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Hebridean Wildlife from £895 per person for 7nts

The unspoilt nature of the Inner and Outer Hebridean Islands offers some unique wildlife-watching experiences, and this new holiday offers you the chance to enjoy Scottish wildlife in a beautiful, natural island environment.

We felt the trips within your package have been well-researched, to give us the ultimate experience. Thank you. Mrs W, Nottingham

You will spend 3 nights on the beautiful island of Mull, where you'll have the chance to get closer to see eagles, otters, seals, minke whales and other native wildlife, with two trips included - a full day whale watching trip and a day’s wildlife safari. You then travel on via the Isle of Skye to the Outer Hebrides and the Uists, where, once again in the company of an expert local guide, you will seek out otters and birds, including a wide range of birds of prey and seabirds, and explore the flora of the "machair", the seaside meadows.

Day One - The Isle of Mull

You start with a memorable ferry ride to Mull, from Oban, around two and a half hours from Glasgow. Stay on deck to enjoy the views of castles, lighthouses, and maybe even look for your first eagle. We have a choice of family run hotels, in the peaceful village of Dervaig or in the colourful main island village of Tobermory.

Day Two

Your first wildlife experience is a day's whale-watch. Minke whales and sharks along with porpoise and dolphins are regularly seen off Mull between April to September; a truly unforgettable thrill. The whale watch excursion is part of an active research programme contributing directly to marine conservation and organised with one of the most experienced companies in the UK.

Day Three

On today's wildlife safari your friendly and knowledgeable local guides Pam and Arthur know exactly where to go to find the best places to spot golden and white-tailed sea eagles, falcons, otters, seals and other indigenous island wildlife.

Day Four

Today you leave Mull by a different route and cross through the area known as the “Rough Bounds” (Na Garbh Chriochan) following the coastal road through Ardnamurchan and Moidart, and on to the ferry port at Mallaig. This was once Europe’s busiest herring port, and is still a fishing centre. Here you will catch another ferry to Skye. You will spend just one night on Skye, in one of our hand-picked small hotels, in a stunning coastal locations.

Day Five

Cross by the morning or early afternoon ferry to North Uist and make your way to your hotel just outside Lochmaddy. This former sporting lodge has been transformed into a small and comfortable privately run hotel. In a superb elevated location, this is a popular retreat for all outdoor enthusiasts, be they bird watchers, anglers or walkers. From the bedroom windows there are stunning views, with a stone circle in the foreground then over asea loch to Ben Eaval and the Minch beyond. There are several marked walking paths from the hotel, and the grounds are home to wild deer. This is also a popular island restaurant, with cosy lounge bar and sitting room with peat fires. An ideal island retreat.

Day Six

Today you will join your local wildlife guide. Though widely travelled, he is passionate about the wilds of Scotland and as well as birds, he is also an expert on otters, moths and butterflies, as well as wild flowers. No two days are the same, and Steve will work with your own preferences, and design a day which will maximise your sightings and also increase your knowledge of the natural history of the Outer Hebrides.

Day Seven

Day at leisure to enjoy the beaches and historical sites of the islands, and perhaps put into practice your new wildlife-spotting skills.

Day Eight

Your journey home starts returning to Skye by ferry, then to the mainland by the Skye bridge

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from April to end of September.

The price is £895 per person for April and  £935 for May to September.

Price includes 7 nights B&B in a double or twin room ensuite in small family-run hotels, a full day guided wildlife safari on Mull, a full day whale watch trip from Mull, and a full day with our local wildlife guide on the Uists. The price also includes ferry crossings for car and passengers to/from Mull, to Skye and to/from North Uist. Return from Skye by the bridge

Do note that this holiday is not suitable for children under 8. For children aged 8-11 we will substitute a four hour marine wildlife boat trip for the whale-watch. Child prices start from £395.

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 £8 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.