Five-Day Scottish Migration and Seabirds Cruise Break 2026
Spend four nights in Grantown-on-Spey with three guided autumn days covering Strathspey, Moray coast migration and a return Minch seabird cruise.
About this tour
Autumn migration is the theme of this four-night Highland break. From the Grant Arms Wildlife Hotel, three guided days combine classic Scottish habitats with productive coastal sites and a non-landing ferry journey across the Minch from Ullapool toward Stornoway and back.
The land programme begins around Strathspey, its forests, lochs and moors, before continuing to the Findhorn Valley for raptors and other Highland wildlife. A separate coastal day uses estuaries, beaches and sheltered migrant sites along the outer Moray Firth, with time devoted to wader and seabird identification.
The ferry day turns a modern crossing into a seawatching platform for shearwaters, skuas, petrels, terns, auks and possible dolphins or whales. Four nights with dinner, breakfast, packed lunches, hot drinks, guiding, transport and ferry fares are included; routes remain adjustable for weather and migration.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive at the Grant Arms Wildlife Hotel and meet the group before dinner. The introduction sets expectations for three field days whose order may change with weather and migration.
Begin among Strathspey forests, lochs and moors for Crested Tit, crossbills and Black Grouse, then continue to the Findhorn Valley to scan for Golden and White-tailed Eagles, other raptors and Highland mammals.
Explore outer Moray Firth estuaries, beaches and sheltered migrant sites. The day concentrates on passage waders, seabirds and newly arrived migrants, with locations selected from current reports and conditions.
Board the Ullapool–Stornoway ferry for a return, non-landing cruise. Watch from the deck for shearwaters, skuas, petrels, terns, auks and marine mammals, using the ferry facilities whenever a break is needed.
Finish the four-night stay with breakfast at the hotel and depart. Extra nights are separate and depend on availability.
Locations & map
- Grantown-on-Spey - United Kingdom
Availability & pricing
Included
- Four nights dinner, bed and breakfast
- Three fully guided birding days
- Packed lunches and hot drinks
- Transport and ferry fares
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Transport & stays
- Minibus and ferry