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Alladale Lodge combines luxury with homeliness - it was bliss. A beautiful reserve, wonderful wildlife and some rewarding talks. A splendid mixture of sights and experiences. The excursion to Handa was a great bonus. We had excellent leadership and guiding from both Ryan Munro and Innes MacNeill. It was a fabulous holiday - we saw beautiful things and learned much.
A.W., Shropshire, May 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Scotland - Alladale in Spring
Tour Code: GBR245A 7-day wildlife holiday focusing on the birds and mammals of the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands.
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
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
During this exciting 7-day holiday we’ll explore the spectacular Alladale Wilderness Reserve, a 23,000-acre utopia located in the Scottish Highlands just an hour’s drive from Inverness. During the course of our holiday we'll explore the plethora of dramatic glens, vibrant hills, glistening rivers and hill lochs in search of the area's superb native wildlife. On one of our days we will take a trip to nearby Loch Fleet where we hope to encounter Otter, Common Seals and possibly Crested Tit, Scottish Crossbill and an array of waders. On another day we'll visit the towering cliffs of Handa Island to see extraordinary numbers of seabirds including breeding Puffins, Guillemots, Great Skuas and Razorbills. As well as enjoying all of the fascinating wildlife, this holiday will also offer a unique opportunity to learn about the management of this wild and truly remote wilderness and the ongoing rewilding work that is taking place here. Our group will take sole occupancy of the reserve's opulent Victorian Manor and talented chefs will prepare high-quality meals from local, organic produce.
- Learn about the conservation projects of this wonderful reserve
- Black Grouse, Ptarmigan and Dotterel possible
- Pine Marten, Red Squirrel and Badger possible
- Visit the Scottish Wildcat breeding enclosure
- A chance to see leaping Atlantic Salmon
- Luxury accommodation, private chef and expert leaders including Alladale rangers
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Alladale Lodge
Day 2/6
Explore the Alladale Wilderness Reservve
Day 7
Depart Inverness
Reviews
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I thought this was one of the most interesting holidays I have ever taken. Of course, we had the wonderful experience that I have come to expect from any Naturetrek holiday: every day was full of beautiful scenery, plants, and animals. But, I didn't really know anything about the specifics of "rewilding." On our first day Reserve Manager, Innes MacNeill, and Ranger, Ryan Munro, took us though Glen Alladale and Glen Mor and we saw just how massive a project Alladale really is. In addition to learning about replanting the forest and managing the deer population, we saw the gardens (raised beds, greenhouses, and aquaponics) and endangered Scottish wildcats that have been part of the captive breeding program. Learning about the mission of Alladale and seeing the work they are doing was both fascinating and inspiring. The Alladale Lodge is beautiful and comfortable. My room was huge had great views of the mountains. The staff at the Lodge - Stuart, Mandy, Lorraine, and all the others - were so friendly, helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome and make sure we had what we needed. Mandy even found us a hotel for the night when we left Alladale to go to the Cairngorms - we had mixed up our dates and would have had no place to stay. The meals were delicious - it was Michelin star-quality food!
S.L., USA, May 24 -
The Alladale Lodge is beautiful and comfortable. My room was huge had great views of the mountains. The staff at the Lodge were so friendly, helpful, and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome and make sure we had what we needed. The meals were delicious. During the week we had local venison, duck (best duck I ever had, anywhere), salmon, and trout. We had salad, vegetables, and rhubarb that came straight from their gardens. The desserts were decadent. I thought this was one of the most interesting holidays I have ever had. Of course, we had the wonderful experience that I have come to expect from any Naturetrek holiday: every day was full of beautiful scenery, plants, and animals. But, I didn't really know anything about the specifics of "rewilding." On our first day, Reserve Manager Innes MacNeill and Ranger Ryan Munro took us though Glen Alladale and Glen Mor, and we saw just how massive a project Alladale really is. In addition to learning about replanting the forest and managing the deer population, we saw the gardens (raised beds, greenhouses, and aquaponics) and endangered Scottish wildcats that have been part of the captive breeding program. Learning about the mission of Alladale and seeing the work they are doing was both fascinating and inspiring. Alladale managed to be the perfect blend of active and relaxing. You could be busy all day, or you could knock off after lunch and sit by the fire reading and drinking tea. It is such a magical place that you just feel happy being there. I will definitely visit again.
S.D. Florida, May 24 -
It was at Alladale Wilderness Reserve and was extremely well organised with a very enjoyable itinerary. I saw lots of the wildlife I was hoping to see and our guide and the rangers were kind, helpful and very knowledgeable. The accommodation was first class and so was the food, service and hospitality. Everything was very well organised from beginning to end and I didn't have to worry about anything.
F.T. Cornwall, May 23 -
This privately owned estate offers an insight into an ambitious project to re-wild the 23,000 acre landscape and return it to its natural habitat of hundreds of years ago. It is along term project very much in progress which allows you to see wildlife that for many people will be a new and exciting experience. It provides a chance to see the impact of positive human intervention to rectify mistakes of the past and restore habitats that will bring back species that have long disappeared. The scenery is breath-taking with vast spaces, beautiful rugged mountains and crystal clear rivers. The accommodation in the luxurious seven bedroom Alladale lodge offers a level of comfort and hospitality that exceeded expectations. In addition to the days exploring this amazing wilderness reserve, there are day visits to nearby wildlife locations which offer sightings of a wide and varied range of birds and wildlife. It was an absolute privilege to visit this remote part of Scotland. This holiday to Alladale in May 2022 was a fortunate stroke of serendipity due to the postponement and eventual cancellation of a planned Naturetrek trip to southern Africa which was postponed in 2021 because of Covid restrictions. Not wishing to risk a further postponement we asked to be transferred to this holiday to Alladale. Naturetrek agreed without any hesitation or fuss which was greatly appreciated. Their organisation and management of such trips are of the highest order with comprehensive information and regular communication. The Naturetrek leader appointed for our stay at Alladale was extremely knowledgeable, brilliant at bird and animal spotting and determined to ensure that every daylight hour was used to best advantage to see Scottish wildlife.
L.K. Wiltshire, May 22 -
Based in the excellent Alladale Wilderness Reserve each day was packed with opportunities to see wildlife in the company of experts. Not being a knowledgeable bird watcher I was able to see many species that I either hadn't seen before or just hadn't been able to identify. As a nature based holiday there are no guarantees but I was able to see 101 species 35 of which were new to me, ranging from Redpolls to Golden Eagles and Red Squirrels to Killer Whales. The Lodge staff couldn't be more helpful or adaptable to the needs of the group. We have had two holidays and three day trips with Naturetrek, all of which have been very enjoyable and organised to provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. The staff are always helpful and the experts they provide are very knowledgeable without making you feel patronised.
B.L. Essex, May 22
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!
