Scotland - Alladale in Spring

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