Golden & White-tailed Eagles over the jagged peaks of Skye
  • Male Black Grouse on the lek, busy displaying to females
  • Otters playing on the coastline
  • Divers & Slavonian Grebe in summer plumage

Day 1: Saturday
Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore.

Day 2: Sunday - Local speciality birding
We begin with a local day, and our award-winning hotel is right in the middle of the best birding habitats. After breakfast we take a local walk to see Crested Tit and other local breeders. Scottish Crossbill are found in the forests too and with both Common and Parrot Crossbill also present, separation of these three species can pose a real identification challenge! In quiet moorland areas we see Black and Red-throated Divers and Red Grouse, and other local birds of interest might include Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye and Osprey, a host of northern breeding waders including Golden Plover, Redshank, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Curlew. A great first day.

Days 3-5: Monday – Wednesday   WILDLIFE on STUNNING SKYE
En-route we search for roadside Ptarmigan and Golden Plover on a mountain pass if weather allows, followed by a rewarding few days on Skye as birds settle to breed, and before the main tourist season. Key targets are Golden and White-tailed Eagle and we will enjoy a leisurely exploration of the island as we seek both. The dramatic Trotternish Peninsula with its fascinating geology is a great place to see raptors, and we also explore other wild and remote corners of Skye where tourists seldom venture. We should enjoy prolonged views of both eagles as they fly around highly contested territories checking for rivals. Peregrine, Merlin and Hen Harrier are also targets in this exciting environment which has a high density of breeding raptors.

Along the miles of coastline we catch up with waders and seabirds including Great Northern Diver and Black Guillemot, with a chance of Otter, seals and Harbour Porpoise offshore too. We have chosen our timing carefully, targeting three diver species (very occasionally four with White-billed!) in full summer plumage. Taking quiet back roads, we will take you to lots of exciting under-watched birding sites amid stunning scenery. Migrants will be on the move, and these may include Whimbrel, Greenshank, White Wagtail and Whinchat, with moorland breeders including Wheatear, Stonechat and Meadow Pipit turning up everywhere on the heaths and rough pastures.

Our hotel is comfortable and popular, situated immediately by the sea, and perfect for Otter watching in early morning and evening. As we return to Strathspey, we have options to visit Applecross, Loch Carron and Beinn Eighe to complete a lovely scenic birding experience on the beautiful west coast. Another unforgettable highlight on a recent holiday was the sight of two Ptarmigan close to the bus at an elevated location, despite high winds, rain and 'Scotch mist'. Everyone got good views, some from inside of the minibus!

Day 6: Thursday - Cairngorm and Scottish specialities
We make an early start after breakfast to seek Black Grouse popping and cooing at the lek. After breakfast we spend another full day in local locations perhaps heading to the hills to seek Ptarmigan if we haven't already seen them on the west coast. The mountains support few other species, though we watch for Snow Bunting, very early Ring Ouzel, Raven and passing raptors. We may also see Red-throated Diver, Goldeneye, Peregrine and Crested Tit as we descend, plus Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and the first Tree Pipit or Redstart in local birch woods. Osprey, Slavonian Grebe, Whooper Swan and many breeding wader species are likely later as we enjoy the best of local birding.

Day 7: Friday - Moray Coast
Spring birding along the Moray Coast is particularly enjoyable, as newly arriving migrants complement remaining winter visitors. This day can easily include Osprey fishing, rafts of Common Eider, Goosander, Merganser, Common and Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver, Glaucous and Iceland Gull. Lots of spring waders including Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin and Ringed Plover may be in bright summer plumage. We watch out also for farmland specialities including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge which are all still found on this fertile northern coastline. Sandwich Tern have arrived, and Common, Arctic and even Little Tern appear in April. With Gannet, Fulmar, auks, gulls and more it is a really rewarding day and we will also search for any rarities or unusual sightings within reach. In recent years we have seen White-billed Diver, King Eider, Surf Scoter and Blue-winged Teal.

DAY 8:  Saturday
Breakfast and departure. Don’t forget our courtesy return service to Aviemore.

This holiday can be combined with:

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Spring into Scotland inc Mull, Spring Migration in the Highlands, Scottish Highlands in Early Spring

Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

What's included in your holiday price

  • Five nights comfortable accommodation at The Mountview Hotel, VisitScotland rated 3 Star. All rooms are en-suite, with TV and hospitality tray. There is no single supplement, and guests are never expected to share. Single guests may be upgraded to double room accommodation at no extra charge.
  • Two nights comfortable en-suite accommodation on Skye.
  • Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
  • Six full days birdwatching.
  • All transport by comfortable minibus. All estate access and ferry fees.
  • Guidance from a professional Group Leader
  • Saturday courtesy pick-up and return service to Aviemore.
  • A checklist specifically prepared for your holiday to record your sightings and notes.

What's not included in your holiday price

  • Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.

More holiday information

Accommodation at Mountview Hotel can be seen here All accommodation is en-suite unless otherwise advised before your booking is confirmed.
Food There is a choice of evening meal, and vegetarian, vegan and other diets are welcome. Breakfast may be chosen from a full Scottish menu. You don't need flasks for hot drinks.
Walking will be moderate, although mountain walking for Ptarmigan can be strenuous.
Weather Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Blazing sunshine and rain are equally likely, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Bring waterproofs, walking boots or shoes and warm clothing.
Biting insects are not expected.
Group size maximum 7 clients per guide.
Optics Telescopes will be useful, and you should bring binoculars. We have a limited number of top quality Swarovski binoculars, which you may borrow at no charge (subject to availability). A camera would be useful too!


Getting here is easy!

BY CAR Travel north to Perth. Take A9 signposted Inverness to the exit north of Aviemore for the A95. Follow signs northeast through Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge (ten miles). In Nethy Bridge, drive through the village, over the River Nethy, and you will see our sign 200 metres ahead on the right.

BY RAIL Don't forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore on Saturdays at 16:30 and 19:30, but please let us know at least 48 hours in advance! The best train to Aviemore is the ‘Highland Chieftain’ on the East Coast Line. This leaves London Kings Cross at 11:00, arriving Aviemore at 19:22. We recommend you connect with this service if possible. Our pickup also works well with the 16:26 arrival from Edinburgh. In general, rail travel via Edinburgh is easier than via Glasgow, where a trip across the city between stations is needed, often followed by a change at Perth. Return trains leave Aviemore at 08:32 (fast train to London – recommended), 09:26. 10:31 and 11:30. However we can only make 2 journeys to Aviemore on Saturday morning, so you may be taken to Aviemore a little earlier.  Rail enquiries: 0845 7484950, www.nationalrail.co.uk

BY AIR Flights to Inverness are becoming available all the time, for latest info call our office. Currently direct flights to Inverness are available from: Belfast, Dublin, Birmingham, Manchester (all Loganair), London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol (all easyJet) and London Heathrow (British Airways). Guests arriving in Inverness airport can then take a taxi to Nethy Bridge, or take the Airport Flyer bus to Inverness, from there they can take the train to Aviemore where we can collect you. Our courtesy collection service is on Saturdays at 16:30 and 19:30, but please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you wish to be collected! We will be able to meet the 15:44 and 18:53 trains departing from Inverness that arrive at 16:25 and 19:26 respectively.

Other birdwatching holidays in Highlands

Other birdwatching holidays in Skye

Why choose Heatherlea for your Scottish birding holiday?

Heatherlea is THE place for top quality birding holidays in Scotland, chosen by more and more birders each year. Stay in our own three star Small Hotel, and enjoy first-rate birding with Scotland’s best guiding team. Relax and enjoy yourself, as we do all the planning! Above all, we make it our business to show key wildlife to you. Our fully inclusive guided holidays concentrate on the real experience, and we take time to ensure that each of our guests enjoys everything we do.

  • We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for 30 seasons, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside normal office hours.
  • Our ‘Mainland Scotland’ holidays based at Mountview Hotel have a maximum ratio of 7 clients per guide, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.
  • We are a small company, run BY birders FOR birders. Come and see!
  • Heatherlea are Mainland Scotland’s FIRST ‘5-Star Wildlife Experience!’ This is the highest available grading, classified as ‘exceptional’ by visitScotland.
  • There is no single supplement. Single guests are never expected or invited to share.
  • Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance loan of Swarovski binoculars, packed lunch and tips to hotels.
  • We offer a courtesy transfer between our Hotel and Aviemore rail/bus links on Saturdays.
  • Heatherlea hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection.
  • Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland. We are also registered to pay VAT, which is included in your holiday price as quoted on this page.
  • Once your holiday is confirmed in writing by us, we promise not to surcharge the price for any reason.

Enjoy an excellent birding and wildlife holiday with Heatherlea.
Mainland Scotland’s FIRST ‘5-Star Wildlife Experience!’

Visit Scotland - 5 star wildlife experience

'Exceptional'
Visit Scotland

Tour Details

About Heatherlea Holidays

Contact Information

The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge,
PH25 3EB Scotland

T: +44(0)1479 821248

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