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Islay
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Join Peter Roberts for a wonderful short autumn break on the isle of geese, tartan and malt whisky!
Islay is an attractive and varied Inner Hebridean island with everything from open farmland and woodland to heather moorland, peat bogs and uplands. The coastline is a fine mix of sweeping sandy sea lochs, cliffs and dunes. There is a splendid diversity of bird life all the year round, but at its best from October to April, when it hosts huge populations of wildfowl. Most spectacular of these are a major part of the Greenland population of 35,000 Barnacle Geese, and 15,000 White-fronted Geese - particularly exhilarating viewed backlit from the comfort of the RSPB hide as they fly to their evening roost.
Other wildlife includes large populations of Hare, Grey and Common Seals, Roe and Red Deer, plus a reasonable chance of watching Otters and Bottle-nosed Dolphins. There is plenty of other interest on this jewel of an island: we can take a guided tour around one of the seven working Whisky Distilleries and try some of the local "Clootie Dumpling" (not recommended for weight-watchers). Accommodation we stay at a 3-star, cosy, family run hotel, with all rooms en suite, ideally placed for excursions around the island. Travel We meet Peter at Islay airport on the first day at 1755, to meet the flight leaving from Glasgow at 1715, and pay our farewells there at around 0830 on the last day in time for the 0940 flight (based on 2010 schedules). Clients wishing to travel by ferry will be sent directions.
© Mike Read
Barnacle Goose Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
© Mike Read
Sunrise over Loch Gruinart, Islay
Prices:
The price is per person and includes 5 nights' accommodation, meals from supper on day 1 to lunch on day 6, minibus and ferry transport, transport from Glasgow Airport to Islay and return, admissions, incidental tips and the services of the leader(s).
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