Wild Experiences

Tours for Two: Late Spring on the Outer Hebs

Bustling songs of Corncrake, soaring Eagles and breeding waders are what await us on the Outer Hebs in Spring.

Dramatic scenery and incredible highlands, join us for a Tour for Two to explore the unique ecosystem of the Outer Hebrides. Journey through the wild landscapes and most spectacular views of Scotland’s wildest places with a wildlife guide at your side.

Focusing primarily on Uist, we’ll be exploring the island for Corncrakes and rare nesting waders. Our journey around the island will include many stops in search of Divers in full summer plumage and hunting Raptors. We’ll also be searching for cliff-nesting birds like Black Guillemots and scanning ponds and pools for Red-necked Phalarope.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Scotland without searching for it’s most famous raptors; Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and the largest of all, the White-tailed Sea Eagle. View these incredible birds with the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s remote wilderness.

This tour includes guided wildlife excursions for unforgettable wildlife You can upgrade your trip to include EBike rental to explore, Gin tasting & tours at local distillery or explore the seas with a wildlife boat trip.

What’s included

  • Accommodation and all meals
  • Reserve entry fees
  • Guided Wildlife Experiences
  • Travel during the trip
  • Accommodation, all meals

What’s not included

  • Travel Insurance
  • Initial travel to hotel


The Journey North: Glasgow to Skye
The drive from Glasgow across the mainland and onto the Isle of Skye serves as an active birding day before crossing the Minch.
● Highland Glens: Stops along the route through Glen Coe and Glen Shiel offer early chances for Golden Eagle and Whinchat. Lochs along the A87, such as Loch Cluanie, are reliable locations for Black-throated and Red-throated Divers in full summer plumage.
● The Skye Coast: Arriving in northern Skye ahead of the ferry, the coastal cliffs around Uig provide excellent vantage points for soaring White-tailed Eagles and nesting Black Guillemots.

Day One & Two

The group will take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy, establishing a single base on North Uist. This provides central access to the interconnected chain of southern islands.
● The Corncrake Quest: The primary focus is the RSPB Balranald reserve on the west coast of North Uist. The traditional, low-intensity crofting agriculture creates the flower-rich machair and early iris beds that Corncrakes require. A small group of two to three allows for quiet tracking of their distinctive rasping calls without disturbing the birds.
● Red-necked Phalarope: Balranald and nearby satellite lochans host the incredibly rare Red-necked Phalarope, which returns to breed in late May. The group will scan the shallow open water pools for these active, needle-billed waders.

Day Three

This day shifts focus inland and uphill to the wild peatlands and rocky ridges of North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist.
● Sky Dancing Hen Harriers: The extensive blanket bogs are the territory of breeding Hen Harriers. In spring, males perform their spectacular aerial roller-coaster display over the heather.
● Short-eared Owls: The same moorland habitats support a high density of Short-eared Owls, which are regularly seen hunting during daylight hours.
● Eagles: The mountain passes on the eastern side of the islands provide excellent conditions for seeing both Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles utilizing the ridge thermals.

Day Four

The final day involves a journey north over the spectacular mountains of Harris to catch the return ferry from Tarbert back to Skye, or from Stornoway back to Ullapool, depending on optimal ferry timetables. The high peaks of North Harris offer a final stronghold for territorial Golden Eagles.

Upgrades available for this tour:

  • Wildlife Cruise +£65pp
  • Extra night +£200
  • Cocktail Masterclass at Local Distillery – £35pp
  • Gin Tour & Tasting – £30pp
  • Ebike rental – £55pp per day

We will contact you on confirmation to arrange your upgrades.

*Per person prices based on two guests. Prices may vary per person for three guests.


  • Terrain will be uneven in some locations – walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation & Travel Details

Accommodation Address:

Lochmaddy Hotel, North Uist

Meeting:

We will be meeting our guests in Glasgow (either train station, or airport depending on arrival preference). Equally, we can arrange an overnight accommodation or car parking for an additional fee.

Meet Your Guide

John Hague

John is a proud Yorkshireman now based in Leicestershire and has been birding in the UK and around the world for almost 60 years. After retiring in 2024, John now works as both a tour leader and bird surveyor; guiding groups across the globe.


Cornwall Winter Birding Dates & Prices

Book your experience Date and pay the Deposit. Full tour amounts are due 60 days prior to departure.
*note only the start date will show on our booking system, confirmation of tour dates are below.

Date

Availability

31st May – 4th June

Available

Price

Adults: £1,500 per person
Deposit on booking: £300

Balance due 60 days prior (split payments available).
Upgrade costs due on balance.