NEW! Highlands and the Far North - June
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE ONLY £1095 - BOOK NOW!
There is no single supplement, and singles are never expected to share at The Mountview Hotel.
NEW! Highlands and the Far North - June
Celebrate early summer in Scotland as we take you to the far North of the Scottish mainland, to see the seabirds which breed on the cliffs of Duncansby Head, and the moorland birds which characterise the Flow Country and remote lochs of remote northern Scotland. We also search the Caledonian pinewoods and rugged glens to find the special birds everyone wants to see.
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KEY MOMENTS at our Friday round-up - which will be yours?
•Great and Arctic Skuas over northerly coastlines
•The Flow Country, remote and beautiful
•Red-throated Diver on tiny remote lochans
•birding the coast of Sutherland and Caithness
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrival, welcome, dinner and briefing. Don’t forget our courtesy collection service from Aviemore.
Day 2 (Sunday)
A morning in the Abernethy Forest to look for Crested Tit and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. We often see adults with fledged young at this time. Later we investigate local lochs and rivers, birchwoods and moorland. Your list may include Osprey, Dipper, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Red Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Redpoll, Peregrine, a host of breeding waders and Slavonian Grebe. Often over fifty species are seen on this day. The beauty of divers and grebes in breeding plumage spellbinds many of our guests, and during this holiday we admire them at close quarters.
DAYS 3 - 5 (Monday – Wednesday) SUTHERLAND and CAITHNESS – the far North.
Three tremendous days in the northernmost counties of Britain, visiting tiny fishing towns in Sutherland where a late staying Iceland Gull, stray Black Guillemot or summering King Eider is a possibility. In Caithness, we make time to see auks at their breeding ledges, with Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill the major species. At Dunnet Head, mainland Britain’s most northerly point, we should see Great and Arctic Skua, and perhaps Red-throated Diver in breeding plumage. On Tuesday, we head for the Flow Country, visiting such locations as Forsinard, Broubter Leans and the Kinbrace loop to see waders and raptors. On Wednesday we make a leisurely return to Nethy Bridge with lots more birding, in time for dinner on Wednesday evening.
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DAY 6 (Thursday)
Capercaillie! We visit exclusive private estate woodlands in our large minibus. In June hen birds are more likely, perhaps with chicks. Later we seek out secluded locations with Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Twite, Red Kite and Ring Ouzel as our targets to complete a lovely day.
DAY 7 (Friday)
At coastal haunts, expect to see a range of breeding birds including Osprey fishing, Common Eider, Goosander, Merganser, Stonechat, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Grey Partridge. Sandwich, Common, Arctic and Little Tern, Gannet, and any rarities within reach.
Please note, with three days devoted to ‘the Far North’, we don’t visit the Cairngorm plateau during this holiday.
DAY 8 (Saturday)
Breakfast and departure. Don’t forget our courtesy return service to Aviemore.
Field Notes
Expect a wide variation of weather. Blazing sunshine and heavy snow are equally likely, and you will probably experience a bit of everything. Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Walking will generally be easy/moderate, although mountain walking on Ptarmigan day can be strenuous. See 'Easy Walking' for holidays with less walking. Telescopes will be useful, and you should bring binoculars. A camera would be useful too! You don't need flasks for hot drinks, or wellies. Biting insects are not expected.
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 colour 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 hotel accommodation in Thurso.
•Full Scottish breakfast, a substantial packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
•Six full days birdwatching.
•All transport by comfortable PCV minibus. All estate access and ferry fees.
•Guidance from a professional Group Leader
•Checklist to record sightings and notes
What's not included in your holiday price
•Transport to The Mountview Hotel.
•Insurance, drinks and other items of a personal nature.
