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Led by photographer Robert Harvey, this was a superb trip. Robert was very patient and I learned a lot more about photography, as well as enjoying remarkable experiences such as watching a Black Grouse lek and getting close to a mountain hare. Robert was very flexible and arranged our outings to fit in with changing weather conditions. We used special hides to see and photograph woodland birds and red squirrels, and walked through snow to see Rock Ptarmigan. We managed to see all of the creatures we'd hoped for, and the whole experience was amazing. Our accommodation at the Rowan Tree Hotel was also wonderful.
J.T. Australia
TOUR ITINERARY AND REPORTS
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Birds & Mammals of the Cairngorms (Wildlife Photography)
Tour Code: GBR53A 6-day Wildlife Photography holiday to the Cairngorms, focusing on photographing the area's charismatic birds and mammals and stunning mountain landscapes.
6 days
from
£1,795 (land only)
£1,795 (land only)
Highlights
TOUR ITINERARY AND REPORTS
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Summary
Some of the finest opportunities for photography in Britain are to be found in the Cairngorms and during this short break we aim to photograph several charismatic mammal species that are rare or absent south of the Scottish border. This tour will be led by award-winning photographer Robert Harvey, an expert in landscape and wildlife photography. From specialist hides we will photograph Red Squirrels, Black Grouse, Pine Marten and woodland birds. In Braemar and Glenshee, our target will be Red Grouse with its wonderfully colourful plumage which can (with careful exposure) look especially good photographed against a background of snow, and we'll journey to the Findhorn Valley to photograph another Scottish specialty, the Mountain Hare.
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Use specialist photography hides & tracking on foot
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Photograph Red Squirrel, Pine Marten & Mountain Hare
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Black Grouse, Ptarmigan & Crested Tit among special birds
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Spectacular snow-capped mountain scenery
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Led by professional photographer Robert Harvey
Grading
Grade B – Moderate day walks. Photography of Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan in particular is on foot, and involves walking in mountains, including uphill sections and steep/rough terrain at time. The Ptarmigan excursion is a four mile round trip on foot with almost 1000 feet of elevation gain (the trail is good but at this time of year can sometimes be buried under snow!). Ptarmigan especially is a demanding species to find, so some effort will be required, though the results are extremely rewarding.
We travel by minibus most days, but will spend plenty of the time exploring on foot. Enjoyment of this tour, therefore, demands a reasonable level of fitness and an enjoyment of walking (or, the unfit should be prepared to feel tired at times!). All walks will be taken at a leisurely pace, and a built-in flexibility will take into account of the overall abilities of the group.
Some of the finest opportunities for mammal photography in Britain are to be found in the Cairngorms, where the mountains also support good populations of moorland and alpine birds that are difficult to photograph elsewhere. During this short break, we will photograph several charismatic species that are rare or absent south of the Scottish border, such as Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Mountain Hare and Ptarmigan, using a combination of hides and tracking on foot in the wild and rugged terrain. From our comfortable hotel near Aviemore, we will be surrounded by superb scenery, with easy access to the Cairngorms and numerous wildlife viewing spots.
We meet in Inverness before making our way south to Aviemore, where we will be based for the next 5 nights. After checking in and an introductory presentation from our photographer-leader, Robert Harvey, we will head out into the Caledonian pine forest at the RSPB’s famous Loch Garten reserve. We will spend the afternoon photographing woodland birds, including Treecreeper and Crested Tit, and staying out until sunset will also give us the opportunity to bring the forest to life with our lenses as the sinking sun spreads rays of golden light through the forest.
Over the following days, we will visit specially constructed hides in order to photograph Red Squirrel and woodland birds that might include Siskin, Redpoll, Crested Tit and Bullfinch. On one morning, an early start will allow us to visit a Black Grouse lek site, observing this stunning spectacle from specially situated hides. Getting so close to these lekking birds is a rare privilege, and so our early start should be well rewarded! We will also enjoy excursions searching for Red Grouse, Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare, both on foot and from our vehicle. With stunning landscapes wherever we go, there will often be the opportunity to enjoy some landscape photography too.
On our final evening in the Cairngorms, we will visit a specially constructed hide where Pine Marten one of Britain’s most beautiful and elusive carnivores, are frequently observed. We settle down in the comfortable hide during the early evening and wait, with luck being entertained by the local Badgers as we do.
On the last morning of the tour we will return to the Red Squirrel and Woodland Bird hides before enjoying a last lunch together, which will give us a chance to review our images and reflect on a productive week of wildlife photography.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Meet Inverness; transfer Cairngorms
Day 2/5
Wildlife photography around the Cairngorms
Day 6
Return to Inverness after lunch.
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel near Aviemore, where all rooms have en-suite facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price, except for lunch on the first day.
REVIEWS
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Robert has a wonderful knowledge of both photography and wildlife. He was very helpful and patient on the trip and when I contacted him beforehand with questions. He arranged things so that we saw all of the major birds and animals, and I particularly liked the way he juggled the schedule to fit in with the weather.
J.S. Cambridgeshire -
The tour leader knew the requirements of the party. The itinerary was flexible and we were kept advised regarding clothing and camera equipment to take with us. Very helpful and knowledgeable. Hotel was well located and food excellent.
J.H. Essex -
Excellent hotel/ staff/ food. Never felt rushed or out of my depth. Loved it.
F.M. Kent -
This is the first photography holiday I have been on. I enjoyed the small group, individual tuition and look forward to taking part in another one next year. The accommodation was excellent, the staff fitted around our early mornings and late nights and were always interested in what we had seen and where we were going.
L.S. Oxfordshire
DATES AND PRICES
2020
Departures Availability Cost
Mon 30th Mar - Sat 4th Apr
6
£1,795
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Not available Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£160
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Robert Harvey Tour Leader: Robert Harvey
Robert Harvey is a zoologist and professional photographer. In 2010 he was awarded the Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society for his work on coastal landscapes. In 2015 he gained the Excellence award of the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique for his portfolio of 115 wildlife and landscape images that have been accepted in international exhibitions around the world. Robert joined Naturetrek in 2016 to share his passion for the natural world with aspiring photographers. He plans trips carefully, in order to optimise lighting, time of day, seasons, tides and the positions of the sun and moon. All his tours provide opportunities to learn new photographic techniques, for example making sharp images of birds in flight, capturing mammalian behaviour, stitching panoramas, high dynamic range, focus stacking and post-processing.
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!
