Benmore Estate | Isle of Mull | Scotland
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BIRDS & BOTANY DISCOVER EAGLE ISLAND BENMORE ESTATE | ISLE OF MULL | SCOTLAND Home to a plethora of rare & beautiful creatures of land, sea and sky, the Isle of Mull is one of Scotland’s premier wildlife destinations. Discover a bird watching paradise... BIRD SPECIES ON MULL There are regular sightings of an abundance of rare and beautiful bird species on the island, including the white tailed sea eagle, golden eagle, diver, merlin, peregrine, buzzard, hen harrier, plover and ravens. Our woodlands are home to birds such as the goldcrest, warbler and tree creeper. Some of the larger sea lochs attract razorbill and gannet whilst on the coast and shorelines you'll find red throated and great northern divers, eider, merganser, as well as more recognised species such as shag, cormorant, oystercatcher, tern, kittiwake and common gull. Most of Mull's raptors live on the sea cliffs, but some are also spotted inland on the hills and moorlands. Benmore Estate is nestled at the foot of Ben More, Mull’s highest mountain, which is home to the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. Head out to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles to encounter the comedic puffin, who descend on the islands each year to breed. ONE OF SCOTLAND'S TOP PREMIER WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS There are 5,280 species of flora on the Isle of Mull. BOTANY From ancient ferns and flag iris to insect-eating bog violets, there are a wealth of wildflowers awaiting discovery. From mid May through to July a wide variety of orchids are in full bloom. There are thirteen different kinds of orchid that have been recorded on the island including, the fragrant orchid, northern marsh orchid, common spotted orchid, heath spotted orchid and greater and lesser butterfly orchids. Did you know that orchids have an interdependent fungus-root relationship? The plant relies on fungus in the soil to provide the nourishment it needs to form its flowers. It can take several years to fully develop this relationship before the roots are ready to send up leaves and flowers, which is why an orchid may flower prolifically one year but give little display the next. Bluebells flower in profusion in shaded woodland or open banks on Mull. THE HIGHLIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE LUXURY GUIDED BREAK DATE DURATION LOCATION PRICE Sunday 13th June - 5 full days, 6 nights Isle of Mull, Scotland £1,295 pp Saturday 19th June 2021 PRIVATE ISLAND ALL MEALS & EXPERT TUTION & ALL TRIPS AND LUXURY EXPLORATION DRINKS GUIDANCE EXCURSIONS ACCOMMODATION Island Exploration Luxury Accommodation Led by Expert Guides Rare Bird Species Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Scotland TRIP ITINERARY An illustrative itinerary, which is subject to change, to ensure full advantage is taken for the weather conditions for each day. Day 1 - A Warm Welcome Discover Knock House, a classic west highland sporting lodge, and your accommodation for the coming week. Explore the estate, meet your guides and the Benmore staff. Enjoy a first class meal with like minded enthusiasts in our traditional dining room, before retreating to your private bedroom to ready yourself for the coming week. Day 2 - Immersion in the Wilderness Experience wildlife in the wild places of Scotland. Explore the island and it's inhabitants, led by experienced walking & wildlife guides who know the best spots to encounter the rare and magnificent creatures that call Mull home. Discover hidden lochs, where eagles soar overhead and red deer scale the hills, venture out to the coastline to see seal colonies and otters in breathtaking and inspiring land and sea scapes. Day 3 - Explore & Inspire Our 46ft Targa Motor Launch, Benmore Lady, will allow access to Mull’s most remote places offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Scotland's wildest and most dramatic scenery. Staffa and Fingal's cave is just a 30 minute cruise, and is home to some of the rarest bird species in the UK. Benmore Lady will allow you to explore some of Mull’s most enchanting surrounding islands including Iona, Ulva and the Treshnish Isles. TRIP ITINERARY Day 4 - Wilderness Walks During the week, you will have the opportunity to walk in the wilderness, away from the tourist tracks to remote and untrodden paths. Exploring Benmore's 32,000 acre estate and venturing further afield around Mull and its surrounding islands. Discover hidden beaches, caves and inlets whilst encountering Mull's flora and fauna in all its beauty and majesty. Day 5 - A Final Adventure There's always an opportunity for a final adventure on the island. Perhaps this would be a fitting day to climb Ben More, Mull's highest mountain and only munro, the climb takes 2.5- 3 hours and is a wildlife enthusiasts paradise. Encounter the peregrine falcon, awe-inspiring eagles and the changing flora and fauna as you ascend higher. The views from the top are more than worth the time spent climbing. 'It's not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves.' SIR EDMUND HILLARY KNOCK HOUSE ALL INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION In the mountainous heart of the Isle of Mull awaits Knock House, a classic west highland sporting lodge full of new life and old charm. With stunning views over the surrounding hills and glens, Knock House is thoughtfully furnished to provide a luxurious, yet practical island retreat. Knock House will form your base for the week, alongside all the luxury comforts, we have a dedicated working/studio space which we will use as space to develop up work and sketches from our excursions on the isles. This break has availability for up to a maximum of 12 persons with the costs inclusive of expert advice and knowledge, hosting, accommodation, meals, beverages and transportation on the Isle of Mull. [email protected] | www.benmoreestate.co.uk .