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Join Naturalist Journeys to discover the Scottish Highlands and Islands at the peak of wildflower season. June is a marvellous time to explore. We are based out of Mountview Hotel at Nethy Bridge for seven of our 12 nights, a particular delight. Mountview Hotel sits upon a hill, within walking distance of the quaint, small town. Expert local naturalists have a long history of work with the hotel, so they know where to find the birds and the scenic stops; they set a comfortable tone right away. Dining is lovely and the lodge boasts a fully-stocked bar — you may want to try their wide variety of local Scottish whisky in the fireside room!
This tour explores Scotland’s wonderful pine and oak forests, rugged coastlines and trails, and walks in the heather above treeline in open moorland. Look for Ptarmigan, nesting Dotterel, Crested Tit, and Scottish (Parrot) Crossbill. Study shorebirds, seabirds (puffins!), and raptors, including Golden Eagle. After a week at Mountview, we venture to Mull and Iona, enchanting islands with wilderness species such as White-tailed Eagle and Hen Harrier. The islands’ residents take pride in their gardens, and the open moorland is in bloom, here we may find Skylark displaying and Twite. Iona’s Abbey hold Celtic treasures, and the rhododendrons and azaleas should be in bloom. Interesting geology, historic castles, fascinating birds … Scotland is a special place!
Tour Highlights
- Visit the nearly 8000 year old Abernethy Forest, a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve
- Enjoy an exciting return ferry crossing for shearwaters, petrels, skuas, cetaceans and more
- Opt for a hike into the arctic-alpine realm, just over 4000 feet, to see Ptarmigan and Dotterel
- Explore stunning Mull and Iona, with colourful villages and stunning ancient architecture
- Boat to the tiny isle of Staffa to visit the unique geological phenomenon of Fingal’s Cave!
- A note about the Western Capercaillie: The Western Capercaillie is a huge woodland grouse under the protection of several wildlife and government organizations. While we will not be seeking out Capercaillie on this tour, incidental sightings are possible as we work to respect and protect their essential habitat.
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Fri., June 6 Arrival in Inverness, Scotland
Welcome to Scotland! Today there are no activities planned so you can rest up from travels. Enjoy the gardens at your hotel and a walk if you wish to. Those in on time can join together for an optional group dinner—once we know everyone’s arrival schedule and who wants to join in, we make dinner reservations.
Our accommodations are close to airport tonight and since everyone arrives at different times, please transfer by taxi to our first hotel.
Accommodations at an airport hotel, TBD closer to time of departure
Sat., June 7 Scenic Drive to Nethy Bridge | Arrival at Mountview Hotel
This morning we enjoy breakfast together and time to get acquainted, then go a short ways to the impressive historic site of Culloden Battlefield. We have time to take in the exhibits and walk through the field, a sobering but rewarding experience.
We then have about an hour drive today to reach the delightful Mountview Hotel at Speyside, our lodgings for the week ahead. A bonus to this trip is not having to keep on the move! En route to this perfect base, we make scenic and birding stops along the way and enjoy a fun picnic lunch.
Our hotel is in the Highlands; as we head south to it we pass through open moorland with views of rolling mountains and woodlands. Upon arrival at the Mountview Hotel, enjoy some free time to get settled before a welcome dinner and orientation. It’s an easy wander down to the river or the nearby village of Nethy Bridge. Or there are those tempting local scotches awaiting you at the bar ….
Accommodations at the Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Sun., June 8 Abernethy Forest—Walking & Birding
Today we visit extensive pine forests, a habitat type that has existed here for close to 8000 years. This ancient Caledonian forest is the largest natural woodland remaining in Britain, a true national heritage. It is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve. Here we find a good number of songbirds, including Crested Tit and Scottish Crossbill. A number of trails cross the reserve and we have the day to walk and explore. We join British visitors most excited to see nesting Osprey, still a relatively rare bird, though recovering, in Britain. In the 1950s, after an absence of nearly 50 years, Osprey returned from their winter home in Africa to breed at this location.
Accommodations at the Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Mon., June 9 Gannets & the Scenic Moray Coastline
This morning we take an exciting cruise to the foot of Troup Head, mainland Scotland’s only Gannetry, to see the birds. Auks on the sea include Puffin and Black Guillemot, and Great and Arctic Skuas may be seen too. A very exciting boat trip, after which we enjoy local fish and chips for lunch.
After a satisfying lunch, our walkers can enjoy the Moray Coastal Trail, while our birders can enjoy summer birding along the Moray Coast, which can easily include Osprey fishing, Common Eider, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Stonechat, and lots of spring waders, including Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, and Ringed Plover, many in bright summer plumage. We visit some picturesque coastal towns including Banff, Macduff, Crovie, and Pennan.
Accommodations at Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Tues., June 10 Classic Highland Birding & Scenic Walking
Enjoy stunningly beautiful rolling mountain scenery today as we search for some of Scotland’s most iconic species. We visit our operator, Heatherlea’s, exclusive private woodland estate where we search for birds while remaining inside the minibus, so later we take a good walk through moorland at a remote glen where we may see Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Red Kite, Ring Ouzel (a member of the thrush family found in mountains and moorlands), Stonechat, nesting Common Sandpiper, and more. It’s a lovely day, with spectacular scenery, and a good time to walk for those who are interested. Perhaps a celebration with a drink of Famous Grouse scotch is in order this evening!
Accommodations at the Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Wed., June 11 Mountains & Whisky! | Scottish Plateau Country of The Cairngorms
In Scotland you don’t have to contend with high elevation to enjoy a taste of the arctic-alpine realm, as the highest peaks of the region, rounded and sculpted by time, reach just over 4,000 feet. We can drive to around 2000 feet. Feast your eyes on mountain vistas today, whether you chose walking or birding. We have the full day up on the Cairngorm plateau with unforgettable scenery all around. This is the realm of the Ptarmigan and a preferred nesting place for the beautiful Dotterel, a long-distance migrant which is breeding in June. Snow Bunting are singing, their loud sweet repetitive songs often given in flight. There may be a show of alpine flowers, and we discover the alpine adaptations of these rugged enduring plants. There are 2,200 square miles of mountain wilderness here, and the geology is fascinating as well. It may be brisk up on the plateau so dress warm and enjoy a return to a nice roaring fire and an excellent dinner. If this hike sounds too strenuous, you can enjoy a day at leisure in Nethy Bridge or just do a portion of the walk and enjoy the wildflowers near the start of the trail until others return.
Accommodations at the Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Thurs., June 12 Local Moors for Black Grouse | Exploring the Scenic West Coast
Today enjoy an optional early morning outing to look for Black Grouse, another of Britain’s displaying grouse, intermediate in size with a long forked tail. The males gather in impressive numbers on known leks, often on the edge of woodland and moor. The lek is now finished, though birds still return to parade and hopefully attract a female.
After this outing and breakfast, we head north to explore more of Britain’s 7000 miles of varied and beautiful coastline, exploring the rocky reaches where rivers flow straight to the sea. We visit beautiful seaside places and towns including Spey Bay, Lossiemouth, Burghead, and Findhorn, where we find time for a coastal walk. Migrant shorebirds are heading north — we hope to see Dunlin, Turnstone, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, and more. Terns include Sandwich, Arctic, Common, and possibly Little. We have very good chances at Scotland’s breeding divers including Great Norther Diver (Common Loon), Black-throated (Arctic), and beautiful Red-throated Diver.
Accommodations at the Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Fri., June 13 Favorite Places
Today is a “guides choice” day. Based on our interests, the staff designs a couple of options for us for further birding or walking in the Highlands or along the coast. Or, you may want to tuck in for half a day or more and just enjoy the hotel and local town. There are many areas to explore – we make it a wonderful day.
Accommodations at Mountview Hotel (B,L,D)
Sat., June 14 Travel to Mull
After breakfast we travel to Mull, one of the most scenic islands of the Hebrides, its coast deeply indented and laced with smaller scenic rocks and islets. We travel via Fort William, crossing the Corran Ferry and driving through the area known as Morvern. Mull’s geologic story tells of violent volcanic activity some 30,000 – 50,000 years ago when sequential lava flows accumulated to thicknesses of 6000 feet.
Mull is the second most mountainous island after Skye — its central tablelands reach over 3000 feet. Driving near the coast, we look for Harbor and Atlantic Grey Seals and River Otter. On arrival we visit picturesque Tobermory, the capital town of Mull, known for its colorful buildings. Enjoy some time to explore before heading to our comfortable hotel for three nights.
Accommodations on Mull (B,L,D)
Sun., June 15 Iona & Mull
Mull is a wildlife paradise, becoming ever more popular with birdwatchers. It’s easy to see why, with more eagles (both Golden and White-tailed) than anywhere else in Britain, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Raven, and a range of northern moorland birds. The coastal habitat is special and allows us to search for Great and Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwater, Great Northern Diver (Common Loon), Puffin, Gannet, and much more, including a variety of waders. It is also a popular walking area, set in magnificent scenery and featuring towering cliffs, rugged mountains, rocky coastlines, and beautiful pristine beaches.
On Iona, accessed by ferry from Mull, we look for Skylark and Twite (a Redpoll relative) and visit the Abbey, a Celtic treasure dating from the 5th Century. We also plan to visit local gardens known for collections of azalea and rhododendron, which we hope to find in bloom.
Accommodations on Mull (B,L,D)
Mon., June 16 Treshnish Isles Boat Trip to Staffa & Lunga
We enjoy a spectacular boat trip today, visiting the Isle of Staffa, where we have enough time to visit Fingal’s Cave and also scan for the few Great Skua that sometimes breed here, as do a few Puffin.
Next, on to the tiny isle of Lunga to visit the fabulous auk colony on the cliffs of Harp Rock, facing west across the ocean. Many thousands of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, and Shag are present, with Black Guillemot, Manx Shearwater, and perhaps tiny Storm Petrel, Great Skua, Arctic Tern and “real” Greylag Goose offshore. On Lunga, the Puffin experience is perhaps the best in the British Isles, as we pass right by the burrows (the birds are inquisitive, and a careful birder can enjoy views from a few feet). Further along, auks, Shag, and gulls can be safely appreciated at eye level just yards away. Photographers love this spectacle! A quiet walk away from the main cliffs and we may hear Twite singing. Our boat returns to harbour in time for us to keep birding as we return to our hotel. This trip can be weather dependent, though it usually sails one of our two full days.
Accommodations on Mull (B,L,D)
Tues., June 17 Mull to Inverness
Today we bird and explore on Mull in the early morning and then cross by ferry to the Scottish mainland, returning to Inverness. This is a four to five-hour drive in total, and we break it up with a visit to Urquart Castle, picnic lunch and some birding along the shores of Loch Ness en route.
We arrive in the late afternoon and say goodbye to our guide as the tour ends. Most need an airport hotel this night, so we include it, though dinner is at leisure. If you are staying on in Scotland or taking the train to other areas, we can help with suggestions.
Accommodations in Inverness (B,L)
Wed., June 18 Departures
Your return to the airport is by taxi today to match up with your flight; we can help coordinate possible ride-shares if flights match up with others in the group.
Cost of the Journey
Cost of the journey is $6490 DBL / $7090 SGL per person from Inverness, Scotland, based on double occupancy and includes: accommodations for 12 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost does not include roundtrip airfare to or from Inverness, airport transfers, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, or gratuities for porterage or personal services. *This journey was priced using the exchange rate between British Pound and USD as of May 17, 2024. If this changes by the final payment due date, plus or minus 5% of the tour cost we will adjust your invoice accordingly.
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival and Departure Airport: Inverness Airport (INV)
Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive June 6, 2025 at your leisure.
The UK has an excellent train service and you may also choose to arrive by train.
Departure Details: Plan June 18, 2025 flights at your leisure.
Travel Tip: You may find it easier to fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and take the train to Inverness. Direct train routes are available and the journey is approximately 3.5 hours. If you would like to spend a few days in Edinburgh prior to traveling to Inverness, there are plenty of things to see! The world famous Edinburgh Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is a fascinating site steeped in history that is definitely worth a visit. You can also explore The Royal Mile, which is historically important to the city with Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace, the King’s official residence in Scotland, at the other end. If you enjoy museums, a visit to the National Museum of Scotland will allow you to explore Scottish history, art, and culture. If you would like to maximize your birding adventures, the coastal town of North Berwick is a short train ride from Edinburgh and has a variety of seabird cruises as well as the Scottish Seabird Centre. If you would like to arrive early to Inverness and rest up, you can book additional nights at our first night tour hotel.
Hotel Recommendation: If you arrive early and spend time in Edinburgh, it’s best to work with your travel agent or research which hotel best suits your needs. If you arrive early in Inverness, we suggest you book extra nights at our first night tour hotel. You can book the Premier Inn Inverness East online and give us the confirmation number that we will submit when we send our final room list, the goal being you don’t have to change rooms.
Items of Note
A note about the Western Capercaillie:
The Western Capercaillie is a huge, highly endangered woodland grouse under the protection of several wildlife and government organizations. While we will not be seeking out Capercaillie on this tour, incidental sightings are possible. We respect and support conservation efforts to protect these birds and their essential habitat.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Scotland
- June 2019
- June 2022
- August 2022
- June 2023
- August 2023
- May 2024 (Wild Scotland Cruise)
- June 2024
- August 2024
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Dave Mehlman
Dave is a naturalist with interests in birds, migration, ecosystems and natural disturbances, plants, and gardening. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico. Dave worked for The Nature Conservancy for 25+ years as Director of its Migratory Bird Program. He has researched in Latin American and the Caribbean. An avid birder, Dave enjoys teaching about natural habitats and local cultures. He has published papers in scientific and popular journals.
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Photo credits: Banners: Iona Abbey, courtesy Heatherlea; Atlantic Puffin, courtesy Heatherlea; Scotland by Colin White; Loch an Eilei, courtesy Heatherlea; Sound of Mull Sunrise, courtesy Heatherlea; Scenic Coastline, Marlo Kauffman. Blue Tit by Sandy Sorkin; Scenic by Dennis Lankford; Dotterel, courtesy Heatherlea; Rock Ptarmigan by Dennis Lankford; Razorbill by Colin White; Puffin by Colin White; Robin by Sandy Sorkin; Abernethy Forest, courtesy Heatherlea; Northern Gannet, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Puffin in Thrift, courtesy Heatherlea; Scottish scenery, Naturalist Journey Stock; Puffin, Colin White; Antarctic Tern, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Iona Abbey, courtesy Heatherlea; Cormorants by John Ianacone & Cindy D'Ambrosio (JICD); Abernathy Cemetery, JICD; Woodcock, JICD; Carr Bridge, JICD; Group x2, JICD; Highland Cattle, JICD; Chawfinch, JICD; Red Grouse, JICD; Coastal Village, JICD; Inverness Castle, JICD; Razorbills, JICD; Fulmars, JICD; Northern Gannet, JICD; Coastal Village, JICD; Ruins, JICD; Pied Wagtail, JICD; Red Barn, JICD; Dipper, JICD; Mountview Hotel, JICD.