To experience the serenity of Scotland's wildlife, as recently featured on BBC Springwatch, try our unique two centre break, with expert local guides to help you in two contrasting parts of the Scottish Highlands.

 Day One

Your first base is a comfortable small country hotel north of Pitlochry in Perthshire, less than two hours' drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Your Hotel

Formerly a church minister’s country residence, this charming personally-run hotel has open views across the Pass of Killiecrankie to the densely wooded hillsides bordering the River Garry. This is a truly delightful location, deep in the heart of the rolling Perthshire countryside yet just a few miles from Pitlochry.

Day Two 

Today a short drive to nearby Loch Tay for the unique experience of "Photo Deer Stalking". Experience the wonder of this wilderness environment as you get up close to Britain’s largest land mammal in the company of an experienced stalker. Red Deer Stalking, made famous by Queen Victoria in the early 1800 was once the domain of the landed gentry and is an excellent way to feel the exhilaration of the wild mountains of the Highlands in the company of someone at home in this landscape.. Armed with your Digital Camera and binoculars set your sights, put on your gear, meet your personal Ghillie, board your Land Rover and head to the hills to stalk the Monarch of the Glen. Using centuries-old traditions of stalking and mountain craft, stalk your quarry for the best photo-shot. You need to be fairly fit but this can be one of the most rewarding days of a lifetime. The experience includes lunch in a Highland "bothy" or shepherd's hut.

Day Three

Today travel further north through the Highlands to the Spey valley.

Your hotel.

 Once a Victorian Sporting Lodge, your charming hotel is set amidst 10 beautiful acres of the best ‘Monarch of the Glen’ countryside. Recently refurbished and updated the hotel is a wonderful blend of the traditional and modern, and has become an elegant yet informal ‘boutique-style’ country house. Dining in the impressive Victorian conservatory is quite an experience. All of the produce is sourced locally - with meat and poultry all coming from within a 30 mile radius.

Day Four

Your second day of wildlife-watching will be in the company of another highly experienced and knowledgeable guide. Your programme for the day will be tailored to suit, with your guide using their unbeatable local knowledge to track down the species you most want to see. Choose from the following themes: Highland Glens for golden eagles, red deer, red-throated divers, red kites, ring ouzels. Pine Forest, with such species as capercallie, black grouse, crested tits or Scottish crossbills, and the chance of red squirrels. Moorland & Moray Firth – begin the day exploring moorland for red grouse, black throated divers and mountain hares then on to the Moray Firth for osprey, seaduck and reans, with a good chance of bottlenose dolphins and otters.

Day Five

Day at leisure to explore the area, perhaps visiting the ospreys at nearby Loch Garten, or heading to the Moray coast to spot dolphins.

Day Six

Return Home

Price from £595 per person for June, July & October, £625 for August & September, based on 2 people sharing a room for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Prices based on departures between June and October 2008.

Price includes a half day photo-deer stalking safari and lunch, and full day with wildlife guide in the Strathspey area.

Important Note: We, of course, cannot guarantee that you will the wildlife described - these are wild animals and as such cannot be called to order, and no refund will be made if you are unlucky enough not to see any of the animals described, despite the very best efforts of the guides.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.

All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.