Islay & Mull in Style

Tour Code: GBR31

A 7-day holiday to enjoy the wintering birds, resident mammals, spectacular scenery and rich autumn colours of two of the Inner Hebrides' most beautiful and rewarding islands, Islay and Mull - gems of Scotland's rugged and scenic west coast.

7 days from
£1,995 (land only)
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

This is a 7-day holiday to enjoy the wintering birds, resident mammals, spectacular scenery and rich autumn colours of two of the Inner Hebrides’ most beautiful islands, Islay and Mull – gems of Scotland’s ruggedly scenic west coast. Throughout the tour we will be using the best hotels on each island respectively – themselves amongst the highlights of the holiday.

  • Spectacular scenery
  • Raptors may include Golden and White-tailed Eagles.
  • Thousand of Geese leaving their roost is unforgettable!
  • A chance to watch the charismatic Otter.

Grading

Gentle wildlife walks. Any more demanding walks will be optional.

The beautiful Inner Hebridean islands of Islay and Mull complement each other perfectly. On Islay, a varied landscape of mountains, open moorland, pastures, windswept lochans, and more gentle woods and farmland is home to a wealth of breeding birds, but even more wintering wildfowl, both sustaining a large number and variety of birds of prey. The mountains and moorlands of Mull, by contrast, are wild, rugged and unforgiving; the island’s vast western sea-lochs are beloved of Otters, divers, grebes and sea-duck. There is no more dramatic time to visit than in late October … when glorious autumn colours are at their best, the Red Deer are at their most splendid, and vast numbers of wildfowl and winter storms move in, enhancing skies and landscapes. For birds of prey — their numbers enhanced by summer youngsters — and other predators, the hunt begins in earnest!  

We begin with a 3-night stay on Islay, a remarkable haven for birds that is invaded each October by vast numbers of wildfowl which arrive from their Arctic breeding grounds to pass the winter amongst these lush grazing grounds. Among the most numerous of species are up to 40,000 Barnacle Geese and around 7,000 ‘Greenland’ White-fronted Geese (the largest wintering population of this species anywhere in the world!). A dawn or dusk vigil at one of the goose roosts on the island is a humbling experience never to be forgotten, and amongst the vast flocks there is always the chance of finding something rarer, perhaps a Snow Goose or genuine Canada Goose from North America. Other wildfowl also occur, among them large numbers of Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese and ducks. Plenty of Great Northern Divers (often 50 or more) may be seen on each of the ferry crossings from/to the mainland, plus Black-throated and Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and many seabirds, including Black Guillemot. Ravens, Red-billed Chough, Snow Bunting and Twite may be among the land-based highlights, but the stars of the show are most likely to be the island’s remarkable variety of raptors — amongst them Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine and perhaps even a wandering White-tailed Eagle.  

As well as exploring Islay, we may also spend time on the neighbouring island of Jura — its dramatic moors and summits (the Paps of Jura) in sharp and rugged contrast to the rolling fields and moors of northern Islay. Even more so than Islay, Jura is a particularly good location for watching mammals. Indeed its name is said to come from Viking times, when it was known as ‘Dy Oer’ (Deer Island), and even today there are far more deer than people on Jura — in fact, about 5,000 Red Deer to 250 people! Feral goats can be found along the west coast, along with Common and Grey Seals, whilst Otters are generally far easier to see here than on Islay. There are said to be a pair for every three miles of coastline, and views of Otters eating fish, or a mother with well grown cubs eating crab at close quarters, are unforgettable moments!  

The superb single malt whiskies, which some argue are the finest in the world, are an added pleasure of a visit to these two small Hebridean islands. And alongside the superb scenery, truly spectacular wildfowl gatherings and a host of other wildlife it’s easy to see why Islay and Jura are two of our favourite UK destinations. 

Mull, the third largest of the Hebridean islands, is perhaps the most spectacular. We reach it during a scenic day that includes travel by ferry, road and then ferry again. It is rugged, dramatic and blessed with extensive forests and moorlands, high craggy summits and a glorious coastline. Here the population of White-tailed Sea Eagles is as dense as anywhere else in Scotland, although there are even more pairs of the majestic Golden Eagle to provide unique aerial comparisons. Many other birds of prey inhabit the island, including good numbers of Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls. All three diver species as well as Slavonian Grebes can be seen on the sea-lochs that are the favourite home of Otters; indeed Mull must be one of the best places in Britain to observe these captivating creatures, and it is quite possible to see half a dozen or more in a day! The island is also well known for its Red Deer, which are numerous throughout, but there are also a few small herds of Fallow Deer, remnants from past introductions. As on Islay, at many places around the scenic coastline, both Grey and Common Seals can be seen from the shore, often accompanied by Black Guillemots. Mull is certainly a magical island and, weather permitting, we’ll savour it in many moods from our luxury base in the south-west corner!

 

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Islay
Day 2/3
Islay (and Jura)
Day 4/6
Mull
Day 7
Depart Mull
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    For this tour we use the very best hotel on each island, all rooms with en suite facilities.

  • Food:

    All included in the price except for lunches.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 30th Oct – Wed 5th Nov 6 £1,995
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£545
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Neil McMahon
TL Neil McMahon

Tour Leader: Neil McMahon

Neil McMahon grew up in Northamptonshire and, from a very young age, developed an interest in the natural world. His first love is the study and identification of wild birds and he enjoys the challenge of trying to identify birds by the way they move and act as well as by their calls and songs. His passion for bird and wildlife-watching has taken him all around the world and he's visited more than 50 countries. Neil is a retired Police Officer and, when not leading Naturetrek tours, spends much of his time completing various conservation and wildlife management surveys as well as volunteering for his local Wildlife Trust. He is also a licensed Bird Ringer and Trainer. During the winter months he maintains numerous wild bird feeding stations in central Northamptonshire and is a serving committee member of the Northants Bird Club.

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Thu 29th Oct – Wed 4th Nov SPACES £1,995
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£545
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Andy Bunten
P7280418.JPG

Tour Leader: Andy Bunten

Andy Bunten has been an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife ever since he can remember. Educated at Cambridge, Newcastle and Imperial College, he then embarked on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts and, for 26 years, the RSPB. He initially worked in RSPB Scotland then headed south to be the Regional Director for the South East of England for 5 years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. An experienced lecturer, Andy has cruised extensively completing over 20 trips ranging from South America to the Philippines and from Argentina to Svalbard. Now an Environmental Consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller and has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including the Seychelles, France, Egypt, Costa Rica, Panama, Borneo, Norway and Spitsbergen. Over the last few years, he has led Naturetrek holidays in France, Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Spain and Scotland. He loves leading trips!

  Array
(
    [180] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 180
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/birds
            [title] => Birdwatching
            [alias] => birds
            [description] => 
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] =>  https://i.assetzen.net/i/4nqk52HDKwI4/w:1500/h:824/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Birds
            [note] => 02
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [186] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 186
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/mammals
            [title] => Mammal Watching
            [alias] => mammals
            [description] => 
Mammal Watching Holidays


Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.


Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours


Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.


Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:



Bargain mammal selection


We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.




Our specialist recommends...







"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




  


All Mammal Watching Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] =>  https://i.assetzen.net/i/4nqk52HDKwI4/w:1500/h:824/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Mammals
            [note] => 08
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [197] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 197
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/no-fly-tours
            [title] => No Flight
            [alias] => no-fly-tours
            [description] => 
Flight-free Wildlife Holidays


At Naturetrek we make full use of the Eurostar rail service through the channel tunnel, and of the ferry routes between England’s south coast and France and Spain, to offer a range of ‘flightless’ wildlife holidays in Belgium, Holland, France and Spain. In addition, we also offer the widest selection of wildlife holidays within the UK, none of which require a flight to participate in. Therefore, if you prefer not to fly, for whatever reason, we have a range of varied and exciting wildlife holidays for you to choose from, and we are committed to regularly adding more.


It is also the case that many of our other holidays within Europe are also accessible by rail. Generally, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’d be pleased to offer advice to anybody who wishes to join any of our tours within Europe by a means other than flying!




Our specialist recommends...






"Our Picos & Plains tour offers an environmentally-friendly route down to Spain for some excellent birding and cetacean-watching. More broadly, we’re very keen for Naturetrek to offer the most dynamic, market-leading carbon-reduced holidays available, and we hope you enjoy browsing our list of no-flight wildlife holidays!” 

Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager




All No Flight Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] =>  https://i.assetzen.net/i/4nqk52HDKwI4/w:1500/h:824/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => No Fly Tours
            [note] => 31
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

)

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!