Scotland in Spring

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by diggleken

yes, the peak district poulation has spread over the years - we are at the northern end in saddleworth, we get them lots and lots, they are great in winter white against dark gritstone, sunning themselves - not exactly camouflaged, but when it was snowy - well . . . . . . they disappeared!
Ken

They can be very confiding too and presumably make good photographic subjects. They were introduced by Victorain 'sportsmen'. These are the only Mountain Hares I've seen. I've never seen them in Scotland.
Highland Damsel mentioned Bealach na Ba...you have a great chance of Ptarmigan too, from the summit of the pass, just a short stroll from the car.

Regards, Chris

[earthdragon64]

A place I've seen Mountain Hare locally is on a mountain called Gael-Charn Mor which can be reached by walking up the right of way from Lynwilg, which is just to the south of Aviemore and the other side of the A9.

Once you climb up past the tree-line onto the Grouse Moor, there can be Red Deer, the Hare are usually pretty high up. It's also a good place to see Pearl-Bordered Fritillary Butterflies. It's quite a slog, but worth it for the views.

Last year I saw an Otter from the Gordonhall Hide at the RSPB Insh Marshes reserve, which I wasn't expecting, I've also seen Brown Hare on the nature trail there.

[Ann2]

Some great suggestions - thank you all. I might have to rethink my route and head further up the west coast. I wish I'd booked two weeks off work now instead of just one.

Ann