Relax in the Highlands: Autumn Wildlife in the Scottish Highlands
By Sally Nowell
We all arrived safely at our very lovely hotel. I think our guests were a little overwhelmed by just how lovely it was! Scottish hospitality at its very best, and with a whole week ahead of us, we had plenty of time to get well and truly settled in.
Day 1 – The North East Coast
Our first day in the field was excellent, and we were blessed with some fine weather on the north east coast. Initially, we headed to RSPB Nigg, where a hide sheltered us from some early drizzle. We had huge flocks of Pink-footed Geese overhead, Golden Plover, Brent Geese and a splendid display by a group of Yellowhammers.
From here, we headed to Tarbat Ness, passing a glorious group of Whooper Swans en route. The swans had only just arrived, 34 so far, but we hoped to catch up with more over the week.
At Tarbat Ness, we did a bit of seawatching, with Red-throated Diver, a possible Pomarine Skua passing in the distance, and Arctic and Great Skuas coming in to steal food amid a frenzy of feeding Gannets and Kittiwakes.
Next, we headed to Tain Links, where we were met with the sight of thousands of birds, though most were distant. A particular favourite was a Black-tailed Godwit still in summer plumage.
A great start to our week!
Day 2 – Into the Mountains
On our second day, we headed into the mountains, hoping to catch the Red Deer rut, and we weren't disappointed. By the end of the day, we had stags roaring all over the hillsides!
We were also lucky with our eagles, enjoying spectacular sightings of three Golden Eagles and three White-tailed Eagles.
The scenery was beautiful, and we all enjoyed a bit of fungi ID too.
Day 3 – West Coast Scenery
On day three, we made our way west, stopping at various points along the way, including a lay-by overlooking Gruinard Island.
In the bay, we saw all three divers: Red-throated, Black-throated and Great Northern. The latter was in full winter plumage, while the former two were still showing their summer plumage.
The light and autumn colours of the mountains were magnificent and, frankly, it was the scenery that stole the show! We had rainbows at every turn, wonderful waterfalls and, along the beaches, Ringed Plover and Turnstone.
We squeezed in a visit to Gairloch Museum and a cup of tea, before popping along to watch the torrents of water at Rogie Falls, hoping we might just see a leaping Salmon.
Day 4 – Back to the East Coast
On day four, we headed back to the east coast, but a little further north. We travelled over the Struie Road, looking for Hen Harrier, before continuing to Brora, Golspie, Loch Fleet and Embo.
We watched Curlew, Goosander, Greenshank, Grey and Common Seals, Turnstone and Rock Pipit.
Our final stop was Dornoch, where we enjoyed the Cathedral and a look around the shops, before a short leg stretch in a woodland area and our return to the hotel.
Lunch break in the forest during Relax in the Highlands Group photo in front of the loch Waterfall in Glen Affric Two walkers on a forest path 
Black-tailed Godwit 
Waterfall in the Highlands
Day 5 – Autumn Colours in Glen Affric
We headed into the hills again, this time to beautiful Glen Affric. The autumn colours were really coming into their own, with some of the glens aglow with golden grasses and birches, while the bracken was a stunning russet.
We visited Plodda Falls, which was pretty amazing, and the forest there was spectacular, with a cathedral of magnificent Douglas Fir trees. Mixed flocks of Tits and Goldcrests were found here, along with some fascinating and rather beautiful Salmon-Eggs slime mould.
From here, we made our way along the main track through Glen Affric, stopping for lunch and a walk at the far end. We enjoyed more mixed tit flocks, including Crested Tit!
We also visited Glen Cannich, but sadly the weather closed in and we saw very little wildlife, although the scenery and autumn colours were still spectacular.
Day 6 – Woodland, Dolphins and Waders
Our final full day began in local woodland, looking for Crossbill, and we were lucky to find a small flock perched high in some spruce trees.
Next, we headed to Chanonry Point in search of Dolphins. No Dolphins that day, but we did see Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck and Bonxie.
From here, we moved on to Udale Bay, where we enjoyed huge flocks of geese and waders, before taking a final drive along the Beauly Firth in the hope of spotting an Otter.
Our last meal at the hotel was a real treat and, as always, we enjoyed reminiscing about our magic moments and favourite parts of the holiday, all of which can be found in our full trip report.
Day 7 – Homeward Bound
Sadly, it was time to leave what had been the most comfortable hotel we'd had the pleasure of staying in for the whole week. After a wonderful week of wildlife, beautiful scenery and Scottish hospitality, we made our different journeys back south.
If you would like to join our next Relax in the Highlands holiday, you’ll find further information and bookings here. Please email us or phone 01479 812498 if you have any queries.
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