In late October the Isle of Mull is bathed in autumnal colours and it is at this time that the rutting red deer and large numbers of pupping Atlantic seals take centre stage. Our trip aims to photograph these spectacles and more of Mull's wildlife highlights.
We explore and photograph the beautiful island of Mull in the company of an experienced wildlife photographer, as well as Isle of Mull Naturalist Alexa Kershaw. We search for a fabulous array of bird and mammal species, returning in the evenings to our delightfully cosy base, Knock House, in the heart of the 13,000 hectare Benmore Estate.
Over the course of our week-long stay we explore this stunning island, on foot, by vehicle and by boat and have the opportunity to indulge in photography and try out a variety of techniques with the expert help of our leaders.
At this time of the year the island's red deer will be at their most impressive and, under the guidance of the team on the estate, we visit a remote and beautiful glen to photograph the majesty of the red deer rut, with the evocative roar of the stags echoing across the moorland. We also spend time photographing both golden and white-tailed eagles, inquisitive otters and vast numbers of Atlantic grey seals that will be in the height of their breeding and pupping season. In the skies above we should see both golden and white-tailed eagles, while a boat trip for the latter will provide excellent photographic opportunities.
With exclusive use of Knock House and access to the entire estate, this trip to Scotland’s Eagle Island promises to be an experience you will never forget!
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Meet in Oban and travel to Isle of Mull
Our Isle of Mull wildlife adventure begins in Oban in the mid-afternoon, where we meet at the Ferry Terminal, prior to enjoying the short scenic ferry ride from Oban to Craignure.
Arriving in Craignure we then drive along Mulls' eastern coastline to Salen, before turning south-west towards the Benmore Estate, our base for the next seven nights. The journey is only around 15 miles and will provide a perfect introduction to this beautiful island.
We have an opportunity to settle into our accommodation and freshen up, before enjoying a delicious welcome meal and introductory briefing from the team.
We have arrived on Eagle Island, so named for the nationally important populations of golden and white-tailed eagles which make Mull their home. Today we might just get our first glimpses!
After our day of travelling to Mull yesterday, we stretch our legs and take a gentle hike into the hills but will stick at low elevation along the shores of tranquil Loch Ba. This big freshwater loch attracts wintering greylag geese and occasional family groups of whooper swans along with small numbers of wigeon, teal and mallard. But at this time of year, almost anything can turn up. We keep scanning the ridges for that unmistakable silhouette of a gliding or soaring eagle and learn some field skills on how to tell one eagle from another. This is a great time to assess your photography skills and to get your first tips from the leaders.
The oak and birch woodlands we walk through can seem quieter at this time of year but every now and then we encounter flocks of mixed finches and tits as they group together and move through the trees: chaffinch, long-tailed tits, coal tits and even occasional tree creepers join in. Brambling too is a possibility. Our easy amble will be a relaxing introduction to this magical island and a taste of what’s to come.
Day3: Boat trip in search of seals
Today, we set sail from Ulva to the Treshnish Isles. This stunning archipelago of islands is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its breeding Atlantic grey seals. Your photographic tour leader will be on hand to advise on how to capture the best images based on the weather and lighting conditions and can answer any questions you may have to make sure you get the best images.
From the sea, we find sheltered coves and beaches where the female seals haul out to give birth to their white, silky pups. We keep our distance so as not to disturb them in any way but get an amazing insight into how these tough marine mammals survive in this beautiful but harsh environment.
We might also encounter a sea eagle or two attracted here as they have been for thousands of years for the rich pickings around the breeding beaches. There is even a rock named after them in Gaelic ‘Sgeir na h-Iolaire’ which tells us just how long this place has been attracting them.
Day4: Explore the South of Mull
We are back on dry land today as we explore the southern part of Mull's 300 miles of coastline. Along the southern shore of Loch na Keal and the northern shore of Loch Scridain, we are in prime otter country and will slowly and carefully scan every bay and inlet for that tell-tale ring of bright water. It is important to note that, whilst we attempt to observe otters, photographic opportunities for these wonderful animals could be limited and from a distance.
The dramatic Gribun cliffs are home to buzzard and kestrel as well as passing golden eagles. There will be some autumnal shore birds such as oystercatchers, redshank, ringed plover and a variety of gull species on Gribun beach before we head south over the hill road to Tiroran. Here in the community-owned forest, we watch out for the specialist mixed flocks of forest birds such as crossbill, coal tit, goldcrest and chaffinch and hear of the community plans and forestry work for the woodland they now own. There is a pair of white-tailed eagles which call this forest home and we hope to see them preening in the sunshine on a favourite tree.
After lunch, we continue our exploration along Loch Scridain in search of otters whilst also encountering grey heron and maybe an early great northern diver off-shore. Later we venture into Glen More, bordered on both sides by steep mountains and into the domain of golden eagles and red deer. We spend time scanning for the 'king of birds' and hope to pick one up drifting along a ridge line or soaring on the thermals. There is also the chance of raven and hen harrier in this area.
Finally, back via Loch Don, a beautiful tidal sea loch where at low tide we might encounter more autumnal waders and waterfowl. The first skeins of migrating pink-footed geese will be passing overhead, a sure sign that autumn has truly arrived.
Day5: Red deer rut
Today we head for the hills and into a remote and beautiful glen to photograph the red deer rut. We travel with experienced staff from Ben More Estate who know the best places to find the rutting grounds. They explain how the rut develops and proceeds, the relationship between the stag and his hareem of hinds, this year’s calves born back in June and the defence against intruding stags. We also discuss the role red deer play in the estate’s management of these hills and in the local economy. Our leader has many years of experience photographing the red deer rut and will advise you on how to capture the best images of the rut.
This glen is also the perfect place for finding eagles. Both white-tailed and golden eagles nest nearby and if they have succeeded in raising chicks this year, the young eagles love to spend time honing their flying skills over this special place. They may jostle and interact with each other with playful talon-grappling and chases across the hillsides. The hills will now have a range of autumn hues with heathers blooming and the lush greens of summer grasses beginning to fade.
Day6: Explore Tobermory
Today will be a full day of general wildlife, landscape and macro photography. We are Tobermory bound this morning to the stunning Aros Park, owned and managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. We may not be able to compete with the fall foliage of New England but Aros Park can come close! The fabulous colours of the massive beech trees on the estate sum up this season with the smells, senses and feel of autumn. We explore the trails looking for fungi and lichens to photograph which abound at this time of year; there may be some early winter visitors passing through from bramblings feeding on the beech mast to flocks of chattering fieldfares and redwings from Scandinavia.
We return to our cosy base at Knock House via the Mishnish Lochs, home to migrant whooper swans and visiting geese and ducks. Into Dervaig Village with its unusual pencil steeple church and a scan of Loch Cuin for migrant waders and wildfowl. With the sun setting ever earlier to the west, it is time to turn for home.
Day7: Exclusive white-tailed eagle boat trip
Autumn can be the best time of year to watch our eagles in Scotland and there is nowhere better than the Isle of Mull. At this time of year, the young eagles from this summer are now fledged from the nest and getting more and more confident on the wing. This is the day we get up close and personal with Britain's largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle.
We have an exclusive trip planned with the only boat operator on Mull to offer specialised sea eagle viewing and photography opportunities. They work within the RSPB's Code of Conduct to ensure the eagles stay safe and undisturbed, but they do come close so have your cameras and lenses ready.
This will be a seasonal highlight to conclude our week on Mull celebrating the wildlife riches of this stunning island. The days may be a little shorter and the weather a little more unpredictable but the spectacular wildlife, autumn feel and cosy evenings by the fire will have made this a week to truly remember.
Day8: Return to Craignure & depart
Sadly, it is departure day and we will be heading back to Craignure for our ferry to Oban.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £2,795 pp
Trip type:
Group Tour
Group size: 12
When to go: Oct
Group Departures: We are currently finalising future dates for this tour. Please contact us for further details.
Alexa is an ecologist and cetacean researcher with a passion for conservation. She is a keen wildlife photographer and combines research with a love of guiding and sharing knowledge of the marine environment.
Alexa began studying cetaceans in the Hebrides 25 years ago and has since worked as a researcher, guide, campaigner and consultant on marine mammal research projects worldwide. Her research projects have included visual, acoustic and aerial surveys in the North and Baltic Seas, Iceland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Belize and a research voyage across the Atlantic.
She lives on the Isle of Mull in the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages, which she spent three years renovating. She returns to the west coast of Iceland each winter, but for the rest of the year, she enjoys Mull’s wildlife and has spent recent years exploring the Inner and Outer Hebrides by boat.
The Isle of Mull is home to a rich flora and fauna. It’s one of the best places to see otters in the UK, and special birds here include hen harrier, white-tailed and golden eagles as well as red-throated divers. Red deer, seals and a rich marine life are additional draws for the keen naturalist.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: otter, grey seal, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, minke whale
Knock House is a classic west highland country house located in the heart of the 12,000 hectare Benmore Estate in Scotland. Full of new life and old charm, it offers comfortable accommodation for up to 20 guests, with stunning views over the surrounding hills and glens.
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