West Coast of Scotland - wildlife hotspots?

[ron1863]

Hi Jeff, if you have the time why not pay a visit to the Wildlife Park that is just a few miles south of Aviemore, where you can take your vehicle around the park. I was there a few years ago and it was well worth it.

There is also a Theme Park in Carrbridge, just north of Aviemore that has an excellent treetop walkway that is good for bird and Red Squirrel photos.

Landmark Forest Theme Park, Carrbridge, Inverness Shire, Scotland, UK

Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, Scotland, UK

[seamusagleann]

hi jeff, travelling around the forest should not be a problem as long as i'm with you and that can be arranged no problem ,i look after a bothy in glen duror that caters for all access cases and i take folk there in a 4x4. perhaps nearer the time we can make plans of what you want to see and do and arrange trips . looking forward to meeting you end of may ,the nights should be longer then take care and keep in touch

[JeffH]

Debbie (Hoppingmad) - Thanks for the further suggestions and the links - just the sort of thing I'm looking for

ron1863 - and thanks for your suggestions too Ron

seamusagleann - that's a very kind and generous offer Seamus but I really wouldn't expect you (or anyone) to act as a personal guide for us. Having said that, do I take it that the Forestry Commission in Scotland only permits vehicle access to its forests (other than car parks) when accompanied by a Ranger, even for the disabled?

and finally Richard (richew) - the book arrived today and is a veritable treasure trove of 'drive-by' birding/wildlife spots with numerous suggested tours and full details of access, facilities, etc - thank you again for recommending it

Jeff

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by JeffH

and finally Richard (richew) - the book arrived today and is a veritable treasure trove of 'drive-by' birding/wildlife spots with numerous suggested tours and full details of access, facilities, etc - thank you again for recommending it Jeff

Jeff .... it is excellent isn't it? I had been visiting the Scottish Highlands for many years before this book came out and I have subsequently gained an enormous amount of additional information from it for my more recent trips.

Norfolk and Sussex are covered in similar guides and one on north Wales has just been published .... I have them all .

Richard

[chazzpott]

THE OUTER HEBRIDES the most amazing islands.

[larachmor]

Take a trip down the full length of Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan (the Glenfinnan Hotel jetty and not too far from Fort William) It sets out at 2pm if I recall rightly, and takes you past "Wildernesse" (Gaskan on the OS maps) the cottage where author Mike Tomkies was based for 18 years and wrote most of his books on the local golden eagles, pine marten, wildcat etc. You will pass the "Eagle rock" of his books on route and will almost certainly see golden eagle on the way. Wildlife apart, pick a nice day and the scenery is stunning.

EDIT: website: http://www.highlandcruises.co.uk/

(2pm - cruise to Gaskan
10.45 am - full loch cruise to Acharacle)

[SilverW0lf]

Possibly a bit late check the date on the op!

Although good advice for anyone else considering it...

[Tracey.A]

Yes, I was going to respond and then realised I'd missed the boat as his planned trip was last May! However a very interesting post, with lots of great places recommended. I think anyone hoping to spot otters should go to Kylerhea on the isle of Skye, it has a hide from which to view them (hopefully)! The only draw back is that there is just a single track road, 7 miles of it and although I didn't see any when I was there, it was lovely all the same Next time................?!

Tracey