Ardnamurchan Scotland - pine martens

[Emma S]

Hello everyone,

at the end of August I'm going up to the Ardnamurchan peninsula / Mallaig area in Scotland and I'd dearly love to see sight of a pine marten, which live in the area but are very difficult to see.

I know I've posted about this before, a while back, but does anyone know of any particularly good spots in that area for spotting pine martens?

Or any spots in that area that are good for any other types of wildlife, for that matter.

I can't wait to go!

[ChrisJB]

I've come across somewhere information on a campsite/caravan park up in the Ardnamurchan area where both pine marten and wild cats have been seen at night. I fancied staying there for a look myself, but alas that's all I can recall. Mike Tomkies in his splendid books wrote much about pine martens (and wild cats) during his time living by Loch Shiel, so around there would be worth a look.
There is also a golden eagle watchpoint on the Ardnamurchan peninsula and Sanna Bay at the end looks a delightful beach, though I have only seen it in photos.
When you get back Emma will you let me know how you get on up there? We are thinking of Ardnamurchan for a holiday next year and any pointers, wildlife seen or suggestions for places to visit would be much appreciated.
Have a great holiday.

Regards, Chris

[Emma S]

Hi Chris,

thank you for your quick reply. I'll look into your suggestions, they sound great, and thanks for the tip about the Golden Eagle watch point.

I'll gladly contact you when I get back to let you know of my wildlife sightings - if any . It looks a fabulous area, regardless of what wildlife I might see. I think I'm probably not going at the best time for many birds, but we'll see. I love the west coast of Scotland and this is not a bit I've been to before .

Just thought also, if anyone would rather message me privately with good spots for wildlife rather than post them on an open forum, then please do.

many thanks,

Emma

[larachmor]

There is a viewable pine marten den at the Glenborrodale Natural History Centre - particularly good when the martens are raising kits.
If, for future reference you ever wanted to rent a property where you can expect daily visits from pine marten - e-mail me and I'll give you details.
(and if I didn't get DAILY visits I'd be disappointed!!)

[Emma S]

Thank you for the info about Glenborrodale....I'll look in to that.

And I'd be really glad if you could pass on the info about the accommodation - I'll message you.

[Emma S]

Well, I've just returned from a fantastic fortnight in the Ardnamuchan area, and although I sadly didn't see any pine martens I did see some other great wildlife, including a lovely otter sighting, and the area took my breath away for it's sheer beauty and wildness. I heartily recommend the area for anyone who wants to experience Scottish beauty at its very best, with the chance of great wildlife spotting. I'll definitely be back to the area again.

[Whitley Bay Mags]

Just returned from 3 days camping in Ardnamurchan at Kilchoan.

Driving towards Strontian, about a mile west of the village, on Saturday afternoon at about 2pm a pinemarten crossed the road about 50 feet in front of us. Really good view of it but no camera at hand alas.

[beech]

Great part of Scotland, never managed pine martin in that area or wild cat which I believe are still present but a great place for golden eagles with a many seen plus white tails. Hope to get back there soon

[caernerch]

I know its not ardnamurchan but 120m north (via mallaigh ferry onto Skye and off again via roadbridge) is Applecross (Apor Crossan) where pine martens are a bit of a local pest, they raid the bins. A bonus is that it is aproached by the Bealach na Bar, which is not for nervous or L drivers, Ptarmigan on the top at 2000 feet in summer, golden eagle and stunning views of the Coulins.
The Applecross Inn is an award winning restaurant Haddock & chips to die for, otters in the bay. Applecross House Estate - public access - around dusk in June put a Jammie dodger on one of the log piles sit 50yds away in the car and watch it go!
The young martens look scruffy and muddy; the contact call is a short sharp "mew" so you know when you've been spotted.
Unspoilt, little known but very civilised.
caernerch

[poppie]

Hi - Sorry I didn't see your post earlier.
I live in Ardnamurchan, and have friends who have a family of pine martins visit them every night - at the moment 2 adults and 2 young ones.
They appear at dusk and climb onto the kitchen windowsill for bread and jam - absolutely beautiful.