Highland holiday

[dav56]

I am stopping in a highland lodge on the shore of Loch Lochy near Kilfinnan for a week in three weeks time. It is the first time I have stopped in this area and in Scotland at this time of year. Could any of you please give me some help on where to go and what wildlife I will see, in and around this area.

Thanks
Dave

[bigdave60dog]

Cracking area. It may be a bit cold by the time that you get there.
I travel through that area quite a bit but spend a lot of time in the Lochaber "Peninsula" a bit to the west of there. There is plenty of good access to almost everywhere with the Scots "Right to Roam" laws.
Expect to see Crested Tit and Pine Marten. The former look like bits of the grey fluffy lichen that is so abundant in the trees there. The locals put out peanut Butter to attract pine martens although many do not want to attract them. Red Deer may well be down from the hills by then and of course Roe are everywhere. Golden eagles are usually spotted somewhere if you are out for a whole day. Red kite are getting more frequent in the area. I never see red squirrels but you may.
Otters are around but I have only ever seen otters by accident even though they travel past my front gate every day. I am always surprised that Blackbirds seen to be replaced by Song thrushes there being more snails than worms.
Eiders and Mergansers are on the sea lochs. I am not sure if Lochy is fresh or salt. I always travel to fish on Lochs Linne and Eil where I have relatives and I am familiar with the fish habits. There are always plenty of ducks on Lochy when I drive past. you should also see Red throated Divers -maybe immature black throated as well.
If you get the opportunity drive to Mallaig and spend some time in on the way there or back looking at the Silversands beach by the golf course. Maybe plan a day or two on that road and area as there are more places of interest than I can ever remember.
Enjoy,
Dave

Just pray that the snow does not confine you to quarters or prevent you from travelling to and/or from there.
Dave

[Tringa]

Don't know of specfic wildlife sites in the immediate area but there are lots of walks close by which I always find a good way of finding wildlife.

Have a look at this site

Invergarry walks, including Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig

For the following I'm assuming you have transport.

Glen Nevis at Fort William is a mix of farmland, coniferous and deciduous woodland and mountain in only a few miles.

Two good areas would need a longish drive. These are Chanonry Point close to Fortrose on the Black Isle and the Insh Marshes close to Kingussie are both about 60 miles from Kilfinnan so it would need and early start and the road up the side of Loch Ness is not the best A road in country.

Links to both

Places and Photos for Dolphins in Moray Firth

The RSPB: Insh Marshes: About Insh Marshes


Dave

[Kayleigh]

If you have time I would highly recommend this place the meals are fantastic but you have to have a very healthy appetite as the portions are enormous..
The views around the inn are spectacular and you might even meet our very own seamusagleann. Wild About Britain - View Profile: seamusagleann
He works there but is away sick atm...

Glencoe Hotels - Clachaig Inn offers hotel accommodation in Glencoe, the Scottish Highlands

[bigdave60dog]

If you are not familiar with the Highlands you will need to be aware that this vast area of Scotland is sparsely populated and is managed but not cultivated. Centres of population can be 30 miles or more apart with only twisty lanes between them.You can end up by spending most of your holiday driving from one place of interest to another.
Dave