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    [name] => Winter Wildlife of the Cairngorms
    [code] => GBR183
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    [description] => 

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.

  • 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.
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Scotland is home to a wonderful selection of iconic and charismatic species, as well as a range of winter visitors that start to arrive during the autumn months. This single-centre tour, based in either a comfortable lodge or hotel in the heart of the Cairngorms, will seek out the varied wildlife of the surrounding mountains, coast and ancient Caledonian pine forests.

Among the mammal species we will search for are majestic Red Deer, timid Mountain Hare, the relatively elusive Pine Marten and the lovely, energetic Red Squirrel. In terms of birds, the moorlands are home to the famous Red Grouse, while Crested Tit and Crossbills can be found flitting amongst the pine trees. Eagles and other raptors make their homes on the hillsides above the forests and glens, while the lochs and marshes host all manner of wildfowl, including ducks, geese and swans. Off the coast, gatherings of sea ducks will be rafting and tidal bays may shelter wader flocks.

We will make the most of each day, spending time exploring this great variety of habitat, before returning to our comfortable and cosy accommodation each evening for dinner and a discussion of the day’s sightings.

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We will be staying in a comfortable hotel near the Cairngorms National Park.

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All meals are included in the holiday cost, from the evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 5.

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The main focus will be birds and mammals, as well as the stunning scenery.

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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!

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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!

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

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Winter Wildlife of the Cairngorms

Tour Code: GBR183

A 5-day break in search of the region's native and overwintering wildlife.

£1,795

Land Only
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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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Carbon Footprint

102kg CO2e

With International Flights

101.6kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

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.

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.

Focus

The main focus will be birds and mammals, as well as the stunning scenery.

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Arrive Inverness, afternoon excursion
Days
2 - 4
Wildlife excursions around the Cairngorms and surrounds
Day
5
Return to Inverness after lunch

What's Included?

Food

All meals are included in the holiday cost, from the evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 5.

Accommodation

We will be staying in a comfortable hotel near the Cairngorms National Park.

Dates & Prices

2027

Land Only

£1,795

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
Naturetrek Logo

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!

Why Choose Naturetrek?

Click any badge to read more reviews

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