Wildlife hotspots - Scotland

DaveWales
DaveWales Forum Participant Posts: 40
edited June 2020 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi everybody,

When we are eventually allowed to resume touring, and in my case even travelling beyond 5 miles from home, I'm planning a trip to Scotland.

Can anyone recommend either any Club Sites or CL's anywhere in Scotland where the wildlife sightings are good either in the campsite or fairly local. I'm thinking Otters,Red Squirrel, and Pine Marten in particularly as well as various bird species.

Any tips would be gratefully received.

Thanks in anticipation

Dave

Comments

  • coffeebob
    coffeebob Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited June 2020 #2

    Grantown on spey, great wildlife with walks from site,red squirrel seen on pitch, lucky to have seen a capercaillie in local woods, dolphins on local coast and a great town.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #3

    Geddes House, CL near Nairn where we have seen Red Squirrels, and not far from Fort George which overlooks the Moray Firth where there are regularly Dolphins, also Findhorn Bay with lots of sea birds and Ospreys.

  • Geejay
    Geejay Forum Participant Posts: 232
    100 Comments
    edited June 2020 #4

    We're restricted to 5 miles in Scotland as well, so keep a look out for the Scottish Government announcements.  Next Thursday should see the FM set out the next stage of easing.

    The best place to see a Pine Marten is probably on your computerwink.  They are nocturnal and difficult to see, but will come to feeding stations.  A previous neighbour of ours in Lochalsh had photos of them at the kitchen window!!  Some B&B's etc advertise that they have feeding stations.

    Here's some websites giving more info on where you might see them from hides, then you can see if there's a suitable campsite nearby.

    https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/facts-about-pine-martens/

    https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/pine-marten/

    https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/mammals/pine-marten-guide-how-to-identify-where-to-see-in-britain-and-other-facts/ 

     

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #5

    I tried to post on here earlier but it wouldn't go through, so another attempt. wink

    My go to area for wild life spotting, because we also lived there previously, is the Cairngorm National Park. This is a diverse area, high mountains, open moorland, water and forest, with remnants of the Old Caledonian pine forest. Places include the Rothiemurchus estate, Glenfeshie, RSPB reserves and various small lochs and marshes. I'd also include a visit to the nearby Highland Wildlife Park, run in conjunction with Edinburgh Zoo and other conservation groups. I would be surprised if you didn't spot something of interest in this part of Scotland.

  • DaveWales
    DaveWales Forum Participant Posts: 40
    edited June 2020 #6

    Thanks for the suggestions all. Ironically I think I'll settle for the Forestry site at Aviemore, it looks more interesting and a lot less expensive than Grantown.

    As for Pine Martens.... I'm prepared to stay up late!!!

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #7

    This was taken from the shore line of the Loch Morlich site, very popular but it's a good base for the area. smile Have a good time!

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #8

    Not sure about price of Aviemore when you factor in everything. An alternative is the Rothimurchus site just down the road and in superb Caledonian woods. Have seen Ospreys nesting on Loch, Red Squirrels, Deer and Capercaile there. Superb easy walks from pitches which are dotted amongst the woods. Path down to Aviemore as well. Also direct access to Lairig Gru- long distance to Deeside- Not for faint hearted but good walk to the begining.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #9

    We've stayed at Rothiemurchus too, prefer it really just because of access to civilisation and wilderness but Loch Morlich/Glenmore has wonderful views of the Cairngorms as well as nearby walking. There is also access to ranger advice and services in both places.

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