Flight of the Osprey

Day 1 - Saturday 29^th June - Conwy Castle and Portmeirion

Land in Manchester today and meet your Wilderness guide. From here, ribbon your way northwest into Wales. Along the way, enjoy a visit to the striking medieval fortress of Conwy Castle, which still towers over the town after 700 years. Make your way up the restored spiral staircase and take in the views of Eryri’s craggy mountains. Offering the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in England or Wales, a visit to the Castle is a fascinating and engaging experience. Afterwards, continue to the unique village of Portmeirion, which is owned by a charitable trust. Located on a private peninsula, the buildings are colourful and the gardens lush. Settle into your charming accommodation this evening and relax.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Portmeirion Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 30^th June - Glaslyn Ospreys and Homemade Gelato

After a relaxed breakfast, head out to visit Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife (BGGW), home to the Glaslyn ospreys. Set up as a community interest company, BGGW aims to protect the ospreys in the valley as well as support the wealth of other wildlife in the area. With beautiful views across the lake to the rugged mountains beyond, enjoy exploring and hiking here with your guide and of course visit the osprey nest. Later this afternoon, return to Portmeirion and enjoy some free time. Perhaps pick up an authentic homemade gelato and wander through the colourful streets, pop into Portmeirion Pottery and wander along Clifftop & Chantry Row for spectacular views over the estuary.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Portmeirion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 1^st July - Porthmadog Pottery

As the soft morning light recedes across the water, enjoy a morning visit to the Glaslyn osprey nest. Chat with your guide about these amazing birds as you enjoy observing them in their element. If you like, you may wish to strike out for another mellow walk, taking the opportunity to spot songbirds and a variety of local flora. After lunch, a short drive will take you to the neighbouring village of Porthmadog to enjoy an afternoon of pottery. In a bright, airy studio tucked in the centre of this picturesque harbour town,  try your hand at the art of glazing guided by an expert potter. An absorbing, creative and tactile workshop, enjoy the process before returning to Portmeirion for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Portmeirion | Portmeirion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 2^nd July - Yr Wyddfa and The Lake District

Leave the coast behind this morning and head north into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Rising 1,085 m/3,560 ft over the glacier-carved landscapes, Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon to give it its English name) is the country’s highest peak. Take the train up the mountain’s impressive heights, soaking up the scenery and visiting Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre. Enjoy a walk across the rooftop of Wales, descending to Pen-Y-Pass on a trail that contours the edge of the hillside and provides spectacular views. Catch the Sherpa’r Wyddfa (Snowdown Sherpa) bus back down the remaining distance while enjoying the beautiful landscape. Later this afternoon, head north into the verdant bounds of the Lake District National Park and sink into the luxurious comfort of your welcoming hotel.

Overnight: Windermere | Rothay Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Boat Trip and Exploring the Lakes

After breakfast, head out for an osprey-spotting boat trip on the beautiful Esthwaite Water. Nestled between the larger lakes of Windermere and Coniston Water, with the pretty village of Hawkshead at its northern tip, Esthwaite Water is a private fishery, meaning that it’s far quieter than its popular counterparts and offers a haven for local wildlife. During a boat trip, it is not unusual to spot the ospreys fishing, and with a lovely cafe also on-site, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while enjoying the spectacular views. This afternoon, join your guide on a lovely hike that takes you deeper into the heart of the Lake District, learning more about the unique history of this stunning region.

Overnight: Windermere | Rothay Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 4^th July - Head to the Highlands

Leave the Lakes behind today and head north into the heathery hills of Scotland. Along the way, stop in the pretty town of Hawick, famous for its beautiful, fine-quality knitwear and frequent winner of national floral awards. Wander around the charming streets, perhaps popping into a couple of artisanal shops before enjoying a tour of the Johnstons of Elgin Knitting Mill. An immersive, fully guided experience, learn more about Johnstons of Elgin’s rich Scottish heritage and witness the craftspeople at work. Afterwards, continue towards the east coast and settle into Greywalls, an elegant country hotel a stone’s throw from Edinburgh.

Overnight: Muirfield | Greywalls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 5^th July - Bass Rock and Aberlady Bay

This morning, sail out into the swell on a boat trip to Bass Rock. Enjoy the views as the rugged coastline unfurls beyond the bow, keeping an eye out for curious seals, dolphins and an eclectic mix of seabirds. Sail around Bass Rock – home to the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets. Back on dry land, visit the Scottish Seabird Centre, a marine conservation and education charity with an award-winning visitor centre tucked in the salt-stung town of North Berwick. Afterwards, head out for a walk on Aberlady Bay, a local nature reserve and renowned bird-watching venue. Return to your relaxed hotel this evening and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Muirfield | Greywalls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 6^th July - Isle of May and Tantallon Castle

Embark on an adventure out to the Isle of May this morning. A National Nature Reserve, the island is home to a large puffin colony, grey seals, razorbills, shags, eider ducks and many other seabirds. Upon arrival, listen to a short talk given by the Nature Scot warden before striking out with your guide to explore. Wander carefully through the nesting terns, enjoying the fabulous scenery and hearing about the isle’s fascinating history. Back on the mainland, visit Tantallon Castle – an imposing fortress perched dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the dark North Sea. Admire the mighty curtain wall, the best example of castle architecture from the 1300s anywhere in Scotland, before returning to your hotel to relax.

Overnight: Muirfield | Greywalls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 7^th July - Arrive in the Cairngorm and Join your Photography Trip

This morning, head to Edinburgh, where you will get the train to Aviemore, which is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Join your self-booked photography trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Monday 8^th July - Photography Trip

Day 11 - Tuesday 9^th July - Photography Trip

Day 12 - Wednesday 10^th July - Photography Trip

Day 13 - Thursday 11^th July - Travel to Oban

After your photography trip finishes, meet your Wilderness guide and wind your way west to Oban. Today’s drive is beautiful as you traverse the northern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park, ribboning your way towards Fort William and along the shores of Loch Linnhe. Arrive in Oban, a town on the west coast surrounded by rolling fields, craggy cliffs and sandy shores. Settle into your hotel this evening, which offers far-reaching views across the water and delicious seasonal food.

Overnight: Oban | Oban Bay Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 14 - Friday 12^th July - The Isle of Mull and Visit Iona

After breakfast, catch the small white ferry from Oban across the sun-dappled water to the Isle of Mull. Once ashore, ribbon your way to the southern westerly tip of Mull and take a short ferry to explore Iona – also known as the ‘Holy Isle.’ Although only a mile and a half wide and three miles long, this tiny island brims with history. Accompanied by your guide, visit Iona Abbey (founded in 563) and the Nunnery – one of the best-preserved medieval nunneries in the UK. A short scenic walk will take you to the island’s highest point for fantastic views across the water to the Treshnish Isles, Tiree, Coll, and on a really clear day, Rhum, Eigg and Skye. This evening, settle into your charming island accommodation and relax.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Saturday 13^th July - Fingal's Cave and the Treshnish Isles

Today, embark on a boat trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. Glide through the waves, soaking in the noise, sight and smell of the sea, as well as spotting coastal birds. Far-flung and remote, this is sure to be a very memorable day. Discover the unique geological formations of Staffa, including the iconic Fingal’s Cave, and wander amidst the rugged beauty of the Treshnish Isles. These islands are famous for it’s puffins, and you can take time to sit and watch them pop in and out of their burrows from just feet away. Back on Mull this evening, perhaps enjoy a drink before dinner, allowing the soothing sounds of the sea to be your soundtrack to another relaxed evening.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Sunday 14^th July - Argaty Red Kites and Return to Edinburgh

After breakfast, bid farewell to Mull as you travel back to Craignure and hop on the ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy the beautiful drive as you begin travelling towards Edinburgh. Along the way, stop at the Argaty Red Kite Project, where you can witness the impressive spectacle of these once-persecuted birds of prey coming in to feed. A lovely stop for a stroll, too; enjoy heading out for a short hike with your guide. Later this afternoon, arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh, where you can check in to your hotel before heading out for dinner in one of the city’s many great restaurants.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Roseate
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 17 - Monday 15^th July - Depart Edinburgh

After a relaxed breakfast, depart for home. With excellent public transport links, you may like to hop on the tram or take a taxi to the nearby airport. Arrive with plenty of time, enjoying feeling relaxed, refreshed and excited about having a camera full of photos and many wonderful memories of your summer adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast