holidays with walking options

BIRD WATCHING WITH EASY WALKING

Would you like to see the special birds of Scotland, but without too much exertion? We know many people want to see Capercaillie, Golden Eagle, Scottish Crossbill, Black Grouse, Crested Tit and all the other Scottish specials, but may not be as able to get around as other birders. Our ‘Easy Walking’ holidays involve no more than one mile each day, and sometimes hardly any walking at all. You can choose dates throughout the year, so you can still enjoy birding in Scotland whenever you want, and you will visit special places by comfortable minibus and stop close to the best birding sites. Don't worry about the quality of your birding; Scotland offers many thrills, and we will find special birds close to transport whenever you decide to join us.

In 2010, each Easy Walking holiday will include a trip by funicular railway to the top of Cairngorm, and from the top station (a closed site where walking beyond the compound isn't allowed) we frequently see key birds. Ptarmigan are perhaps our big target here, though dotterel can be seen, and else where on the mountain Ring ousel and Snow Bunting are very possible too. Later on this day we will visit local sites where birding is exciting and easily accessible, places you otherwise might not visit.

Over recent seasons these holidays have become very popular, and many guests join two or even three per year. We are often told how difficult it can be to find holidays designed for those who want easier walking – with Heatherlea you don’t need to worry. You will find a wide choice of suitable holidays at all times of the year. You don't need to miss out on Scotland's special birds!

All other aspects of your Heatherlea birdwatching holiday are as published elsewhere on this website. Comfortable en-suite accommodation, great food, glorious mountain views, skilled and attentive guides...and don't forget our courtesy collect and return service toAviemore rail and coach. Wonderful birdwatching from start to finish!

2010 dates...

• HIGHLAND WINTER BIRDING
  6 March - 13 March
• 'THE TOP TWENTY' the best of Highland wildlife in winter
  13 Feb - 20 Feb
• SPRING INTO SCOTLAND including Mull
  20 March - 27 March
• BIRDING THE HIGHLANDS IN MAY
  1 May - 8 May
• HIGH SEASON ACROSS THE HIGHLANDS
  5 June - 12 June
• NATURAL HISTORY OF NORTHERN SCOTLAND
  26 June - 3 July
• EAGLES, DIVERS and DOTTEREL
  17 July– 24 July
• SCOTTISH SPECIALITIES and AUTUMN MIGRATION
  21 August – 28 August
• SCOTTISH SPECIALS and the ‘OUTER LIMITS’ ADVENTURE
  2 October – 9 October
• ‘THE TOP TWENTY’ the best of Highland wildlife in autumn
  23 October – 30 October

Prices and other details are as published elsewhere on this website. Your 'Birdwatching with Easy Walking' holiday may run alongside a similar group involving more walking.

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WILDLIFE & WALKING

More dates coming soon!

See the special birdlife of the new Cairngorms National Park whilst walking the wilderness with Heatherlea.

We know how much our guests enjoy the Scottish countryside, and for many birders Scotland is best experienced if there is a good walk each day. This holiday has been designed to give you the best of the wildlife, together with the walking that so many of you enjoy. We will stay within a couple of hours drive of The Mountview Hotel, so that we are in the countryside for the maximum time, and each day will involve a walk of between five and eight miles in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural environments. The rest of our holiday will be spent birding, as we round-up the Scottish specialities, migrants at the Moray coast, and any rarities within reach. This is a relaxing holiday with plenty of wildlife and a guaranteed daily walk – see the special birdlife of the Cairngorms National Park whilst walking the wilderness with Heatherlea.

Itinerary

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

Day 2 (Sunday) - Day 7 (Friday)
Wildlife days with added walking! Ancient forests, the smell of summer on the mountain tops, rolling heather moorland and wonderful birdlife, it all awaits you here at Heatherlea. Ideal for the wildlife enthusiast who enjoys open countryside, you will walk across mountain and moor, beside loch and river, and along forest rides and coastal paths. We enjoy peaceful days with only each other and wildlife for company, as we uncover hidden history and magical folklore. You’ll walk across thieves’ roads, stalkers’ paths and traditional clan raiding routes, as your guide avoids the tourist areas. Nowhere else has such a variety of terrain, or such unspoilt and contrasting landscapes. The Scottish Highlands is Britain’s last remaining wilderness, and the Cairngorms have the look and feel of another country in another time. Each day involves a walk of between five and eight miles guaranteed whatever the weather.

One day at least will be spent in the Cairngorm mountains, and this involves quite strenuous walking, including an ascent towards the plateau. Hidden lochans, sheer cliff faces, montane grassland carpeting the high tops, this day will take you to the most amazing landscape in Britain. You will seldom walk anywhere with quite the same quality of stillness and silence. A refreshing and very rewarding experience!

Our pace is predominantly relaxed, walks are generally classed as moderate and we enjoy all the home comforts of The Mountview Hotel. We plan each day to maximise chances of seeing birds and mammals, and wildlife should include Golden Eagle, Ptarmigan, Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill, Red and Roe Deer, Capercaillie, Snow Bunting, Mountain Hare and Red Squirrel. Your holiday may run alongside a Heatherlea birdwatching group.

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

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 (particularly weather).

Field Notes Walking is generally classified as ‘moderate’, though mountain walking will certainly be more strenuous. This may take place on one, two or three days. Our final itinerary will depend upon weather, though a walk of five to eight miles is guaranteed every day. Binoculars are needed, and a camera may be useful too. Heatherlea provide a telescope for group use. You don't need flasks for hot drinks or wellies.