Spring in Scotland means rich wildlife potential amid rugged beauty, and you can join us there for an exclusive trip from 31 March to 5 April 2022
Bird Watching magazine editor Matthew Merritt and assistant editor Mike Weedon will be joined by Scottish birding aficionado and UKBS editor Gordon Hamlett, to lead a week of wildlife watching, based at the lovely Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey.
Last spring’s trip was postponed because of lockdown, and we know many of you transferred your booking to 2022, but there are still plenty of places left.
Deposits aren’t required – card details will secure bookings – and should postponement because of lockdowns and travel restrictions become necessary again we will reschedule for the earliest possible opportunity.
The hotel boasts high quality en suite rooms and traditional Scottish fare prepared with local ingredients, and while it takes care of bed, breakfast and dinner, we’ll provide optional guided walks, expert tips, bird quizzes, films and evening talks.
From our Highland location, we’ll be within easy reach of sites such as Glenmore Forest Park, for Crested Tits and Crossbills; the Cairngorms, for Ptarmigan and possible Snow Bunting; and the Findhorn Valley, for eagles and other raptors. There’ll also be the chance to visit Moray Firth sites such as Burghead and Spey Bay for wildfowl (including sea ducks), divers, grebes and waders.
We’ll look for Red and Black Grouse and Capercaillie in the forests and moors around Grantown.
As well as the great birdlife, there’ll be the chance to see dolphins, Red Squirrels, Red Deer, Otter, Mountain Hare, and maybe even Pine Marten.
The Grant Arms Hotel is home to the Birdwatching and Wildlife Club and its expert staff will be on hand to guide you to the best areas, offer local knowledge and seasonal tips if you prefer to organise your own time. It’s perfect for birdwatchers of all levels and a great way to meet like-minded people, share tips and make the most of this incredible time of year and wonderful place.
What’s included
This five-day break is held in partnership with Bird Watching and includes:
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
En suite rooms equipped with hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV and toiletries
Gala dinner
Programme of evening talks and quizzes by Bird Watching’s Matt Merritt, Mike Weedon and Gordon Hamlett
Guided walks
No single supplement
Leaders: Matt Merritt, Mike Weedon and Gordon Hamlett
Please note: a car is essential on this break
Cost
Bird Watching subscribers
Standard Room £361 dinner bed and breakfast, per person, Superior Room £461 DBB, pp
Bird Watching non-subscribers
Standard Room £379 DBB pp, Superior Room £484 DBB pp
Extra nights: BW subscribers £80pp per night DBB standard room, £99 superior; non-subscribers £83pp per night DBB standard room, £105pp per night DBB superior
No deposit required, but card details required to secure the booking
Excludes: Transport, lunches, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks