Rugged scenery and long summer nights epitomise the romantic Western Isles of Scotland. Our tour to these evocative and wild places captures the true spirit and tranquility of the islands .These are essentially mountainous islands, interspersed with sheltered sea lochs, inlets and moorland. The rocky coastline is heavily indented, though Mull itself is only forty km long and between five and thirty two km wide, while the influence of the Gulf Stream ensures a mild, but variable climate. The Sea Lochs of the southern end of the island host beautiful Red-throated Diver in its breeding dress and along with playful Otter can often be seen right outside our hotel. It may not be long before we encounter the majestic White-tailed Eagle which is at a higher density here than anywhere else in Scotland and there can be no greater sight than the mythical ‘flying barn door’ breaking the skyline of an adjacent mountain top. Our special boat trip with world-renowned Mull Charters could allow spine-tingling close ups of this, the world’s second largest eagle, plunging into the water.
Weather permitting, we hope to visit the uninhabited islands of Lunga and Staffa, home to a variety of sea birds. Fulmar, Kittiwake, Shag, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin and Black Guillemot should all be present and there is the possibility of Great and Arctic Skua from the boat as well as Gannet and Manx Shearwater. We land on both islands and witness the massive basaltic columns that form the entrance to the world famous Fingal’s Cave. Extremely close views of the Puffins will be possible as we sit by the entrances to their burrows made in the soft earth of the cliff top. It is not unusual to have a returning bird land at your feet, bill bulging with freshly caught sand-eels for its hungry chick that waits underground. A magical experience and just one of many amazing wildlife encounters that await you on Mull. The island of Iona, famous for its Abbey and St Columba who spread Christianity to Scotland, now resounds to the call of the Corncrake behind its dazzling white sand beaches. Wildflowers and insects abound in equal proportions and after fifteen years of visiting these islands, we know the best spots well. Join us for an island odyssey and see for yourself why this trip is so popular!
Meet in Oban in the late afternoon before we catch the early evening ferry from Oban to Mull and then make the short drive to our hotel on the shore of Loch Scridain, which will be the base for our stay on the island. We should encounter common seabirds on the forty minute crossing such as Common and Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Manx Shearwater, Arctic Tern, Kittiwake and sometimes even our first White-tailed Eagles!
Today we will explore the Sea Lochs of the southern end of the island looking for Red-throated Diver, Black Guillemot, Goosander, Snipe, Rock Pipit, the majestic White-tailed Eagle and Otter amongst these quiet backwaters. Wild flowers include Greater and Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid and Fragrant Orchid. Grasspoint is a great place to look for Golden Eagle, with Whinchat and Grasshopper Warbleroften present and Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher in the woodlands. Driving slowly along the shore of Loch Spelve, Common Sandpipers call from seemingly every rock, Northern Wheatears are feeding young at every turn and on the water, Common Eider and Red-breasted Merganser can be seen. On Lochbuie, we might chance an Otter or a group of Bottle-nosed Dolphin, while this is also a good place to look for divers including occasional Great Northern. If the sun is shining, we will visit a roadside spot where we could find Dark Green, Small Pearl-bordered and Marsh Fritillary, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Highland Darter, Common Hawker and Beautiful Demoiselle, as well as an excellent display of orchids.
We shall concentrate our day around the centre of Mull in search of Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl with Merlin, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Peregrine also possible. Mull is probably the best place in Scotland to see Golden & White-tailed Eagles and on past visits we have seen both species every day! Watching these majestic birds soar over stunning mountain scenery is sure to be a highlight. A boat trip of three hours duration this morning with Mull Charters, will take us along the beautiful shores of the island of Ulva. Here Otters and Common Seals can be found, and the mighty White-tailed Eagle can be seen plunging into the sea loch right beside the boat, allowing amazing photographic opportunities. Back on dry land, we head along to Eas Fors, a spectacular waterfall which plunges over the cliffs directly into the sea. Grey Wagtail and Dipper could be feeding young here, a perfect spot for lunch. Driving north, we cross rugged moorland where Hen Harriers and Golden Eagles hunt, before passing the beautiful white sand bay at Calgary and head on up to Caliach Point. Views to the north from here take in Coll, Rhum and Ardnamurchan, and Great Skuas are sometimes to be found on the headland.
Today we explore the north of the island, giving us the opportunity to visit Tobermory the largest “town” on Mull. White-tailed Eagles feature highly in this area and we can expect several sightings. We shall also be looking for further sightings of Golden Eagle and Otter among the secluded bays and glens. Otters are often easy to see on Mull and with patience and care can be surprisingly approachable around the loch shore as they feed on the seaweed covered rocks. Salen bay is a great spot to look for them, and here in the Oak woodlands we will also look for Wood Warbler. Dipper can be found on the Aros river nearby, another great spot for Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Beautiful Demoiselle and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Dervaig is another tranquil spot where a sheltered bay offers a good spot to find waders and wildfowl, often including Goosander. Whinchat, Sedge Warbler, Hen Harrier and Peregrine are also possible in this area. Loch Ba, one of the largest freshwater bodies on the island, is a great place to find Common Redstart, Tree Pipit, Common Redpoll and Common Crossbill, while the crags above offer further chances for excellent Golden Eagle viewing.
Today we visit Iona to look for Corncrake, as up to 25 calling males are present on the island each year even though it is rare on neighbouring Mull. In recent years they have been very difficult to see, and hearing them is the only realistic possibility (though there are further chances to connect with the species on Lunga too). In addition we’ll take a stroll around the island visiting a secluded bay where we have seen dolphins, Twite and Hen Harrier. After lunch back on dry land we will head back up to Pennyghael and spend time birding along the Carsaig Road where we sometimes find Common Crossbill, Wood Warbler, Hen Harrier and more opportunities to look for flowers and insects. Glen More is a dramatic spot to end the tour, maybe watching Golden Eagles tend a chick in a nest, food-passing Hen Harriers, quartering Short-eared Owl or just to drink in the amazing scenery.
DAY SEVEN
Following breakfast and check out, we make the return crossing to Oban where the tour will conclude.
The tour will begin and end in Oban and it is the responsibility of participants to ensure that they arrive in plenty of time for the ferry crossing. We will be only too pleased to assist your journey north with railway station or pre-arranged pick up stops along our route [A17/A1/A66/M6/M74] or alternatively you may join us for a free lift from our Norfolk base and park cars there free of charge for the duration of the tour. Contact us for details.
Six nights en suite accommodation, all meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on day seven, return ferry crossing to Mull, excursion to Iona, ground transport in Scotland and services of guide.
Transport to/from Oban (unless you are getting a complimentary lift from Norfolk or pick up on route) and any overnight stay and meals that might be required, excursion to Treshnish Isles (allow approximately £70.00 per person), Sea Eagle boat trip with Mull Charters (allow approximately £80 per person), travel insurance, drinks and any items of a purely personal nature.
King’s Lynn, Penrith or Oban
