THE WEST HEBRIDEAN ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Eight days of the birds, cetaceans and machair of eight Hebridean islands

Mon 2 June – Mon 9 June 2008

Price £1295 pp.  Single supplement £105. Maximum ten guests plus leader from our resident team.

Following the popularity of our holidays to Hebridean islands at different times of year, this eight-day, eight-island tour includes the best from our regular trips on North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Barra and Eriskay with an extra night on Coll, and two nights on Tiree. With the machair grasslands coming into full bloom, Corncrake rasping, Snipe drumming, Redshank, Arctic and Little Terns vociferously guarding their territories, and Basking Sharks, Common Seals and a variety of cetaceans around the white sandy shorelines, this is a total wildlife experience.

Day 1 Monday 2 June
We board our morning ferry in Oban, and pass the Isle of Mull and the Ardnamurchan peninsula as we head to Coll, keeping our eyes open for Harbour Porpoise, Bottle-nosed, Common and Risso’s Dolphins, Minke Whale and a host of auks, Gannet and Manx Shearwater. Upon arrival, we explore the island of Coll, spending time listening for Corncrake, and searching for Basking Shark and Otter along the coasts, and enjoying the tranquillity of this picturesque, sandy island. Overnight Coll.

Day 2 Tuesday 3 June
After a final tour of Coll, we take the short ferry journey over to the island of Tiree. Tiree is home to more calling male Corncrakes than anywhere else in Britain (approx 320 in 2006), and we will fully explore the variety of habitats on this under-visited outpost. Tiree has a nationally important population of breeding waders, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Snipe and Ringed Plover are all in evidence. Pintail is a rare breeder, and rare sounds at night could include the buzzing songs of Grasshopper Warbler, the bizarre calls of Water Rails, the liquid “wet-my-lips” song of a Quail and the “whip-lash, tap-drip” calls of a Spotted Crake. Overnight Tiree.

Day 3 Wednesday 4 June
We continue to explore Tiree, traditionally the most fertile Hebridean island, seeking out Corncrake, waders and ducks across the 12 mile long landmass. On the surrounding sea, auks, shearwaters, divers, Eiders and terns can be seen feeding, and an increasing number of Basking Sharks are beginning to gather in the unspoilt bays. We enjoy the machair grasslands, which will just be beginning to come into bloom, creating a lush carpet of colour around the island, which due to its lack of height is one of the sunniest, and least rain-soaked places in Britain! Overnight Tiree.

Day 4 Thursday 5 June
We bid our farewells to Tiree, and catch the ferry onwards to the island of Barra. En route we hope to see more cetaceans and sharks, auks, divers, and diving Gannets. We travel round the island before dinner, and after dinner may visit a beautiful machair beach, walking amongst rare orchids, listening to Corncrake, possibly seeing Otter playing in the long evening, with seals wailing on the skerries offshore. Overnight Barra.

Days 5-7 Friday to Sunday 6 June - 8 June
After breakfast, we ferry to the small island of Eriskay, from where we can drive to larger South Uist, our base for the next three nights. From South Uist, via strings of causeways over the sandy inlets and shallow lagoons, we can explore Benbecula, North Uist and Bernaray. Over these days we aim to see Otter, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Red-necked Phalarope, terns, skuas, auks, waders, more opportunities for Corncrake, Great Northern Diver, Common Redpoll, and Black Guillemot. Rarities could include Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, a lingering Glaucous or Iceland Gull, or Snowy Owl. All the islands have different features, and we shall enjoy the beauty of each of them as we explore the machair clad farmland and old crofting meadows.

Day 8 Monday 9 June
Early in the morning we take the ferry from South Uist via Barra to Oban. We pass the Small Isles - Canna, Rhum, Eigg and Muck, and keep our eyes open for more cetaceans and seabirds, possibly including the diminutive Storm Petrel, Great and Arctic Skua, shearwaters, auks, Kittiwakes and Gannet. We arrive back in Oban in the early afternoon.

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).

Field Notes Expect a wide variation of weather. Cold winds and rain are possible.  Bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and walking boots or shoes. Walking will generally be easy. Bring binoculars and a telescope if possible. A camera may be useful too!  You don't need flasks for hot drinks or wellies. Biting insects not expected.

What's included 

* Seven nights comfortable accommodation on Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist. Rooms are en-suite, and guests are never expected to share.
* Full Scottish breakfast, packed lunch, and a delicious dinner.
* Eight days wildlife watching with guidance from a Heatherlea Group Leader.
* All transport by comfortable minibus. All access and ferry fees.
* Checklist to record sightings and notes.