Scotland - The Isle of Coll in Summer

Tour Code: GBR211

An 8-day holiday, including seven days spent on the fabulous Isle of Coll, enjoying the special birds, mammals, wildflowers and breathtaking scenery of this pristine and remote Hebridean island.

8 days from
£1,895 (Inc ferry)
Land only price from
£1,795
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The small Hebridean island of Coll, roughly six miles to the west of Mull, is only around 3 miles wide and 12 miles in length, and yet it supports an astonishing range of wildlife! This land of pristine habitats, stunning white sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and a host of special flora and fauna awaits us. The tour is perfect for the all-round naturalist as we search for everything from Otters and Puffins to orchids and Oil Beetles, all whilst ‘escaping’ from the rigours of modern life. Our tour leader lives on Coll for half of the year and knows the island and all aspects of its natural history extremely well.

  • 10% of the UK's Corncrake population breed on Coll
  • Rare orchids include the Irish Lady's Tresses
  • Otters are frequently seen
  • Visit a seabird colony for Puffins and other auks
  • Rare flora on secluded bogs and moorlands
  • Frequently seen raptors include White-tailed & Golden Eagles, and Hen Harriers
  • Possibility of Basking Shark
We start the holiday with a night in Oban, before a ferry journey of around 2.5 hours the following morning which takes us to Coll. Heading out into the Atlantic, we shall look for Black Guillemots in the harbour and utilise the crossing to enjoy Manx Shearwaters, Arctic and Great Skuas, whilst cetaceans may include Harbour Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphins and possibly even Minke Whale!
 
Based at a charming, family run, 4-star guesthouse overlooking the scenic bay of Arinagour, we will enjoy a whole range of activities across our 6-night stay. Walking from our front door we can hope to watch Otters, while White-tailed and Golden Eagles are regularly seen. Around 10% of the UK’s Corncrake population breeds on Coll and we shall aim to see this special species throughout our time here. A setting sun to the sound of the “crex crex” of the Corncrake, drumming Snipe and the electronic call of Lapwing is a special experience. Other breeding birds include Red-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Twite.
 
Botanically the island is incredibly rich with over five hundred species of wild flower recorded and we shall explore the vegetated dune systems, nutrient-rich lakes, alkaline fens and dry grasslands for such special species as Lesser Water Plantain, White Water Lily, Marsh Cinquefoil and Slender Naiad. In July we also hope to find two of Britain’s rarest plants, the Irish Lady’s-tresses and Seven-angle Pipewort.
 
Our days will be spent exploring the island, taking relaxed, leisurely walks to enjoy the island’s broad natural history. Scotland’s only Sand Lizard population is found here and the most important population of Short-necked Oil Beetle in all of the UK. Neighbouring islands have large sea-bird colonies including confiding Puffins and we shall take a chartered boat trip to get close views of them. Coll’s waters are also internationally recognised for Basking Sharks!
 
The fun doesn’t stop after dark either, as each evening we will set a moth trap with possible highlights including Argent and Sable, Map-winged Swift, Fox and Flame Carpet while Coll is also internationally recognised for its star-gazing. This holiday is set to be a fascinating exploration of this charming island covering its extremely diverse natural history.  
 
DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Oban; meet tour leader
Day 2/7
Exploring the Isle of Coll
Day 8
Final explorations; return Oban
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Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost
Mon 29th Apr – Mon 6th May FULL £1,995
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,895
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£240
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Greg Smith
Greg Smith.jpg

Tour Leader: Greg Smith

Greg began his professional life as a field botanist but soon branched into other disciplines from moths to geology and has very broad knowledge of the natural world. A typical Naturetrek all-rounder. From those botanical beginnings, Greg went on to carve out a 35-year career in wildlife conservation, most of it spent with English Nature and its successor body Natural England - one of the UK‘s statutory conservation bodies.

Spending more time of late in a suit looking at spreadsheets than in waterproofs looking at wildlife, Greg decided to head back out into the wild world he loves. Greg has devoted the last few years to getting to know the wildlife and special places of the Isle of Coll and is keen to share that knowledge and passion with his Naturetrek groups. With degrees in philosophy, linguistics and natural sciences, and interests spanning art, politics, sustainability and music, you are always assured of an interesting conversation with Greg.

Fri 7th Jun – Fri 14th Jun FULL £1,895
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
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£240
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Greg Smith
Greg Smith.jpg

Tour Leader: Greg Smith

Greg began his professional life as a field botanist but soon branched into other disciplines from moths to geology and has very broad knowledge of the natural world. A typical Naturetrek all-rounder. From those botanical beginnings, Greg went on to carve out a 35-year career in wildlife conservation, most of it spent with English Nature and its successor body Natural England - one of the UK‘s statutory conservation bodies.

Spending more time of late in a suit looking at spreadsheets than in waterproofs looking at wildlife, Greg decided to head back out into the wild world he loves. Greg has devoted the last few years to getting to know the wildlife and special places of the Isle of Coll and is keen to share that knowledge and passion with his Naturetrek groups. With degrees in philosophy, linguistics and natural sciences, and interests spanning art, politics, sustainability and music, you are always assured of an interesting conversation with Greg.

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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.

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Why Naturetrek?

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!