Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles
Eagles, Otters and much more as we explore Mull and nearby Inner Hebridean islands.
Maximum eight guests plus leader from our resident team. Join this holiday via Oban, or travel with us from Nethy Bridge.
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 moorland and fields hold lots of waders, including Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, and Oystercatcher, and we also intend to spend time Otter watching. All this amongst magnificent scenery, featuring towering mountainous cliffs, picturesque strandlines, rocky foreshores and beautiful pristine beaches.
Day 1 Wednesday 22 May
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. On the way watch out for Black Guillemot, Eider, Red Deer and Hooded Crow, with perhaps our first view of eagles and otters. Summer 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 Thursday 23 May
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 the few Great Skua which 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 enjoy this spectacle! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Our boat returns to harbour in time for us to keep birding as we return to our hotel.
Day 3 Friday 24 May
We enjoy a drive to the Ross of Mull, where sea watching can be productive. Any lingering Great Northern Diver will be superb in summer finery, and an absorbing day should once again include both eagle species. 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 Corncrake will be seen we should hear the birds, and perhaps be rewarded with a glimpse or two!
Day 4 Saturday 25 May
Another morning around Mull to round up, then return by minibus and ferry to Nethybridge, where you may choose to join our ‘High Season in the Highlands’ week..
Please note: all itineraries in this brochure 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).
Field Notes
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 not expected. Please bring walking boots or shoes, weatherproof clothing and a small rucksack. Conditions on boat trips are invariably colder than those on dry land, so bring warm clothing!
What's included in your Mull holiday price
- Three 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. Full details with your joining pack. Rooms are en-suite, with TV and hospitality tray.
- Full Scottish breakfast and dinner from Saturday evening till Tuesday morning, packed lunch Saturday - Tuesday.
- Boat trip to Staffa/Lunga. Please note in adverse weather conditions boat trips may be cancelled.
- All transfers between Nethybridge 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.
What's not included in your Mull holiday price
- Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
- Extra night in Nethybridge area at end of holiday. This can be arranged for you if requested at time of holiday
