A week in the Cairngorms watching wildlife particularly birds. It was an amazing week, with a small group of like-minded people. The tour guide was incredible - well planned, used all available time, very knowledgeable of the area we were in as well as the wildlife. Couldn't have found a better guide. Everything was smoothly and efficiently done. Always a very kind and competent person on the end of the phone dealing with the booking and any queries I had.
W.L. London, Oct 23
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Autumn in the Cairngorms
Tour Code: GBR157A 7-day holiday exploring the ancient woods, lochs, marshes and moorlands in search of the birds and mammals of the Cairngorms, plus a visit to a hide to watch for Pine Marten and Badger.
£1,595 (land only)
Highlights
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Summary
As the landscape changes colour it’s a great time to be in Scotland. This 7-day tour will visit the ancient woods of Caledon and a variety of other forests in search of Crossbills, Crested Tit and Red Squirrel. On the lochs are Greylag and Pink-footed Geese, Goldeneye and Goosander. Nearby marshes are inhabited by winter migrants such as Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal and possibly Hen Harrier. Moorlands and hillsides hold Red Grouse, Mountain Hare, Red Deer and Golden Eagles, while an evening visit to a hide will give us the opportunity to watch for Pine Marten and Badger.
- 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.
- Coastal visit for sea ducks.
- Led by expert naturalist guide.
Grading
Grade A/B. Easy to moderate day walks, some over rough terrain.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
Accommodation will be in comfortable, en-suite rooms, however the exact location may vary between tours. On departures where we are using the exclusive lodge, this is based in Glen Feshie, at Ballintean Mountain Lodge. Other groups will stay at the Rowan Tree Hotel, Nethy Bridge Hotel, or similar comfortable hotels in the Aviemore area.
- Food:
All meals are included in the tour cost, from the evening meal on day 1 to lunch on day 7.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Keith Buchanan
Keith Buchanan has more than 30 years' experience of working on biodiversity and landscape issues in the UK and internationally. Until August 2008 Keith was designing and leading a major project for Natural England to understand the impact of climate change on wildlife and landscapes. Prior to that he was a Programme Director within the Countryside Agency, and responsible for that Agency's work in relation to National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, climate change and land management. Since 2008 he has been freelance, and has led wildlife watching groups to many parts of Europe ,the Caribbean and South America and worked on biological expeditions in Indonesia, Central America, South America, Madagascar and South Africa.
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.
EnquireWhy 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!
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Scotland is home to some of the British Isles’ most iconic bird and mammal species, as well as being the setting for many of their top wildlife spectacles. When it comes to wildlife holidays, Scotland is a fantastic destination.