Departure from the Isle of Skye
The tour can start from the Isle of Skye, very close to the mainland coast and easily reachable by ferry or via the Skye Bridge, near Kyle of Lochalsh.
Here, you can observe a large colony of wild otters at the Kylerhea Otter Haven and set off on exciting boat trips that allow you to spot whales and a varied marine wildlife. Returning to the western Scottish coast, you can head north, first following the Loch Carron fjord and then, along the A896 road, the Torridon fjord, bordered by the Torridon Hills, wooded hills home to deer and golden eagles.
Heading east, you cross the Benn Eighe National Nature Reserve, where you can hike a well-marked trail along the shores of Loch Maree. Continuing towards Gairloch, you can visit the Gairloch Marine Life Centre, where at the well-equipped visitor center, you can arrange boat excursions to see dolphins, bottlenose whales, seals, and porpoises.
Towards Ullapool
Continuing north towards Ullapool, you discover the stunning views of Loch Ewe fjord (otters are also here) and, taking the road leading to the Corrieshalloch gorge, it is not uncommon to spot the flight of the merlin and many other birds of prey. The gorge is nothing short of spectacular: carved by glacier meltwaters, it ends with the Measach waterfalls, visible from a viewing platform and a suspension bridge. Beyond Ullapool, head further north towards Handa Island, a nature reserve famous for its seabird colonies, such as skuas and storm petrels, which nest here (boat trips run from April to September).
Balnakeil Bay
The A838 road reaches the northern coast at the Kyle of Durness strait, where, starting from Balnakeil Bay, you can hike to see the charming puffins nesting on Faraid Head. The entire northern coast is a true paradise for spotting seals and seabirds; an excellent place to spy on puffins is, for example, the Stacks of Duncansby, towering rock pillars protruding boldly from the sea near John o’ Groats. Parking at the lighthouse, they become visible after a pleasant walk through the rolling heathland leading to the cliffs. Inland, along the A897 road, you can reach the RSPB Forsinard Reserve, featuring the Flow Country, a vast peatland covered with wetlands, representing a unique habitat and home to the marsh owl and the hen harrier.
