NEW! Mull Island Explorer

Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides and the fourth-largest in Scotland but despite this it still retains the remote feeling that makes the Scottish Highlands so special. It is easy to see why it is a wildlife lover’s paradise with more Golden and White-tailed Eagle occurring here than anywhere else in Britain and with breeding Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl too, raptors will be at the fore. During this holiday we take our time exploring the island thoroughly, with a visit to the enthralling island of Lunga, its seabird colonies at point-blank range a firm highlight. The ‘Puffin experience’ is perhaps the best in the British Isles, and as we pass right by the burrows the birds are inquisitive by nature and often allow views from just a few feet, at your feet! On Staffa, we marvel at the fascinating geology carved out by the sea, and on Iona, the iconic Abbey is impossible to ignore as we listen for any late Corncrake. In a first for Heatherlea we will also spend some time on the community-owned island of Ulva, home to more enigmatic wildlife and several millenia of history.

Mull is famous for its Otters, and we hope for great views as many Heatherlea guests have enjoyed over the years! We dedicate time to mammal watching, with butterflies, dragonflies, moths and plants likely to feature too, and of course a range of fabulous birdlife!

Join this holiday from Oban and meet the group on Mull, or travel with us from Nethy Bridge.

Day 1: Saturday - Arrival and first explorations of Mull
We transfer from The Mountview Hotel to our base on Mull by minibus and two ferries, or you can join by taking the ferry from Oban, and we will greet you at the ferry terminal on Mull. Should you travel with us from Mountview Hotel, watch out on the way for Black Guillemot, Eider, Red Deer and Hooded Crow, with perhaps our first view of eagles and otters. Spring on Mull offers outstanding scenery in rapidly changing weather conditions, and we use our knowledge of the island to find the best spots for the day. Both Golden and White-tailed Eagle are high on our agenda, though Hen Harrier are also targeted. Moorland and fields hold lots of waders, including Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, and Oystercatcher, and we also expect to spend time Otter watching. Wonderful scenery, good company and fantastic birding before we transfer to our hotel and settle in.

Day 2: Sunday - Treshnish Isles boat trip: Staffa and Lunga
We enjoy a spectacular boat trip, visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan for the few Great Skua which sometimes breed here, as do a few Puffin. Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga to visit the fabulous auk colony on the cliffs of Harp Rock, facing west across the ocean. Many thousands of 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. On Lunga, the ‘Puffin experience’ is perhaps the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are inquisitive, 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 spectacle! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Throughout the journey we watch out for marine mammals including Grey Seal, Common Seal, Minke Whale, Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise and also Basking Shark. Our boat returns to harbour in time for us to keep birding as we return to our hotel.

Day 3: Monday - Exploring central Mull
A full day on ‘Mainland’ Mull, promising a feast of raptor sightings with Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl all likely. We may see raptors virtually anywhere, and a full, leisurely day on quiet roads means we will also have time to look for Otter when close to shore. Lesser-known areas inland may produce Common Crossbill and Tree Pipit on plantation edges, breeding warblers, including Wood Warbler, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher in the ancient oak woodlands and Dipper and Grey Wagtail on flowing streams. A range of Orchids, including Greater and Lesser Butterfly, Heath Spotted and Northern Marsh Orchid may be flowering, offering a subtle sense of perspective to the spectacular hills all around. Dragonflies might include Golden-ringed and Keeled Skimmer and several species of butterfly including Large Heath and Marsh Fritillary are possible.

Day 4: Tuesday - Ulva and White-tailed Eagle boat trip
The beautiful Isle of Ulva is situated off the west coast of Mull and is reached by a small passenger ferry, as no vehicles are allowed onto the island. Once the home of 600 people who made their living from the collection and exportation of kelp, the island is now owned by the community and has a current population of around 12. The island has been inhabited for over 7000 years and is a paradise for wildlife, scenery and escape. The crossing only takes a few minutes and we will then explore the island on foot. Many trails and footpaths criss-cross the island and we will go wherever the wildlife takes us. Ulva is home to nesting pairs of White-tailed Eagle, which can be commonly seen on the wing as well as Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Merlin. The wooded areas of the island play host to summering Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit and Redstart and we have all morning to explore this magical place. The island can be a wonderful place for non-avian delights too and we have a good chance of Otter, Common and Grey Seal and Red Deer. It’s also one of the few places in Scotland you can find Keeled Skimmer and Slender Scotch Burnet Moth although we will likely be too early for the latter.

In the afternoon we take a boat trip from Ulva Ferry around the west coast of Mull. The 3-hour trip can include geology, history and folklore as well as the wildlife that makes this area so iconic. White Tailed Eagles have followed fishing boats for centuries looking for an easy meal and on this trip we replicate this scenario and hope to get point blank views of White-tailed Eagle as they grab fish from the surface of the sea.

Day 5: Wednesday – Exploring back roads in the north
Another full day on Mull to visit some of the lesser-known places in the north of the island, including a remote glen where three or more eagle territories can be watched simultaneously. Redpoll and Hen Harrier are also frequently seen here. Quieter areas inland may produce Dipper, and the deciduous woodlands are worth investigating for warblers and possibly flycatchers. Throughout the day we may see eagles virtually anywhere, and a full, leisurely day with the wildlife of this entrancing island will produce thrilling and memorable sightings as we thoroughly explore 'Magical Mull'!

We will also spend some time exploring the quaint town of Tobermory. With its colourful buildings, beautiful harbour and independent shops there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Day 6: Thursday – Iona and the Ross of Mull
Today we travel to the Ross of Mull, where sea watching can be productive, and our absorbing day's birding should again include both eagle species. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, Gannets, terns, gulls and auks fly through the narrow Sound, and as we travel down the peninsula, Raven, Stonechat, Hooded Crow and Greylag Geese should all be seen. Heading down to the far south-west tip of Mull and across a narrow sound is Iona, and we take the ferry by foot to spend some time on this lovely little island. Dominated by its imposing Abbey, it is the grassy fields and meadows which hold Iona’s most famous wildlife - Corncrake! The island supports a small, fragile population (up to 20 calling males) in a very small area and though with the grass at its tallest, chances of a sighting are slim we have been lucky on Iona in the summer months before, and could still hear the birds rasping calls. Another absorbing day, passerines including family flocks of Twite, Linnet, Wheatear and pipits are likely in the fields and scanning offshore on calm days from this the most westerly point in the Mull archipelago we have more opportunities to look for cetaceans. A very pleasant island to conclude our tour, and for those who wish too there should be enough time to visit the Abbey before returning to Mull.

Day 7: Friday - Return to the Nethy Bridge via Morvern
We have a few hours on Mull to round up anything we might have missed, or revisit birding sites we enjoyed the most, before taking the ferry to Morvern. Travelling along quiet, minor roads skirting the north shore of Loch Linnhe we will certainly see plenty of wildlife, perhaps with a few additions or surprises before our late-afternoon arrival in Nethy Bridge.

Field notes

Weather: Expect a wide variation in weather conditions. Blazing sunshine, rain and cold winds are all possible, and you will probably experience a bit of everything.
Biting insects: are possible although it is early in the season. We would advise bringing a good repellent as a precaution.
Clothing: Please bring walking boots or shoes, fully waterproof clothing and a small rucksack. Conditions on boat trips are invariably colder than those on dry land, so bring warm clothing!
Walking: The walking on Staffa and Lunga is on rough and at times steep paths and care is needed. Depending on the tide, the landing on Lunga may be on slippery boulders. Walking on Ulva is on good tracks and footpaths. Guests can of course remain on or near the boat if they wish.

What's included in your holiday price

• Six nights comfortable hotel accommodation on Mull. We will carefully select your hotel from our personally inspected shortlist of hotels where birders are welcome and the hospitality is special. Guests are never expected to share. Rooms are en-suite, with hospitality tray
• Full Scottish breakfast and dinner from Saturday evening till Friday morning, plus packed lunch daily.
• Boat trip to Staffa/Lunga. Please note in adverse weather conditions boat trips may be cancelled and rescheduled. If the weather is extremely poor for the whole trip certain excursions may not be possible.
• All transfers between Nethy Bridge and Mull by comfortable minibus and Calmac ferry. Drivers can leave vehicles safely parked at The Mountview Hotel.
• Guidance from a professional Group Leader.
• Courtesy bus service to transport in Aviemore on departure.

What's not included in your holiday price

• Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
• Extra night in Nethy Bridge area at start and end of holiday. This can be arranged for you if requested at time of holiday booking.
• Collection from Aviemore on arrival.