The start of October put Scotland in the spotlight for its magical autumn appeal, golden foliage and crisp air, followed by uncertain weather. As you look around, you will notice golden hills, rolling landscape, and the natural habitat putting on one of the fascinating shows compared to anywhere else in the United Kingdom. For that reason, many travellers flock to the natural landscapes like the Scottish Highlands, natural parks and gardens to engage in the best wildlife watching activities that Scotland has to offer.
Scotland’s big five include the red deer, otters, golden eagles, seals and red squirrels that surround the wild habitat. Not just that, but many other exotic species of wildlife are available to spot for the avid and first-time travellers. Let’s have a look at where you can travel in Scotland for special wildlife tourism activities.
The Cairngorms
If there is one destination that is nature’s greatest masterpiece, then that would be the Cairngorms National Park. From late September through October, you will be able to enjoy a variety of wildlife phenomena happening at every corner of the landscape. Seriously, during the season, you do not want to miss out on the red deer’s rut season when they are fighting for alpha dominance.
All you need is a secure and comfortable minibus or a coach for a transfer to the national park, so you can reserve maximum energy for wildlife watching. Some of the best spots to see the wildlife of red deer include Glen Etive and Glenfeshie. Not just red deer, but you may also spot red squirrels, pine martens and numerous other species that make the national park much more lively.
The Isle Of Mull
If rolling hillsides and green landscapes are your cup of tea, then you must surely visit the Isle of Mull. Thanks to the variety of greenery and forests, this destination is perfect for the birds of prey, such as the mighty soaring golden and white-tailed sea eagles.
These enormous birds are a magnificent sight to see hunting in the wild. Make sure to bring your binoculars and snacks with a picnic plan, and you will surely enjoy the eagles swooping down the coastal waters to catch the prey.
The destination also features several types of guided and personalised tours that allow you to experience the hunting season of eagles from up close. Since the golden eagles have to maximise the fat reserves for the winter, these creatures are mostly hunting throughout the autumn, especially around the shores of Loch Na Keal and Loch Scridain.
Moray Firth & East Coast
Moray Firth is famous for its many visual appeals and calm vibes in autumn. But what you do not want to skip is the bottlenose dolphins from the shore-watching point. You can also go for boat rides to see these playful creatures from close. However, since dolphins are most active in autumn, you can spot them easily along with planning a good picnic with friends and family.
The Trossachs
Just like the Cairngorms, the Trossachs National Park is also a major highlight in the rich tourism activity of Scotland. Being at the heart of Scotland with easier access from Edinburgh and Glasgow, this wildlife park is a spectacular site to see the wildlife with your gang.
There are red deer, squirrels and numerous singing birds that are highly expressive of the fact that there is a lot more to soak in than just the historical landscape and city bustle. There is a flock of red deer living in Loch Katrine and Ben Venue, which is a beautiful sight to see grazing in the wild. Not just that, you can easily discover red squirrels in the David Marshall Lodge across the Aberfoyle for a perfect wildlife experience surrounded by calm weather.
Orkney & Shetland
Upon travelling to the northern isles of Scotland, you will notice that they are always busy despite the slowing down of tourism activity in the region. That is because most of the tourism activity is now engaged in wildlife tourism on the cliffs and stacks that are the breeding grounds for many seabirds, as well as mammals. All you need to do is hike up to Marwick Head and the RSPB Reserve in Birsay Moors to enjoy some of the dazzling wildlife sightseeing.
You can spot a variety of sea mammals like porpoises, whales and even seals living in their designated habitat. On top of that, the Orkney coastlines also offer promising conditions for autumn bird migration, which eventually makes your travel experience highly rewarding.
Final Words
Autumn is a rather quieter and calmer season in Scotland, but it offers a diverse range of wildlife tourism activities. These activities directly rival all the tourism appeal of the world. With the combination of golden foliage, cold breezy weather and spectacular visuals of the landscape surrounded by the natural wildlife, Scotland is a perfect destination for a memorable holiday.
