Seven-Day Outer Hebrides Spring Birding Tour 2027
Explore North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist in spring for machair waders, Corncrake, raptors and island lochs, including a North Uist boat trip.
About this tour
Spring in the Outer Hebrides brings breeding birds into the machair, lochs, moorland and coastal habitats of the Uists. This seven-day programme travels from Grantown-on-Spey via Skye and uses a South Uist hotel as the island base for exploring North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist.
Key opportunities include Corncrake around iris beds, breeding waders on the machair, Red-necked Phalarope at island pools, and Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier over open country. Golden and White-tailed Eagles also occur across the islands, while divers, skuas and Black Guillemot feature around the coast.
A planned two-hour boat trip off North Uist adds a different view of the remote shoreline and nesting eagle country, with possibilities for Otter and cetaceans. The package includes seven hotel nights, dinner, breakfast, packed lunches, guiding, ground transport, ferry travel and the boat ticket; routes remain weather-dependent.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Meet at the Grant Arms Hotel for the first included night and prepare for the journey to the Outer Hebrides.
Journey west through Skye, take the ferry to the islands and continue to the South Uist base. Birding stops depend on travel timing and conditions.
Explore North Uist for divers, raptors, moorland birds and coastal species. Scan suitable pools and open habitats while allowing time for Golden and White-tailed Eagles.
Visit the Balranald area and surrounding machair for Corncrake and breeding waders. Dunes, fields and shore provide a broad mix of spring island birding.
Follow lochs, moorland and coastal fields through South Uist and Benbecula for Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, waders and other island birds, adjusting the route to current activity.
Take the planned two-hour North Uist boat excursion when conditions allow. Watch for Black Guillemot, skuas and divers, with possibilities including Otter, cetaceans and White-tailed Eagles around the nesting coast, before beginning the return travel.
Locations & map
- Benbecula - United Kingdom
Availability & pricing
Included
- Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
- Packed lunches and hot drinks
- Guiding and transport
- Scheduled ferry and boat travel
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle, ferry and boat