Experience nature in all its glory
Book a 3-night and 3-day wildlife-themed break from £340 per adult and £100 per child.
Available April to October.
Included in your three night stay:
- 3 Bed and Full Scottish Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners in our 2 AA Rosette Restaurant
- 1 Dinner in Chartroom II Bistro
- Entrance to Arduaine Garden
- Tickets for Corryvreckan Wildlife boat trip
- Early or late breakfast available if you want to get up with the sun to catch the early morning wildlife
Prices start from £340 per adult in a standard Cedar Wing room and £100 for children under 12 sharing parent’s room on a B&B basis.
Boat trip is weather dependent. Alternative will be free entry to the Scottish Sea Life Centre.
If available, book our wildlife room for an extra £10 per person which includes: binoculars to take out on your trips, bird seed and a selection of wildlife and nature books. Bird feeders are also located right outside your bedroom for you to enjoy some close-up time with the birds.
Your itinerary
Day 1
Start the morning off by visiting NTS Arduaine Garden situated just down the path next to Loch Melfort Hotel, well known for its rhododendrons and spectacular views across to Mull and neighbouring islands. After a light lunch in Chartroom II Bistro take a walk around the head of the loch, to the famous Wishing Tree in Melfort and over the hill to Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens or along the River Oude and Dam, where you may spot both Sea and Golden Eagles.
Day 2
On your second day head south towards Crinan and visit Dunadd Hill Fort, once the capital of the early Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada and the site of inauguration for the early kings of Scotland. It now provides a spectacular view point across the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve and on to the sea and islands in the distance. Carry on towards Tayvallich to see the beavers at Knapdale, introduced in 2009 as a conservation project, followed by a visit to Kilmartin Museum to teach you further about the ancient glen – and it will make a perfect stop for a coffee and homemade cake!
Day 3
On your third day experience the pièce de résistance with a 2-3 hour Corryvreckan Wildlife trip from Seil Island, an option to go with Sealife Adventures, Jenny Wren Boat Charter or Seafari Adventures Oban.
The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a narrow strip of water running between Jura and Islay, which at high tides causes a whirlpool – the third largest in the world! The islands you pass are populated with red deer, wild mountain goats and are the preferred resting spot for seals and otters, so a wildlife sighting is highly likely. Whales and porpoises are also often seen on these trips, especially in late summer. Afterwards, take a 2 minute trip by boat across to Easdale Island, an old slate quarry turned into a picturesque village and home to the world stone skimming championships in September.
Whilst you are out and about, look out for sightings to add to our online wildlife diary; from the shores of Asknish Bay a wide collection of birds from Herons and buzzards, to Sea Eagles are all seen frequently flying and fishing.