Highlands of Scotland
Sunday 19th to Saturday 25th March 2023
Come and Join me (plus another local guide - it'll probably be John but it could be Simon) as we spend 5 full days together, seeking out some seasonal Highland species. Springtime is one of the best times to experience the highlands. Life is beginning to pick up speed and with such a short breeding and growing season, everything gets to it with a vigour unparalleled in the UK. That said this trip is early enough to still pick up a little of the winter flavour too. We can have snow on the hills and Willow warblers in the Birches (they should be called Birch Warblers really!). There are good chances of seeing all of the classic highland species Red & Roe deer, Red Squirrels (we just call 'em Squirrels up here), Black Grouse, two Eagle species, and local endemics like Scottish Crossbill and Crested tit. Plus you'll get some insight into many of my favourite smaller species too as the insect and amphibian life is also waking up. Places are going fast. But if you can't get on this one there will be others. See below...
Isle of mull wildlife extravaganza
21st - 28th May 2023
From the comfort of Knock House in the heart of the 32,000 acre Benmore estate we will explore the beautiful island of Mull in search of a wealth of different birds and mammals, gaining a fascinating insight into island life along the way.
With luck we will enjoy views of otters, white-tailed and golden eagles, hen harrier and short-eared owl. A boat trip to the neighbouring Treshnish Isles will provide plenty of opportunity to spend time with one of the UK’s most charismatic seabirds, the enigmatic puffin, while a boat trip with Sea Life Surveys offers the chance of seals, common and bottlenose dolphins, basking shark and even minke whale. Amongst the many wildlife highlights we will visit some delightful villages, stretches of coastline and areas of outstanding natural beauty, not to mention the Whitetail Gin Distillery!
In the evenings we will enjoy a sumptuous meal of the finest local produce, reflecting on the days many highlights, before retiring to one of the house’s many living areas for a nightcap.
With exclusive use of Knock House and access to the entire estate, including some remote areas rarely visited by the general public, this trip to Scotland’s Eagle Island promises to be an experience you’ll never forget!
Isle of mull wildlife extravaganza
18th - 24th June 2023
From the comfort of Knock House in the heart of the 32,000 acre Benmore estate we will explore the beautiful island of Mull in search of a wealth of different birds and mammals, gaining a fascinating insight into island life along the way.
With luck we will enjoy views of otters, white-tailed and golden eagles, hen harrier and short-eared owl. A boat trip to the neighbouring Treshnish Isles will provide plenty of opportunity to spend time with one of the UK’s most charismatic seabirds, the enigmatic puffin, while a boat trip with Sea Life Surveys offers the chance of seals, common and bottlenose dolphins, basking shark and even minke whale. Amongst the many wildlife highlights we will visit some delightful villages, stretches of coastline and areas of outstanding natural beauty, not to mention the Whitetail Gin Distillery!
In the evenings we will enjoy a sumptuous meal of the finest local produce, reflecting on the days many highlights, before retiring to one of the house’s many living areas for a nightcap.
With exclusive use of Knock House and access to the entire estate, including some remote areas rarely visited by the general public, this trip to Scotland’s Eagle Island promises to be an experience you’ll never forget!
Highlands of Scotland
24th to 30th August 2023
Come and Join me (plus another local guide - it'll probably be John but it could be Simon) as we spend 5 full days together, seeking out some seasonal Highland species. Summer time is still here and as well as opportunities of seeing all the highland signature species from eagles and otters, Red squirrels to Black grouse there are lots of other interesting and less talked about species too - with fabulous dragonflies, moths and butterflies and even the chance of a super rare endemic ant or hoverfly! The week is based around the Highland highlights but depending on the interest of the group or indeed the weather - we can end up almost anywhere! Whatever we do there will always be fantastic sightings all set against the ever spectacular highland scenery and based out of the luxurious comfort of the Grant Arms with its freindly staff, great food, drink and a handsome selection of local whiskys and gins- no one trip is the same and often folk come back for a second helping. Places nealry always go fast. But if you can't get on this one there will be others.
At the time of writing (November 2022) this one is not even on the hotel website yet- so get in there quick before it is!
Highlands of Scotland
3rd to 9th October 2023
Come and Join me (plus another local guide - it'll probably be John but it could be Simon) as we spend 5 full days together, seeking out some seasonal Highland species. I particually love the Autumn (although to ber honest they're all good really) but it is the colours....THE COLOURS. The Highlands are spectacular at the best of times, but right now they are dazzling as the bracken hills turn a burnt orange, the Cherry (two species) and maples turn a chimney flame red while the amber cascades of birch give way to patches of the brightest gold... and that is just the trees! it's a great time for all the usual highland signature species while the firths begin to see the first of the winter wildfowl and other migrants either arriving or passing through and did I mention the fungi?
Whatever your thing - come and join us for some of the best wildlife experiences you can have on our islands, but hurry this one is popular but if you miss out this year there's always 2024.
