Scotland: Highland Wildlife Safari21st Jun 2024
From:£745
Summary
Scotland’s natural environment is second to none with a more diverse range of habitats than almost any other country of comparable size. This tour of the Highlands aims to provide close encounters with a wide range of wildlife, all set against a backdrop of magnificent scenery.
We begin at the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve where, in addition to the star attraction, a pair of breeding ospreys, you may spot deer, otters, red squirrels and woodland birds, and continue to the Highland Wildlife Park, whose collection of rare and endangered animals and birds includes both native and non-native species, such as Snow Leopard and Polar Bear.
The waters of the Moray Firth are home to the only resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North of Britain and our boat-trip should take us almost to within touching distance of these fascinating mammals. Harbour porpoise and minke whale can also sometimes be seen here and, in the skies above, look out for red kites and the occasional osprey. We then visit the House of Aigas Field Centre where we will see a beaver dam and their Scottish wildcat project.
We have a day among the majestic mountains of Wester Ross as we travel to Kinlochewe and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve where, beneath the towering mountain of Slioch, there is a 500-acre remnant of the Western Caledonian Pine Forest, carefully protected to give an impression of the ancient woodland of pine, birch and juniper that once cloaked vast swathes of the country. At the other end of Loch Maree lies Inverewe, one of the most stunning gardens in the country, a veritable jungle of mature exotic trees and shrubs.
Our tour concludes with a visit to the Abernethy National Nature Reserve at Loch Garten where we will see more ospreys as well as other birds, and the RSPB Reserve at Insh Marshes, home to large populations of breeding waders, including Curlews, Lapwings, Redshanks and Snipes.
What to Expect
- Ospreys on the nest at Loch Garten and Loch of the Lowes
- The famous Moray Firth dolphins seen from the water
- A walk on the wild side at Ben Eighe
- Spectacular plant life at Inverewe
- Beaver and wildcat at the House of Aigas
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 07:45 | 19:45 |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 09:00 | 18:30 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 09:30 | 18:00 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 09:50 | 17:45 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 10:15 | 17:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We will depart from our designated departure points and head up the A9, stopping for refreshments, to the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld. Loch of the Lowes covers 98 hectares and from early April to late August the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys. Their nest is situated within 150 metres of the observation hide, allowing osprey family life to be observed through binoculars, telescopes and closed-circuit television. From the hide you can also spot fallow and roe deer, otters, red squirrel and common woodland birds, including tree creepers and great-spotted woodpeckers.
We will continue to the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore, which has an extensive collection of both native and exotic animals and birds. Native species include capercaillie, red deer, red squirrels and the rare and endangered Scottish Wildcat and among the non-native animals are the Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda and Polar Bear.
We later continue our journey by coach to our accommodation in the Inverness area, where dinner will be served in the evening.
Meals includedDinner
