Seven-Day Lewis and Harris Autumn Migration Tour 2026
Travel from Grantown-on-Spey to Lewis and Harris at peak autumn migration, combining island coasts, village cover, moorland and two Minch crossings.
About this tour
This seven-day journey links a Highland starting point with four nights on Lewis during the autumn migration period. The outward and return ferries across the Minch add dedicated opportunities for seabirds and marine mammals before the route reaches the island landscapes.
Lewis combines open moor, coastal fields, sea lochs and small villages whose gardens and shelter can concentrate migrant passerines. The programme reaches Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis, then turns south through Harris toward Tarbert and Luskentyre, with repeated chances to scan for Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Merlin and Hen Harrier.
A separate western-coast session provides seawatching and access to the more remote Miavaig area. The package includes two nights in Grantown-on-Spey, four in Stornoway, dinner, breakfast, packed lunches, transport and ferry travel; daily priorities respond to weather and new arrivals.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive at the Grantown-on-Spey base for the first included night. Meet the group and prepare for the westward journey and ferry crossing.
Travel to Ullapool and cross to Stornoway. Use the ferry as a seawatching platform for shearwaters, petrels and other seabirds, with a possibility of whales or other marine mammals.
Explore western beaches and shorelines from the Borve area toward Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis. Check gardens and sheltered cover for migrants while scanning the open landscape for eagles, Hen Harrier and Merlin.
Travel south through the hills of Harris toward Tarbert and Luskentyre Bay. Combine coastal birding and sea-duck searches with further opportunities for Golden and White-tailed Eagles.
Use current arrivals, wind and visibility to select productive village cover, shorelines and moorland, then include seawatching and the remote coast toward Miavaig when conditions are suitable.
Complete the island programme, take the return ferry to Ullapool and continue toward the Highland base for the final included night and onward departure arrangements.
Locations & map
- Stornoway - United Kingdom
Availability & pricing
Included
- Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
- Packed lunches and hot drinks
- Birding guide and programme transport
- Ferry fares
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks and cafe refreshments
- Tips and personal expenses
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle and ferry