NEW! Strathspey Walking and Wildlife

A new adventure for the all-round naturalist that enjoys exploring the picturesque local scenery whilst on foot. Whilst most Heatherlea holidays are fairly mobile, and visit a few local sites during the week, this trip aims to spend a little more time exploring the variety of habitats on our doorstep. We take in the wealth of flora and fauna that can be seen at walking pace as well as passing a few places of historical significance. As well as enjoying the exercise, we look at the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and flowers which make a Highland summer special.

We will be walking between four and eight miles each day, mainly on former droving routes, old railway lines, former military roads or on marked footpaths. Most walks will be on level or undulating terrain, with the odd steeper trails but rest assured – this is a group activity so nobody will be left behind, and there won’t be any rock climbing involved!

Bird sightings will vary with the locations, but along with the summer visitors, we hope to see crossbills and Crested Tit in the woods, Osprey and both eagles overhead, Ptarmigan and Ring Ouzel on the high tops, and as we visit under-explored sections of the Highlands, who knows what else!? For mammal enthusiasts, we hope to see Mountain and Brown Hare, Roe and Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Bottle-nosed Dolphin or other cetaceans at the coast and perhaps an Otter or Pine Marten as we walk through the wilds. As we wander over the heather moorland, keep an eye open for Common Lizard scuttling ahead of us too.

We will be running a moth trap on several nights, and with night-time catches through mid-summer often totalling a hundred or more, we hope to see some large and colourful hawkmoths and tiger-moths. We take in any flora as we walk, from the tall trees to localised, delicate orchids. Butterflies may include, Northern Brown Argus, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Heath, and there will be several species of dragon and damselfly on the wing to look out for as we go.

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

• Key Highland birds perhaps including eagles, divers, Slavonian Grebe, Osprey, Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill.
• Fast, bright orange Dark Green Fritillaries, a late, azure blue Northern Damselfly, a huge Golden-ringed Dragonfly, or moth-trapping each night if weather allows in a variety of local habitats.
• Red Squirrel, Red Deer and Mountain Hare, with nocturnal mammals a possibility too.
• The tranquillity and variety of landscapes to immerse yourself in as we explore the Scottish Highlands on foot.

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

Day 2: Sunday – Abernethy Forest: Forest Lodge circular and River Nethy
After our first moth-trap session our week begins in earnest with a walk through the Ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, taking a circular route along good forest tracks. Crested Tit are likely to still be feeding young, Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit are also present and we have good chances of Redstart too. Scottish Crossbill are also found in the Highland forests, and with both Common and Parrot Crossbill also present, separation of this species trio can pose a real identification challenge!

Scarce woodland flora can also be found in this unique habitat including Twinflower and maybe a couple of species of orchid.  

After lunch on the banks of the River Nethy we follow the riverside path through tranquil birch woodland with good chances of Dipper, Grey Wagtail and maybe even an elusive Kingfisher!

We finish the day at a local loch where we hope to find breeding Slavonian Grebe plus wildfowl such as Shoveler and Tufted Duck.

DISTANCE – 5 to 7 miles
TERRAIN – Stoney forest and riverside paths
GRADIENT – Generally easy walking with some undulation, mostly flat

Day 3: Monday – Glenshee and Lin of Dee
We visit the southern end of the Cairngorm Mountain range, passing through stunning scenery to arrive on Royal Deeside. We take the chairlift up to 3000 feet before a short climb to the summit (an elevation change of 330 feet). We search for Ptarmigan amongst the rocky outcrops and have a very good chance of seeing Mountain Hare too. We return on foot, following the mountain paths across to another summit before descending, likely spotting Red Grouse, Wheatear and Ring Ouzel on the way.

In the afternoon we take a walk on the Mar Lodge Estate where we have an excellent chance of raptors such as Hen Harrier, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle and perhaps Merlin. Family parties of Crossbill roam the forest edges while Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper can be round on the river. Golden-ringed Dragonfly may be seen hunting for prey, Green Tiger Beetles shine like jewels as they scurry across open heath and Common Lizard bask in sheltered, sunny areas.

DISTANCE – 6 to 8 miles
TERRAIN – Forest, open moorland and hillside. Most walking on rough tracks with a foot bridge to cross and maintained footpaths.
GRADIENT – Mostly downhill or flat with a couple of short periods of more strenuous ascent.

Day 4: Tuesday – The Speyside Way, Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey
We start walking from the hotel, where we take a relatively flat walk along a former railway line which loosely follows the banks of the River Spey. The changes of habitat bring a good variety of local wildlife, and amongst the regular farmland birds in the adjacent agricultural fields, we hope to see Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the river, Osprey and Red Kite wheeling in the sky, and Red Squirrel and Roe Deer in the forested sections. At our frequent stops we will be looking at everything we can find, which might also include stunning flowers such as Field Gentian, Bog Asphodel and all three local varieties of heather. Butterflies could include Northern Brown Argus, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary, with several dragonfly species perhaps including Common and Southern Hawker and Northern Damselfly.

DISTANCE – 5 to 8 miles
TERRAIN – Good quality grassy tracks and paths, occasionally muddy and damp in places.
GRADIENT - Generally easy walking and mostly flat

Day 5: Wednesday – Corrieairack Pass, Garva Bridge to Melgarve
South west Badenoch is an area rarely visited on Heatherlea trips but with incredible scenery and fabulous wildlife it’s not to be missed. We walk along old military roads, built between the Jacobite revolutions of 1715 and 1745, following the River Spey upstream with rolling grassland and moor on either side. Meadow Pipit, Wheatear and Skylark should be plentiful and raptors such as White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Red Kite roam the skies. Cuckoo and Osprey can be expected as we take lunch at Spey Dam and there should also be plenty of wildflowers and butterflies too.

In the afternoon we visit Pattack Falls, where a short walk takes us to pretty waterfalls, tumbling through a rocky gorge in the forest. We then follow the trail through the trees and out onto the open hillside to an abandoned township: a reminder of the days when many families lived in small homesteads in the glen. Spotted Flycatcher, Stonechat and Crossbill are among the many species we can fine here.

DISTANCE – 6 to 8 miles
TERRAIN – Metalled military road and forest paths
GRADIENT – Generally easy walking with a minor climb to ruined village

Day 6: Thursday – The Dava Way, north from Grantown on Spey
Today we head along another disused railway line into the low, heather-clad grouse moors. We should see plenty of butterflies and day-flying moths with Large Heath and Northern Eggar among the possibilities. Likely birds include Red Grouse, Short-eared Owl and Merlin on the moors and Crested Tit in the stands of Scots Pine. Mountain Hare and Red Deer are always possible in this environment, and keep your eyes open for Osprey overhead as they commute between woodland nest sites and fishing lochs. In the afternoon, we may explore other nearby sites to look for raptors, or perhaps take a final coffee beside a large loch often home to a Black-throated Diver family.

DISTANCE – 5 to 7 miles
TERRAIN – Grassy tracks and former railway line, muddy and damp in places.
GRADIENT - Generally easy walking and mostly flat

Day 7: Friday – The Moray Coast
In a complete contrast we head to the coast and take a clifftop walk to the seabird colony at Troup Head, Scotland’s only mainland Gannetry. We enjoy clifftop views of the birds which may include Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Shag, Fulmar, Kittiwake and perhaps Great Skua and Peregrine. We’ll spend the rest of the day at other local coastal and farmland sites where we look for Red Kite, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and scarcer farmland birds including Grey Partridge and Corn Bunting may also feature. Cetaceans offshore could include Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise with chances of Minke Whale and Basking Shark too while Common and Grey Seal may be present on the exposed rocks.

DISTANCE – 4 to 5 miles
TERRAIN – Clifftop paths.
GRADIENT – Mostly flat along clifftop paths and through farmland

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

What's included in your holiday price

• Seven nights’ comfortable accommodation at The Mountview Hotel, VisitScotland rated 3 Star. All rooms are ensuite, 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.
• Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
• Six full days of birdwatching.
• Guidance from a professional Group Leader.
• All transport by comfortable minibus. All access fees.
• A checklist specifically prepared for your holiday to record your sightings and notes.
• Courtesy bus service to and from public transport in Aviemore.

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 ensuite 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: as detailed above, though please note this is a guide only, and we will be happy to discuss walking in more detail if required.
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, especially hat and gloves for the mountain excursion.
Biting insects: may be encountered in the evenings or around standing water, though it is rarely a problem. Please bring a good general repellent just in case.
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!