If anyone wants a holiday recommendation for wildlife watching...

[GrimmaTheNome]

In a word, Mull.

I can't think of many places that could beat it. We were there for just a few days at half term and saw over 60 species of bird (and heard a few more) - eagles (gold and sea), puffins, lots of other sea birds, plus otter, seals, deer, cetaceans (porpoises and a minke whale - often they get dolphins too). The Top Trumps seems to have faded away, I could have cleaned up there!

So now we're debating whether to go back next year or whether there's anywhere else that could compete. We've not really been to Scotland much, wondering about Skye....

[JRsandCoffee]

Lovely post! Will bear it in mind

Area around Aviemore, Rothiemurchis etc is lovely with lots to do for kids etc, fantastic network of bugy and bike friendly paths which out of the holidays seem pretty deserted. We did an eight mile walk when I was 28 weeks pregnant at the start of October and saw a grand total of about five other people, I would also be happy to do that walk with the buggy or carrier. At the risk of sounding a bit harsh just shut your eyes and try to not look at Aviemore itself, not a place of great beauty!

[gardeningmum]

Mull sounds fantastic . WE saw 4 dolphins off north west coast at half term.

[GrimmaTheNome]

oh, how lovely...do you mean NW Scotland or England ?

[MadMonkeys]

Skye is gorgeous and fab for wildlife. We've watched otters there loads of times, plus basking sharks, minor whales and golden eagles.

[GrimmaTheNome]

Oh, thanks - we've not decided yet (still mulling it over, obviously....)

[girliefriend]

Is Mull one of the scottish islands? How do you get there? Where is good to stay and how much?

would love to take my wildlife mad dd!!

[JaquelineHyde]

I think you should go to Shetland Grimma it will soon become your firm favourite.

[GrimmaTheNome]

How do you get to Shetland - doesn't it take ages? DD would love it if it has lots of Shetland ponies and Shetland sheepdogs...does it have small sheep to go with the little shelties?

Girlie - yes, its an island. You drive to Oban and take a ferry. We stayed in an inn (the name of which escapes me) but it was small - there's some hotels and B&Bs in Tobermoray and elsewhere, and we saw some campers. I honestly don't know how much it cost because DH does all the holiday stuff.

We spent a day being driven round by Arthur ... who I see has self-catering cottages. He's the main reason we saw so much; the rest of the marine wildlife was on an all-day boat trip - also excellent.

[GrimmaTheNome]

sorry, forgot to copy before pasting second link so its the same as the first one - the boat is http://www.sealifesurveys.com/ here

[JaquelineHyde]

Grimma You can fly to Shetland which is quite expensive but doesn't take very long.

Or you can get the over night ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, it take 12 hours but I love it. Some times if you are lucky enough you get to see an Orca or a few dolphins following you and loads of birds.

One of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen is the early morning approach to Shetland, the scenery is stunning and well worth the 5am start for!

Loads, and loads of wildlife but I would try and time any trip there with when the Puffins arrive at Sumbrugh Head.

If you are a facebooker join the Shetland wildlife page for an idea of what you may see etc.

[iseenodust]

Loved Mull and is on list of places to go back to.
We've also stayed in Kyle of Lochalsh (opp Skye) and saw deer, seals, huge jellyfish, otter & birds. They get whales in the autumn I think. Personally I prefer Mull to Skye.

[GrimmaTheNome]

Shetland might have to wait till its just DH and myself and we're not tied to school holidays - but that sounds wonderful

[iseenodust]

When you've shaken off the DC then it has to be a big save and Canada!

[JaquelineHyde]

Oooh I would love to go to Canada!!