Ptarmigan on the west coast of Scotland

[ChrisJB]

Dear folks,

Between Christmas and the New Year I'm off up to Gairloch on the west coast of Scotland. Does anyone have any reasonable sites for Ptarmigan not too far away? I've heard they can be seen on the 'Pass Of the Cattle', but are there any other places closer to Gairloch?

Regards, Chris

[Tam]

Hi have done a few munros since last year including the Arocher alps and have only seen ptarmigan on AN Caistael and Ptarmigan Ridge (aptly named) on Ben Lomond though both sightings were above or around 3,000 ft so hope your taking your hiking boots
An Caisteal (Munro) - MunroMagic.com
Ben Lomond (Munro) - MunroMagic.com
Something to think about is Ben Nevis i climbed this towards end of July and is not that far from Gairloch area about an hour or so drive and i got too see snow buntings with young though it is a long slog to the top have some photos but not to great was very cold and my old camera was playing up

[John]

Belach-na-Bah, on the way to Applecross is possibly the best place (if the conditions are clear and not cloud covered). If in luck you can park uop in the car park and see them from the car. If not showing straight away you can take an easy walk up to the Radio Mast and along the way you have a good chance of seeing them.

Here is a link to where I mean.
Streetmap.co.uk- search results

John

[ChrisJB]

Brilliant folks, thanks.

Bealach na Ba it is!

Regards, Chris

[ChrisJB]

Even bigger thanks. Spot on with Bealach na Ba, I saw eight here, just below the mast on Sgurr a Ghaorachain.

Regards, Chris

[ron1863]

Here is an interesting article on the Gairloch, which also has a link to local wildlife, including the ptarmagan

Wild Scotland

[ChrisJB]

Thanks for that website Ron. Looks most useful and I've saved it to my favourites.

Regards, Chris

[JeffH]

Thanks from me too Ron - will be very useful for a trip I'm planning in May.

Jeff