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Amazing close-up views of Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck at Burghead Harbour, took beautiful pictures! Great views of lots of new species and learnt a lot about the local environment and history. Chris was absolutely brilliant. He's a great birder and naturalist, knows the area and local species really well and has great connections which allowed us see some real rarities for the area. Thoroughly enjoyed the conversations out in the field as well as during the meals, he was always open to the interests and needs of all participants. I would love to join a trip with Chris again!
B.F. Netherlands, Jan 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Winter Wildlife of the Cairngorms
Tour Code: GBR183A 5-day break in search of the region's native and overwintering wildlife.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
Highlights
- Mammals include Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare, Pine Marten and Red Deer.
- Woodland birds including Siskin, Crossbill and Crested Tit possible.
- Stunning scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains, Speyside and Caledonian pine forests.
- Raptors including Golden Eagle and Hen Harrier.
- Wintering coastal birds such as wildfowl, waders, grebes and divers.
- Coastal visit for sea ducks.
- Led by expert naturalist guide.
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
On this tour we will be focusing on the most iconic birds and mammals of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. On the mountains themselves we will look for Ptarmigan and wintering Snow Bunting, while the encircling Caledonian pine forests and heather moorlands hold Red Squirrel, three species of Crossbill (Common, Scottish and Parrot), Crested Tit, Red Deer and Mountain Hare. Both Red and Black Grouse are also possible, whilst lochs and marshes are home to wintering wildfowl and waders.
Grading
Grade B - moderate day walks involving some rough terrain and possibly deep snow.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Inverness, afternoon excursion
Day 2/4
Wildlife excursions around the Cairngorms and surrounds
Day 5
Return to Inverness after lunch
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
We will be staying in a comfortable hotel near the Cairngorms National Park.
- Food:
All meals are included in the holiday cost, from the evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 5.
Reviews
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Our guide's detailed knowledge of local wildlife enabled me to see natural beauties I would never see otherwise:- a mountain hare in white, eluding a golden eagle, sea ducks, an off-course snow goose among thousands of pink footed geese, a flock of snow bunting. Our schedule and travel starting places were was adjusted to accommodate 2 named storms. Our base was the handsome old hotel in the middle of unspoiled Grantown-on-Spey. The holiday really did me good. Naturetrek always has expert local guides, who enable people of all levels of experience and none, to see elusive wildlife. They efficiently assume the burden of the organisation such a tour needs, the itinerary, accommodation & catering.
J.M. London, Jan 24 -
We visited Loch Garten to see coal tits and great spotted woodpecker. Then we visited Aviemore and saw snow bunting! Chris was very knowledgeable and great at finding a daily itinerary that gave us the best chance of seeing wildlife. He was always on time and considerate of everyone’s needs and great company at breakfast and supper. The accommodation was great, had lovely food and friendly, efficient staff. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and learnt a lot with a lovely group of people.
G.G. Surrey, Jan 24 -
The tour leader Chris was so knowledgeable, very easy to talk to and made us hot drinks in the van which was appreciated on the cold days. I saw new birds such as coal tits, snow buntings, redpoll, long tailed ducks and scoter ducks. Finding a mountain hare was very exciting. Grantown-on-Spey still had Christmas lights and felt welcoming on a cold January day.
C.H. Cumbria, Jan 24.
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!
