NEW! NORTHWEST SCOTLAND EXPLORER

From mountain top to the sea, a thorough exploration of Scotland’s remote north-west.

SAT 24 JUNE – FRI 30 JUNE 2023

SAT 22 JUNE – FRI 28 JUNE 2024

PRICES: from £1845pp

Single supplement: £195. Deposit: £300pp

Max 7 clients. Leader Toby Green (2023)

This is an exciting new itinerary, taking in the most underexplored and least populated corners of the British Isles. Featuring Lewis and Harris, at the top of the Outer Hebrides and North-West Mainland Scotland together for the first time, both are widely regarded as two of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. We explore each thoroughly, the wildlife here reflecting the rich variety of the landscape, from Golden Eagle and Ptarmigan on high mountain tops, bird-filled meadows and croft-land to the bustling seabird colonies on offshore islands.

A holiday requiring a good level of fitness, two or three walks over undulating landscapes or rough ground get us to the more remote, and best places for wildlife. We explore the dramatic coastline of the North-west Highlands including its very tip at Cape Wrath, the bustling seabird island of Handa, the mountains and moors of Assynt and the wildlife rich, large island of Lewis and Harris. Our birding will be varied with raptors including eagles, a range of waders perhaps including Red-necked Phalarope, divers in summer plumage, scores of seabirds and plenty of passerines. The holiday is also timed so that floral diversity will be at its highest, including numerous orchids and scarce plants. Otters, seals and cetaceans are all likely too and we make time to enjoy our stunning surroundings and visit historic sites of importance. From the mountain top to the sea, a perfect new tour for the intrepid Heatherlea explorer! Total species c. 75. Number of centres: 2.

Combine with:

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The Outer Limits in summer (p20), Eagles, Divers and Dotterel (p21).

SCOTTISH ISLANDS

Inner Hebrides from Canna to Iona (p37), Ultimate Outer Hebrides (p38).