Join us for this exciting birding and wildlife experience in the heart of the Cairngorms, Scotland. In early May we should see the established courtship dramas of resident Scottish birds such as crested tits, crossbills and lekking black grouse as well as those of many regular summer visitors, including Osprey, redstart, tree pipit, ring ouzel, Slavonian grebe and black-throated diver to name but a few.

Based at Grantown-on-Spey, our guesthouse is nestled within the stunning landscape of the Cairngorms National Park. From here we take beautiful walks along the iconic River Spey where we may see dippers, goldeneyes and goosanders and where the surrounding mountains form impressive backdrops. On other days, we stroll through the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate, keeping our eyes peeled for signs of the recently re-introduced beavers in the wetland areas and seeing first hand why they are such a key species in managing and restoring watery ecosystems. We will also visit the shores of beautiful Loch an Eilein and Loch Garten where we may also encounter fishing osprey, red squirrel, pine marten and both red and roe deer.

Other places on our itinerary may include a small foray into Inch Marshes National Nature Reserve, managed by the RSPB, where we hope see a very varied range of nesting waders such as lapwing, redshank, curlew, snipe as well as raptors including marsh and hen harriers. For raptors, though, we make a special visit to the remote Findhorn Valley which is a must if we hope to see the amazing golden eagle, white-tailed eagle as well as various other birds of prey and even, if we are very lucky, the elusive goshawk.

• Price
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• Guide
• Accommodation
• Travel

Single Occupancy Ensuite £950 Twin Shared Ensuite £60 discount per person Price Includes: 5 nights' B&B in sole use guesthouse; packed lunch each walking day; transport to walks as required; entry to nature reserve. Not Included: Evening meals (your guide will arrange for the group to eat together in the evenings); personal expenses; insurance

Walks will be taken at a leisurely pace with the emphasis on birdwatching rather than covering a lot of ground. There will be plenty of opportunities to sit and watch the birds, take photos, enjoy the views.

Madeline Holloway is a natural history expert and freelance ecologist with a hugely impressive knowledge of birds and nature. She has been a walking guide for over 10 years and her enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Be prepared to end up on your hands and knees magnifying glass in hand!

We stay at the Willowbank Guesthouse, a few minutes' walk from the town centre of Grantown-on-Spey, where we are assured of a warm welcome. We hope to have exclusive use of the accomodation with its 8 bedrooms and lovely conservatory.

Willowbank Guesthouse, High Street, Grantown -on-Spey PH26 3EN By Train: The nearest station is Aviemore and from there it is best to take a taxi. If you would like to share a taxi at around 4.30pm then this can be arranged (taxi costs around £35- £40) By Car: The accommodation is about 20 minutes beyond Aviemore just off the A95. There is a car park at the accommodationwith ample parking.