Scotland's Mammals & Highlights of the Highlands

The Ardnamurchan Peninsula has a very special atmosphere, deriving from its isolated location in the far west of the Scottish highlands. Here, the remote situation and an invigorating blend of superb wildlife, breathtaking scenery and crisp sea air combine to offer the visitor a unique experience that is far removed from the pressures of modern life. On this tour, as we travel through a variety of stunning landscapes, it will be impossible not to be moved by a real sense of wilderness. The pace of life here is dictated by the remoteness of the peninsula and, as we adjust, we can truly appreciate the wild beauty of this unique place.

To reach it, we will meet in Glasgow, then journey north through Glen Coe to take the Corran ferry over Loch Linnhe to Ardnamurchan. This crossing lies on one of the ancient routes along which the highlanders drove their cattle to market in central Scotland. We then turn west and head through the pretty village of Strontian. From here, the single-track road hugs the coast for most of the 50 miles to Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly place on the British mainland. 

We will be staying on the Ardnamurchan Estate, close to Glenborrodale Castle, from where we will have relatively easy access to the best areas for wildlife. Woodlands around our accommodation hold a high density of Pine Martens and provide cover for both Red and Roe Deer, and August is the best time to admire the full antlers on the biggest stags. Fallow Deer, along with commoner mammals such as Badger and Red Fox, are also possible. Most of these species are best looked for after dark so we will head our after dark on at least one occasion, with a spotlight, for an exciting drive around the peninsula. There is even the possibility of an encounter with the most enigmatic of all British mammals, the Scottish Wildcat.

We will spend two days exploring the south coast of Ardnamurchan, which is home to seabirds, seals and Otters. Loch Sunart, which stretches along the south coast of Ardnamurchan, is in fact a Special Area of Conservation for Otter — the sheltered bays near Glenborrodale being particularly good locations for this popular species. As we travel west, the coastline becomes more exposed and both Common and Atlantic Grey seals can be seen, often ‘spy-hopping’ to get a better view of their human admirers! Regular flocks of Gannets, Manx Shearwaters and Kittiwakes sometimes fly close to shore, where we can also expect to see small numbers of Black Guillemots and a range of waders. Looking out from the historic lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point offers the possibility of other seabirds such as Great Skuas (known locally as ‘Bonxies’), Arctic Skuas and Arctic Terns. We will also hope to see the Twite flock that often frequents this area from August onwards. 

One of the highlights of this holiday will be a day at sea with an experienced local skipper. We will sail from Loch Sunart across to Coll, where we can expect close views of the seals that live in the shallow, turquoise waters. After a visit to the Isle of Muck (including a well-deserved tea break in the café), we will return via the spectacular Ardnamurchan Point. We will be looking for the cetaceans that occur regularly in these waters, including Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise and Minke Whales; Basking Sharks are also possible. A boat trip across the ‘Sea of the Hebrides’ is an experience that will live long in the memory! 

We will spend our last two days visiting a variety of sites in the centre and on the north coast of the peninsula, including Sanna Bay, a truly magical beach with white sands and sweeping views across to the small isles. The journey to Sanna takes us through the geologically fascinating ‘Land of the Rings’, a landscape dominated by concentric rings of rocky ridges. This part of Ardnamurchan is home to a range of raptors including Golden and White-tailed Eagles. We will take time to seek out these iconic birds in their expansive wilderness, where displaying Ravens and herds of Red Deer are a common sight.

The Ardnamurchan Peninsula is a magical place that retains the wild character of the ancient highlands. This holiday offers the chance to see a range of wildlife in unspoilt and unforgettable locations.