Mull Nature Explorer & Ardnamurchan Adventure!
- Theo de Clermont
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Weather: a lovely, bright and clear and more or less windless day.
Theo's tour:
The day started with the local pair of adult WTE's perched up in the spruce trees, Slavonian Grebes, Great-northern Diver, Red-breasted Merganser and Black Guillemot offshore.
Driving to our next spot, we spotted a dog Otter fishing offshore. Further down, we watched a Mother and cub Otter fishing close to the shore before they headed for the shoreline and disappeared. Yet another Otter appeared at the same stop but didn't hang around.
At lunch, we had 2 adult WTE perched in spruce trees showing fantastically, the male flew out off the trees right at us pulling away just 10m away! a superb view.
After lunch, we headed for the moorland, the big stag was lying down whilst his hareem of females grazed away. A ringtail Hen Harrier was perched on a post.
Into the mountains we had fantastic views of Buzzards flying around in the sun, 2 male Hen Harriers, a few Ravens and a brief Golden Eagle on the skyline. Over tea at our next stop we watched Harbour Seals, Red Deer and an incredibly distant Golden Eagle perched up in the phonescope! On the final spot we watched a female Otter and her 2 cubs rolling around on an offshore weedy island, before heading for home.
Klay's tour: Ardnamurchan Explorer
Ewan and Klay met most of the group in Tobermory and took the ferry across the Sound of Mull, where we were all treated to a lunge feeding minke whale and a pod of common dolphins!
We then met the final two guests at Kilchoan before heading to do a coastal walk where we spotted a dog Otter along with Red-throated Divers along with a newly returned great-northern diver. Klay spotted a Hen harrier on the skyline, a bonus bird here on the west peninsula!
Onto the west tip of the mainland for lunch, and we watched more common dolphins out in the Atlantic, along with a sneaky minke whale. Manx Shearwaters, gannets and kittiwakes.
Heading easterly into the afternoon, we checked a few eagle territories and got rewarded with two golden eagles and some rutting red deer, bellowing from the hills!
We headed back to cover some coastal areas before the return ferry and got great views of a female otter squeaking at a nearby cub, hidden in the rocks. Harbour seals were hauled out on the rocks to finish a lovely day on the 'wild west'.
What an incredible day for any nature explorer! The detailed account of sightings from otters and dolphins to golden eagles and red deer paints a vivid picture of the rich wildlife across Ardnamurchan and Mull. It’s the kind of day every nature explorer dreams of, filled with rare encounters and breathtaking scenery. Watching minke whales and hen harriers in their natural habitats must have been unforgettable. The clear weather and calm seas only added to the experience, making it the perfect opportunity to connect deeply with nature’s beauty and rhythm. Truly a spectacular wildlife adventure!
What a vivid invitation to roam and reflect — I loved how the story of the Isle of Mull’s wild beauty and ancient landscapes draws the reader in. As a true Nature Explorer this piece reminds me of the thrill of spotting eagles soaring over remote shores or the hush of the machair grasslands that ripple in the breeze. The blend of rugged coastline, dense history and untamed ecology makes this more than just a travel tale — it’s an ode to stepping off the beaten path and simply being in nature. Thanks for sharing this journey!
What an incredible day of wildlife exploration! This account beautifully captures the magic of Mull and Ardnamurchan, where every moment seems alive with nature’s energy. From majestic White-tailed Eagles and playful Otters to the breathtaking sight of Minke Whales and Common Dolphins, it truly sounds like a dream adventure for nature lovers. The detailed observations — from serene moorlands to coastal views — make readers feel as though they were right there, witnessing these scenes unfold. A wonderful reminder of how rich and diverse Scotland’s wild landscapes are, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.