The perfect option if you only have a few days to spare. Join Rachael & Dan for five days jam-packed with stunning wildlife, impressive vistas over straths & glens, and gain unique insights into the incredible conservation efforts underway.
Spring comes late in Strathspey and these mini-expeditions are timed perfectly to coincide with that burst of life; the arrival of many migrant birds, the emergence of several fascinating insects and the first flowers of the season. It will be a sensory overload.
In the crisp mountain air of the Cairngorms we will go in search of Ptarmigan, Mountain Hare and Snow Bunting, whilst beneath us Caledonian Forest festooned in lichens and epiphytes blankets Strathspey. In these forests and glades Black Grouse and Capercaillie announce their presence with some impressive strutting, Red Squirrel and Pine Marten will be actively foraging and we will also look for Crested Tit whilst listening out for the haunting call of Red- and Black-throated Divers. We may even find the endemic Scottish Crossbill, a species only found in Highland pine forests.
Throughout this unique expedition we will be engaging with our conservation partners who bring their own expertise and knowledge to your experience. From ambitious rewilding projects to uncovering the botanical scarcities of the pine forests, we will be finding out first hand what is being done to protect the species and habitats we are there to experience. Our journey will be made even more enjoyable by tucking into delicious locally sourced produce and supporting community enterprises, and when the sun finally goes down after an exciting day you can relax in comfort at our carefully chosen accommodation.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Meet in Inverness and travel into Strathsprey whilst searching for Golden Eagle and Mountain Hare en route, before arriving at our private lodge and cosy base for the duration of this trip.
Days 2-4:
We will spend three full days exploring the rich habitats of the Strathspey and Cairngorms National Park. On the slopes of the Cairngorms we hope to encounter Mountain Hare, Ptarmigan, Red Grouse and maybe even the resident herd of Reindeer whilst the sheltered Caledonian pine forests of the Spey Valley hold Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, Black Grouse, Crested Tit, and maybe even a glimpse of a Capercaillie. The extensive marshes and lochans are home to the highly evocative Red- and Black-throated Diver, Goldeneye and many wading birds. We will also search out some of the forests’ lesser-known species including the rare Kentish Glory moth.
As well as seeing these species close up and personal, we will get behind the scenes and hear directly from the organisations involved in conserving and managing species and the efforts being made to rewild the great Scottish landscape.
Day 5:
Our last morning will be spent looking for Bottlenose Dolphin and Red Kite around the Moray Firth before heading to Inverness where the tour will end.
View the detailed itinerary here.
Visit our website for more details about his tour.
Why not recreate this experience with friends on dates that suit you? Build on our existing itinerary to customise your experience.
In recognition that this business has confirmed that they have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.
A pioneering wildlife-watching tour company run by experts for wildlife enthusiasts. Conservation and sustainability are at its core; travel with purpose, tread lightly and experience more. Founded by husband and wife team Dan & Rachael Brown, they bring passion and expertise to every expedition. Driven by current biodiversity loss, the climate crisis and the need to reconnect people with nature, they created a company that endeavours to address all these through sustainable conservation-orientated tourism. We offer fully inclusive tours, short breaks or custom-made tours.