Thank you both. Where did you stop off on way? We won't be going until Feb or Oct 2019 and will probably go via Chorley and take a week.Been there twice. We drove from London but have done trips to many parts of Scotland and include the trip as part of the holiday, but if you have limited time than I can understand wanting to reduce the journey time. I reckon a car is essential and there is car hire on the island. Even without the the nature reserves it is a bird watchers paradise and then there is scenery and, if you like whisky, the distilleries.
Dave
Where did you stop off on way?
A couple of other questions did you get a guide to see wildlife or just see the reserves? Also where did you stay?
Sounds great, just need to sell it to the wife... I take it you were there in winter if you saw barnacle geese arrive?We stayed at Portnahaven in the far south west. It made the drive to other parts a bit long but we liked the house. There is plenty of accommodation elsewhere.
We didn't use a guide, just drove and walked about. The reserve at Loch Gruinart is good but you'll need a big lens from the hide. While it is likely some birds will be near the hide, most are out on the tidal sea loch; but it was good to see the arrival of several hundred barnacle geese.
However, the whole island seems to be full of birds and we saw more species incidentally than on the reserve. The highlights were varied - a flock of about 30 goldfinches suddenly appearing, watching gannets fishing from the cottage, golden eagle and buzzard at the same time, hen harriers, a peregrine chasing a wader, and the choughs.
It is a great place and if you like whisky ......
Dave
Sounds great, just need to sell it to the wife... I take it you were there in winter if you saw barnacle geese arrive?