https://whaletrail.org/new-index daily 0.75 2019-06-27 https://whaletrail.org/ardnamurchan-lighthouse daily 0.75 2020-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1556012854374-3O0KPSPOGZBYV9NN06FL/DSC_6941.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1556012833905-BW6ESOW579QCJO7T7295/DSC_6933.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1556182734651-IL8RC21QNGC16XTQ5ZNL/Artboard+4%402x.png Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370259026-L8NABJOLFGIZ52PX1DAB/Map+-+Ardnamurchan+Lighthouse%402x.png Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370758324-3WDO19UTSDGXAU9BLMBE/Icons+-+Ardnamurchan%402x.png Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560967109752-GND9MPER9F3IJ6T5FKA6/Kasey.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - There she Blows Every summer volunteers from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust can be found whale watching from this spectacular location, and one species that never fails to delight is the majestic minke whale. Individual minke whales have been identified coming back to these waters year after year, to spend their summers in the Sea of the Hebrides. One minke whale, Kasey, has been spotted nearly every year since 2000, and is easily recognised by three notches in its dorsal fin. Whose fin will spot? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560865208715-WGK4O47NRKS1FU6BCQ9N/Ardnamurchan+2.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - Got a head for heights? Why not pop up the to the top on a lighthouse tour and see what you can spot from this precipitous platform. Davie the lighthouse keeper has some incredible stories about the sea creatures he has spotted from up here. Looking down from this height you can get an idea of the size of these wondrous creatures. Want to keep your feet on the ground? The foghorn platform is our first choice for whale-watching. You have great views across the Hebrides to the islands and across mighty seas where you might just spot something wondrous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715114911-H2QARQXDZUUXT7JD73J7/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1554995222919-HWKWZ2H9PN5GGQ4BV7CM/rainbow.jpg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1554998787052-VOM940L97DSR0J2MZFIJ/image-asset.jpeg Ardnamurchan Lighthouse https://whaletrail.org/welcome daily 1.0 2019-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1555496346421-8AWPWGBH7TTFFVCM0SVE/Artboard+2%402x-100.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1555496416490-CBTQNGID5GTSWN2HDO23/Artboard+2%402x-100.jpg Welcome https://whaletrail.org/the-butt-of-lewis daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561125872492-0H8SZHS6NBCNK2MBSRIP/Artboard+2%402x.png The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560957610297-G9FZWIYUQ2R4IDW90SG4/ButtofLewis_lighthouse_1000px.jpg The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364084195-YFOP45R44YC644BSMTPA/Icons+-+Butt+of+Lewis+%402x.png The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364249094-TTLSR5IF1OKP1E9ZOTYC/Map+-+Butt+of+Lewis%402x.png The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560958633498-ZT574FEO5A0GI6D9IHVP/Risso.jpg The Butt of Lewis - Delightful dolphins The sea around the Butt of Lewis and down towards Tiumpan Head is recognised as an important area for the lesser-known Risso’s dolphin. Large groups of Risso’s dolphins have been spotted here mixing with bottlenose dolphins. These two species occasionally breed creating rare hybrid dolphin babies! These hybrids have a mix of characteristics from both species but can be tough to spot amongst the group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560959272375-N2Q8DSFO7TWXH5ZELJ6P/Butt+of+Lewis.jpg The Butt of Lewis - Fancy a stroll? The coastal path around the north tip of Lewis is well worth the walk. To the west from the lighthouse you will follow some stunning coastline along clifftops, past a great stone arch and end at Eoropie Beach, where golden sand stretches into turquoise waves. To the east from the lighthouse you will pass Port Stoth - the locals favourite swimming spot, across a bridge to Dùn Èistean - the historic seat of the Morrison Clan, before ending up at picturesque Port Ness harbour and beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714251986-58P7GD2MNMG7HHN8UTZD/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg The Butt of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1556893183493-ZW778SNJWHFKEFN7G60I/Lewis%26Harris_Butt+of+Lewis.jpg The Butt of Lewis https://whaletrail.org/huisinis-isle-of-harris daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557504984826-Q4R77Z6Y2GGYJ02AK86D/Artboard+2%402x.png Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364519049-ULVCVC7GKMI7Q7XDBYGZ/Icons+-+Huisinis%402x.png Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561372033359-VJQ44NCB8OX3Y8TJ7YHI/Huisinish_above.JPG Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364362567-1FJBBFE3AXTIMO7VHDZ8/Map+-+Huisinis%402x.png Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714319363-CYZUELV3ZBUGQY7SZE8C/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Huisinis Isle of Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561475253222-8F4Y2NN3OCCPYX6YAAH4/Huisinish_whalinghills_1000px.jpg Huisinis Isle of Harris - Whaling in the Hebrides Huisinis today seems a blissful utopia… but travel a little back along the road, and back a little in time, and these would be treacherous waters for a whale. The UK’s last whaling station, Bunavoneader was just down the road and closed in 1951. On your way out to Huisinis you will pass a red brick chimney amongst the ruins that mark the remains of this darker time in our past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562074969718-DVJYYHUGIHMF60EF23QL/canmore_image_SC01665520.jpg Huisinis Isle of Harris - Whales and whaling Although its been nearly 70 years since whales were hunted in these waters, the impact is still felt. Thousands of whales were killed in these seas, massively reducing the populations and making some species a rare sight here in the Hebrides. Whales are long lived and slow to reproduce so although many years have past we are yet to see the populations recover. The North Atlantic right whale got its name for being the ‘right’ whale for whaling - slow moving at the surface and easy hunting. There are now thought to be fewer than 450 of this species left in the world, and they are almost never seen from these shores today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557130783031-76359DPGIMAO4Z2LHXAU/Lewis%26Harris_Huisnish.jpg Huisinis Isle of Harris https://whaletrail.org/gallan-head-isle-of-lewis daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371860844-0PZQIOX5X34VJX62HQY1/Artboard+2+copy%402x.png Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562602612985-66H862QBMEVKFS1NJWKI/Uig_+%283%29.JPG Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525285127-LZXQR7XQBHMBGWJQWY28/Icons+-+Gallan+Head%402x.png Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364970145-KIMRO33FKV9Z8L7MAP4W/Map+-+Gallan+Head%402x.png Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562602563882-R0QOT1DD2NUS9U5DJOCQ/Uig_+%284%29.jpg Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562603900053-8OMBFZSWU40550P1DQRA/HWDT+Biodiveristy+Officer_Kerry+Froud_23.6.15.JPG Gallan Head Isle of Lewis - As quiet as a basking shark Growing up to 1o meters long, basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world and are occasionally spotted here in late summer. Their large triangular dorsal fin is easy to distinguish from a whale’s - sharks swim with a side-to-side motion while whales and dolphins move up and down. The way basking sharks silently glide through the water gave rise to a Gaelic saying: Cho sàmhach ri cearban grèine - ‘As quiet as a basking shark’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714299937-OLEU4DSTUN6OFHJ5P7U9/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562604230348-N31X7F8CCGKR0QPBP0CI/Flannan.jpg Gallan Head Isle of Lewis - In search of a mystery? On clear days you can catch a glimpse of distant St Kilda, whose towering sea-cliffs are the tallest in the UK. Closer in look to the Flannan Isles, whose rocky shores and lonely lighthouse are steeped in tales of unusual happenings. The Flannan Isles are famous for the mysterious disappearance of the lighthouse keepers one night, all men gone and dinner still half eaten on the table… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560959925423-UHO85V8K5G66BL0D9UOG/Ard+Uig-1.jpg Gallan Head Isle of Lewis https://whaletrail.org/tiumpan-head-isle-of-lewis daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557486281062-0HDOJ4GJ3XPD36NMZJ7J/Artboard+2%402x.png Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364287869-YBHGRB4X6Q5TPSQJLJXR/Map+-+Tiumpan+Head%402x.png Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562602015334-5VNEAJPMHHLUHESI8UDY/DSC_0041.JPG Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562601905143-ZY7R1FSG44UP1LPY51PF/IMG_0941.JPG Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525206746-DMNGK1M36CCRBWIEA5WE/Icons+-+Tiumpan+Head%402x.png Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560959442136-17BHG6DD5RIX5PENLUV2/Risso-1.jpg Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis - dozens of Dolphins Tiumpan Head sits at the very heart of an important area for the lesser-known Risso’s dolphin, a charismatic and distinctive dolphin. The coastal waters of the east coast of Lewis round from the Butt of Lewis are now a proposed Marine Protected Area, recognising how special these waters really are. These gregarious dolphins are identified by their rounded blunt heads, and grey and white colouration which varies hugely between individuals. They pick up marks and scars throughout their lives that turn them progressively whiter as they age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714279490-2A1K5VHAE1Q9994VNWAR/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562601806303-6GF32SETWAH0B9YZL1Q5/WDC%2BKila%2BTaylor%2B%252813%2529.jpg Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis - Join in! It’s well known just how incredible Tiumpan Head is for watching whales and dolphins, so its no surprise you will often find good company while watching from here. Volunteers for the WDC Shorewatch programme regularly monitor the seas from here. They are a knowledgeable and friendly bunch out spotting from atop the hill, so pop up and say hello. To hear more about their amazing sightings, have a look at their Facebook group Tiumpan Head Watchers. Image © WDC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1556898051675-KXP2GZTGZY8XWC4K1ERC/Lewis%26Harris_Tiumpan+Head.jpg Tiumpan Head Isle of Lewis https://whaletrail.org/eilean-glas-isle-of-scalpay daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557226720685-SLT071H499H7I3WLOTD6/Artboard+2%402x.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561646770596-4P7AL6RUDWWYW177YNBB/Scalpay+%282%29.JPG Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561646648036-HOHUWR0JQI7QP7GMGMM3/Scalpay_+%285%29.JPG Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364569868-0WNV5TJQ93W50Q5E7FD1/Map+-+Eilean+Glas%402x.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364556290-DOAJ881NX5GW36D82NM5/Icons+-+Eilean+Glas%402x.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714346687-5PXRDZXLWLFZ7MWAIMTW/Untitled-1-01.png Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560961399204-28P7W4PK9L2E0FAYGREW/Minkie-1.jpg Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay - The Little Minch You might see lots of different species from here; closer in to the shore you might see harbour porpoise, or in the summer months a basking shark. Looking further out to sea, and towards deeper waters, you could see minke whales or Risso’s dolphins. Eilean Glas looks across a stretch of water known as the Little Minch, which separates the Outer Hebrides from the Isle of Skye. This corridor connects the Sea of the Hebrides and the Minch, meaning all sorts of wondrous creatures could turn up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560961562580-KAMLPUF6DZJS3OXZVNKG/Scalpay_+%289%29+1000px.jpg Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay - Let there be light! Eilean Glas is one of the earliest lighthouses in Scotland. It used to be lit using whale oil inside an impressive glass lens, which can now be visited at the national museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. When Alexander Reid, the first lighthouse keeper at Eilean Glas, was pensioned off with an annuity of forty guineas in 1823, the engineer reported him as “weatherbeaten and stiff by long exposure on the Point of Glas”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558950995261-JNNNGDJSAPS7OOQI1QLU/Scalpay+2.jpg Eilean Glas Isle of Scalpay https://whaletrail.org/lochmaddy daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557740595860-RSE0IPRTRLXHKQ5I4090/Artboard+2%402x.png Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365186114-K9YD6747V0KTA7U4PLT7/Map+-+Lochmaddy%402x.png Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365219140-0MIR2YLJ1VFE26Y96WB4/Icons+-+Lochmaddy%402x.png Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560963412503-1K4UDJUW30GP7PWH3G94/Harbor+Porpoise.jpg Lochmaddy - Inlets and islets The sheltered sea lochs and shallow inlets of Lochmaddy are an ideal habitat for harbour porpoises, as they prefer to hunt in coastal waters. Porpoises are incredible predators, eating around 500 fish an hour! Harbour porpoises use echolocation to navigate under water, a bit like bats, to find their prey. Scientists for the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust use underwater microphones to monitor porpoises, listening to their clicks and identifying porpoises even in rough weather when they might be tough to spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560963489892-HYGP0OENLM3UJ7GHVRIX/Lochmaddy_TC_Lines.jpg Lochmaddy - Crafts and Culture The arts centre, Taigh Chearsabhagh, is a hive of crafts and culture; with fantastic exhibitions, events and is even home to a group of university students studying Fine Arts. On the outside of the building is powerful art installation focused on the close relationship between Uist and the sea; a bright line of light marking predicted sea level rise due to climate change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714508521-T1SRNW1W86X746X2KOK7/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Lochmaddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560963006550-OZ9ZGPB5UFUV0F3JNWEX/Lochmaddy.png Lochmaddy https://whaletrail.org/balranald daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557739468826-OW2EN2E3NY8QC0KLHGKC/Artboard+2%402x.png Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561635809059-EUAZM4DT1C9I26XVCR6R/1006827_1000px.jpg Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561635691943-XRGQCTLP49U914IHVJQO/Machair+2.JPG Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365153830-IK4E4Q2W8SH7RHHZSD3O/Icons+-+Balrnnald%402x.png Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561455188329-MK7WK2GO9IU7F8UBAMDK/Map+-+Balranald%402x.png Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560938190275-MAQD3XGD90AS3ISPTS2C/IMG_8173.jpg Balranald - Birds and Blubber A visit to Balranald will fill you with wonder at the many birds to be spotted. Whale watchers regularly use birds to help spot whales and dolphins lurking beneath the waves. Gannets diving into the sea with a great splash, rafts of shearwaters milling of the sea surface, guillemots flying under the waves are all indications that there is food galore beneath the sea. Whales and dolphins often feed on the same fish and sea life as these beautiful seabirds so can help you narrow down where to look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714484725-771B4ZOZS94VIO1OFUMA/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561658978648-NDSV8L2GZO9DXMDV09M5/porpoise.jpg Balranald - Hungry hungry porpoise Porpoise’s are hungry little creatures and can eat up to 550 (small!) fish per hour just to survive their active lives in our cold seas. It’s a good job that porpoises are also very good hunters too. Each hunt has over a 90% chance of success due to their impressively accurate underwater hunting techniques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Balranald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561474879942-MK74T3AQKTIZ1DAVOELH/Balranald%2BDecember%2B2018%2B%25286%2529.jpg Balranald https://whaletrail.org/the-otter-hide-isle-of-rum daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561472959730-CE6G8JA834IOE4LEBKCY/Artboard+15%402x.png The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560968425095-IWBFTVSEYE4Z5YEST191/TClarke_OtterHideFront.jpg The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560968451240-CYWZS4Y4XTMHQXKLTT31/TClarke_OtterHide.jpg The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365767469-204FGV7SVO4AJ5PNDHJD/Icons+-+Isle+of+Rum%402x.png The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561477386642-FED4C3FTPNSFC9M5Y4XB/Map+-+Isle+of+Rum%402x.png The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714869282-ZO6M7T88C849I5EU0TK1/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561135222502-VM1MD87HIW6MDCCWX6SB/Shearwaters.JPG The Otter Hide Isle of Rum - Fearsome Creatures The names of the hills on Rum have their roots in Norse, as these shore were once visited by vikings! Around a quarter of the world’s population of Manx shearwaters nest in the hills of Rum, raising their young in burrows on the slopes. The hills come alive at night, echoing with the calls as thousands of these birds swoop through the starlit skies. The story goes that vikings arrived on Rum and quickly left, believing the haunting calls of these shearwaters were made by trolls dwelling in the hills! These days the most fearsome creature you would expect to encounter along the trail isn’t a troll, but rather the ferocious Scottish midge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561659889154-BO5LIGV13QO2I2FF6NIW/IMG_0154.JPG The Otter Hide Isle of Rum - Smells like dinner Sharing the same favourite fish as minke whales, large groups of Manx shearwaters can be a promising sign that a whale is around. Shearwaters have an incredible sense of smell, using this to navigate the seas and even find their food. Amazingly, they use a distinctive smell of the sea, to sniff out large shoals of fish and track them down from miles away. Responsible for the tangy odour are tiny plankton, which give off the gas when under attack. Unfortunately however this smell is not always reliable, as plastic in the ocean often takes on the same tasty smell, resulting in many seabirds mistaking debris for a delicious dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561472761537-TEQKZEB5Z9HGOFLZI16O/2014-06-26+at+11-56-04.jpg The Otter Hide Isle of Rum https://whaletrail.org/oban daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557916777604-39STODNI8YZ8JIAO7M7P/Artboard+2%402x.png Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526809683-LM16TX4A85JWV1TAZELL/Artboard+3%402x.png Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370125342-ZTLPTYRRZBGXO1H16UYA/Map+-+Oban%402x.png Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715063307-C332KCLK7F5EF47RT58X/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561373854379-3UJGPOUOURPAV0PTLB87/Sperm-Bernard+Spragg.jpg Oban - An unexpected visitor Oban is a busy wee bay, as the main port connecting many of the Hebridean Isles with the mainland. The sea front is a cheerful hubbub with visitors from all over coming to the seafood capital. Over the years Oban has also been visited by some rather unexpected creatures like humpback whales and even a sperm whale. Usually a very rare sight, sperm whales feed on squid down in the very deep sea, so it was quite a surprise when one turned up in Oban Bay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Oban https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561470855096-IESNEF1Q89JTOJIYE887/Dolphin.jpg Oban - All aboard! Oban’s value for whale-watching lies in the many ferries that scurry in and out of the bay all day - a trip on board will take you out onto seas busy with marine life. The ferry operator CalMac has teamed up with conservation charity ORCA to get wildlife officers on board some of the ferries to monitor marine life, and help the passengers spot whales and dolphins. Some species like common dolphins are know to approach the ferry to play in the waves made by the ferry and delight the passengers on board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557916027572-P9VQWOUH9OHL2OR9GAVE/Oban.jpg Oban https://whaletrail.org/kilt-rock-isle-of-skye daily 0.75 2023-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557747425976-4HXQ4WPDN3Z7I8PNMAGT/Artboard+2%402x.png Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365567749-S5D4IZJ974SB6VUCLDTM/Icons+-+Kilt+Rock%402x.png Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365534068-Z3MZATVSWQLQW2W37E6G/Map+-+Kilt+Rock%402x.png Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560932757095-X8UL59WXSZPCA5J32S5I/AndyTait_Plankton+sm.jpg Kilt Rock Isle of Skye - Into the deep Kilt Rock overlooks the incredibly deep water of the Sound of Raasay. Who knows what could be lurking in those depths? This is one of the few places in the UK with such deep water close to the shore, so it’s worth spending a little time looking out to sea as you might just catch a glimpse of one of the more elusive whales and dolphins. Some species can hold their breath for hours, so whale watching often requires patience. But they will have to come back up to take a deep breath sometime… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561473828948-JT427OV4P5429BWNU5CE/HWDT_CommonDolphin_EBurgess_04.07.11.jpg Kilt Rock Isle of Skye - Dolphins in the deep From up here the view stretches out into the distance, but whales and dolphins might actually look quite small. Look out for dark shapes or irregular splashes. If you have them, bring binoculars to get a better view. One sight that would be hard to miss are large pods of common dolphins that frequent these seas. They are a particularly charismatic species; bright, fast and incredibly active, they are generally seen in groups of 1-30 and can congregate in ‘super pods’ of 500! From this high up the water would look like its boiling, as these playful dolphins leap and jump together in breath-taking displays. The Gaelic for dolphin, Leumadair, means ‘one who leaps’, which is certainly appropriate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714785177-1F4PB0YHRT6BZ9GR5K6Z/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557747331727-2PPK9S7BNMPFANJFNE0N/Kilt+Rock.jpg Kilt Rock Isle of Skye https://whaletrail.org/duart-castle-isle-of-mull daily 0.75 2023-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557917836667-5EQ0C7G6X3GF5OAATIMM/Artboard+2%402x.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370210471-6YLT6FD87JZ1FR0BU860/Icons+-+Duart%402x.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370174477-M69XQJFOL7EGZZ9BVJXI/Map+-+Duart+Castle%2C+Isle+of+Mull%402x.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561374050746-E7ZZRE4PT8SR6DIV0I8D/image-asset.jpeg Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560866302238-AK01DKUHI0CQ4IQ72IMS/Duart+2.jpg Duart Castle Isle of Mull - Lady’s Rock Back in 1527 the lord of the castle decided to murder his wife by abandoning her on a desolate rock in the sea off Duart. Washed by the tide twice a day he figured it would be the perfect place to get rid of his wife. Stranding her on this perilous rock he proceeded with an empty coffin to break the news to her family. Imagine his shock on arrival to find her sat with her family, alive and well. The lucky lady had been rescued by passing fishermen. Today the rock is known as Lady’s Rock and carries a navigation beacon for guiding ships on the Sound of Mull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560967047385-CG0UH94RXN4K392DBNXW/Harbor+Porpoise.jpg Duart Castle Isle of Mull - Porpoise Paradise The stretch of water overlooked by Duart Castle is a veritable porpoise paradise. As the Sound of Mull meets Loch Linnhe and the Firth of Lorn the waters mix and churn up lots of food for hungry porpoises and other creatures. You will see large choppy patches off the coast as these different water bodies meet and mix. Look out for the fleeting backs of porpoises as they dart between the waves in search of food. This diminutive creature is actually voracious predator, hunting fish and other seafood with deadly accuracy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715092353-KTJPEXC0J7VSQN6NQAJE/Untitled-1-01.png Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561373976240-TX0X5NEZE83ANG10KPDL/Duart+%285%29.jpg Duart Castle Isle of Mull https://whaletrail.org/ardminish-isle-of-gigha daily 0.75 2022-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558081451206-J85OZBJ737OUZSE7XYPG/Artboard+2%402x.png Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561645656144-5MB0K4DFM22Y73M2X4VU/32561573810_81661f11f7_b.jpg Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371238952-RGUUGZ0RGF640DD5S8QC/Map+-+Ardminish%402x.png Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558527232063-G6E5V9NDMHEH1QC1HCUO/Icons+-++Ardminish%402x.png Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561136586540-ZUEDB3BQZFI5MDOQ470M/Seal-3.jpg Ardminish Isle of Gigha - Singing seals The waters of the Hebrides are home to both common grey seals. They can be pretty tough to tell apart but grey seals are larger and have a straighter snout, while common seals have more of a muzzle. You might spot seals basking on rocks along the coast, or bobbing about in the sea. Seals can be heard ‘singing’ in groups on the shores - a haunting noise that lilts along the sea air. Could this be where our myths of the Siren song originate? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561136457735-PF5ECZOHPGV2UGZBD44M/Gigha_Community.jpg Ardminish Isle of Gigha - Big in Spirit The Isle of Gigha is the most southerly of the Hebridean Islands, just seven miles long by a mile and a half wide. Gigha is small in size but big in spirit. The island was bought by the community in 2002 and has gone from strength to strength with a growing population that is sustainably developing its local economy. The Isle of Gigha Ranger Service set up by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, is responsible for promoting and protecting the island's natural, cultural & historical heritage, and community engagement. The service provides a series of family friendly and private guided walks and events, as well as improving visitor experience. The Ranger Service runs ‘’Cetacean Spotting’’ events and can direct visitors to the best spots on the island to hopefully catch a glimpse of our marine life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715259680-YSP6ST4Q3KNY0QQWK16V/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561567537078-XDXMZF2MYQWMOEO6JNUY/Gigha+DSC_7472.jpg Ardminish Isle of Gigha https://whaletrail.org/scalasaig-isle-of-colonsay daily 0.75 2023-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558020839875-ST0H9XIORYOQMPN6RL65/Artboard+2%402x.png Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561374808653-BJOOMQQND15F4479W5WB/image-asset.jpeg Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558527003998-TGHV6O5JEFY7EBXKXIOU/Icons+-+Scalasaig%402x.png Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370998148-HRKZZEQGT8QAR90PAA5W/Map+-+Scalasaig%402x.png Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561570093171-LJIQDDOBOXEVBVAVIOAF/Fin-Tom%2BBenson.jpg Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay - The mighty fin There are a few species that are seen frequently from Colonsay - harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins and minke whales. However, much like the rest of the Hebrides, the occasional rare creature will turn up. Back in 2017 the body of a mighty fin whale washed ashore on the pristine sand of Kiloran Bay on the other side of the island. Fin whales are the second largest animal on earth, and can grow up to 27 metres long! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561374703278-XE51UTLAY4LGCWXAXWQK/Colonsay+%2810%29.JPG Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay - Let there be Light Take a walk around the bay and you will come across a rather odd structure - an old minor light. It looks a bit like a giant milk bottle but this used to be a mini lighthouse shining out to guide passing ships. The minor light was lit using whale oil, and if you visit the Colonsay and Oronsay Heritage Centre you will find one of the original cans of sperm whale oil on display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715164431-76TGIG58J1NZRQ3ARCIW/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561374456064-HDMLZSPMZRA2SRLRXL4K/Colonsay+%284%29.JPG Scalasaig Isle of Colonsay https://whaletrail.org/port-askaig-islay daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558022688779-HKX1TAVFEXWEOTIW4Y1B/Artboard+2%402x.png Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371045491-D2SO94AX8TXV6FGB4AXN/Map+-+Port+Askaig%402x.png Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371132028-S7X4ERU9P32RV46QSU1C/Icons+-++Port+Askaig%402x.png Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561639839419-HSJ44TKAXP0T5OWRY8EI/DavidLivingstone_PortAskaig.jpg Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715208023-L2UE371EB64QO73JRXA0/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560967379600-E4YDJNA56OCU2SLIX947/Harbor+Porpoise.jpg Port Askaig Islay - Life in the fast lane Port Askaig overlooks the Sound of Islay - a narrow strip of water between islands. Tides and fast currents race down this channel, and harbour porpoises thrive in the streaming sea. Harbour porpoises are small but mighty, as they hunt with incredible accuracy, almost never missing their prey. Under 2 metres in length, the harbour porpoise can be tricky to spot; look for a rolling back and a triangular dorsal fin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560967434670-BCIHZH377PNWRDO0ECSB/corry6-1024x685.jpg Port Askaig Islay - The whirlpool At the north tip of neighbouring Jura lies an infamous stretch of water – The Corryvrecken. This is the third largest standing whirlpool in the world and a great source of myth and legend. Storm Kelpies – fearsome sea horses - were said to live at the bottom of the whirlpool where poor enamoured maidens would meet their deaths, dragged down on the backs of the Kelpies. Another legend tells of the Calliach Mhor – the hag of winter. Each year she would wash her great plaid kilt in the Corryvrecken, stirring up storms that would last for days. Afterwards her plaid would be bleached white – the snow that covers the land in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558021384720-QKDQEAGFOU5WYLSVZ2FL/Port+Askaig.jpg Port Askaig Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561470589711-53QLXWBCA9JPT3NCE925/%C2%A9+William+Stitchell+-+DJI_0013_edit.jpg Port Askaig Islay https://whaletrail.org/gallanach-bay-isle-of-muck daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561539433373-S9U724BE4S3DBWWPPOM9/Artboard+18%402x.png Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369363030-UPY2HW3DND5785LZCYRE/Map+-+Gallanch+Bay%402x.png Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526417027-S9NDUURGXAUPEBGC605Q/Icons+-+Gallanach+Bay%402x.png Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560872005180-INT31M0I1DI6GQ7ON8BX/IMG_3500.JPG Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560871967937-XHB591D02MV7JLZYQTBL/Muck-1.jpg Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714898947-W0OWSERATAJMHN7EX5GW/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560871848364-F5TXVR4T6T8XMW14JZTB/AndyTait_Plankton+sm.jpg Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck - Don’t muck about It is generally understood that Muck got its name from the Gaelic for whale – Muc-Mara, making Muck the island of whales not the island of mud. It’s a fitting title. The seas around Muck are a hot spot for whales, dolphins and porpoises of all kind. Minke whales feed around here in the summer and harbour porpoises call these waters home all year round. Another possible translation would be ‘The island of Pigs’, but since you are actually more likely to spot a whale we will stick with that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560871775904-H8838GSF9OJHZNVXGSTE/Seal-3.jpg Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck - Seal of Approval The seal colony that call Gallanach Bay their home are an inquisitive bunch, often bobbing up to get a look at visitors to the beach. You could see both grey and common seals here; grey seals are larger and have a long straight nose while the smaller commons have more of a snout. Seals are seen year-round here, though if you are visiting between October and November you might be lucky enough to spot one of the white, fluffy grey seal pups - cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558953604511-SM0FI6ZYEVU3GODPP67O/Muck.jpg Gallanach Bay Isle of Muck https://whaletrail.org/the-pier-isle-of-canna daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557831421340-2MEGWBBTHQ0QKPFE7Z6J/Artboard+2%402x.png The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369424640-XUW68LH3AGH1H22E7OVQ/Map+-+Isle+of+Canna%402x.png The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561646175134-ELZKY8BEBFGOIMRMKSAH/P1000666_1000px.jpg The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526481868-FHIQHJALH8DCNKKUX44G/Artboard+3%402x.png The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714922357-PEYSBQYD4F4XGN9UERY5/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560871188839-TJPXBOBRJ0S4PGNA7LY4/Canna.jpg The Pier Isle of Canna - Due North If you fancy stretching your legs, then the view from the top of Compass Hill will completely take your breath away. Compass Hill is made of volcanic rock with such a high iron content that the compasses of passing ships are distorted, pointing to the hill rather than north. The Isle of Canna NTS rangers run plenty of activities and are full of local expert knowledge to help you make the most out of your visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png The Pier Isle of Canna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560965634140-6XADIYA2XZKU1RQ2QTX0/Basking+Shark.jpg The Pier Isle of Canna - Basking sharks galore The rich fertile seas around Canna are home to many a wondrous creatures, and in late summer you might be lucky enough to spot a basking shark or two. Scottish naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell once hunted basking sharks in these seas, and wrote about an extraordinary encounter with these gentle giants at nearby Hyskeir. In 1947 he wrote “It was a gigantic shoal ... at one moment we counted 54 dorsal fins in sight at the same time.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558955976532-W88IUBUH7OQN4XF2SGNW/Canna-1.jpg The Pier Isle of Canna https://whaletrail.org/arinagour-isle-of-coll daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557834162421-5JC0JWI114USDPEV6N5R/Artboard+2%402x.png Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561373507707-6CXF462CT76WBPM28SI9/Coll+%289%29.JPG Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369568019-3BGTQJGVM3AEAANHNTUL/Map+-+Arinagour%2C+Isle+of+Coll%402x.png Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369617289-32ENJN3JHQ2DM95EOL2K/Icons+-+Arinagour%402x.png Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560869590191-BUWIXSFVL2WDS72M3MOA/Coll+1.JPG Arinagour Isle of Coll - There she Blows! It’s hard to miss the giant whale bone arch that stands above the ferry terminal as you approach Coll. The arch is a replica jawbone of a fin whale that washed ashore in 2004. Fin whales are the second largest whale in the world and the arch stands an impressive 12ft high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560966076264-391JORJI1SZ35HTNPWE7/Knobble.jpg Arinagour Isle of Coll - A famous whale Some wondrous creatures call the Hebrides home all year round, while others travel huge distances to spend their summers in these glorious seas. Minke whales are one such species, and are a common sight between March and October in the waters around Coll. Using photographs of distinctive markings on minke whales’ backs and dorsal fins, scientists at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust are able to track individuals. The much loved Knobble the minke whale was first seen in 2002, recognisable by the ‘knobble’ on its dorsal fin. Knobble has been spotted in these waters nearly every year since first seen 17 years ago, and now even has a facebook page! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714983369-DXMXZR1BIWMW014QSCEE/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Arinagour Isle of Coll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560966294638-11ONW867LCRKBL14T9JD/Coll+%283%29.JPG Arinagour Isle of Coll https://whaletrail.org/hynish-isle-of-tiree daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557833252702-OY57ILAGQR6YXH73Q5SL/Artboard+2%402x.png Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561472426942-DSU28OZLQXFTSMBSKK2I/Tiree116_1000px.jpg Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369493965-1UID802XE5RXZLP5XZ9P/Icons+-+Hynish%402x.png Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369527353-9GT1DR5V4G9ITY3IAL55/Map+-+Hynish%2C+Isle+of+Tiree+%402x.png Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561472579635-7GARRN1X2NZRA7VPMQIC/Basking+Shark-1.jpg Hynish Isle of Tiree - Scores of sharks! Shallow seas surround Tiree as the shore gently slopes out towards the deep. Fast tides rush around this picturesque island, swirling food from the sea floor up to the surface. These fertile, food-filled waters attract lots of hungry creatures, including basking sharks. These gentle giants flock to these waters every summer to gorge on plankton. Using satellite tagging, scientists have been able to find out more about where these sharks go in winter; some sharks stay quite close to Scotland, while others travelled as far as North Africa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714940995-QSHALPBWVRBNK4V6JQ8R/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560870717792-0U40C54NACFWGX9S1DMM/Skerryvore+-Stephanie+Cope_s.jpg Hynish Isle of Tiree - Big Rock! This cluster of buildings were constructed as the shore station for Skerryvore Lighthouse, which marks a very extensive and treacherous reef of rocks lying approximately 11 miles south west of Tiree. The name, Skerryvore, is derived from the Gaelic words “Sgeir” meaning the rock and “mhor” meaning big. Skerryvore lighthouse is Scotland’s tallest lighthouse and at Hynish there is a lovely wee museum all about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Hynish Isle of Tiree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560965825500-QUYGVTSVFD7ZKTVSM3BE/IMG_6454.JPG Hynish Isle of Tiree https://whaletrail.org/tobermory daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561471372681-RXS2Q7C1M39E5SW7VTOE/Artboard+9%402x.png Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370055089-9XOWQDDTQP39BZRM09HY/Map+-+Whale+Trail+centre%2C+Tobermory%402x.png Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561370033403-GH8CUORFP5ALMFP6U8YD/Icons+-+Tobermory%402x.png Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561471659997-0BG1F8L2M1C3EGX6A5PB/HWDT+Bottlenose+Dolphin+-+KDenoon_edit.jpg Tobermory - Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust Tobermory is home to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, who for over 25 years have worked towards healthy Hebridean seas for whales, dolphins, porpoises and people. Championing citizen science we believe that everyone can take part to deepen our understanding of the marine environment. You can join us at a whale watch from several sites along the trail, download our free sightings app, Whale Track, join us on board our dedicated research vessel Silurian, or pop into our visitor centre and chat to the team. Together we can ensure whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected and valued throughout the Hebrides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715040031-GUWKCY3BCXEUXCGDDID0/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561471836141-UNEN9HKBWQ19MHZ0CYC4/IMG_4435.JPG Tobermory - What’s the story? The coloured houses of Tobermory curve around one of Scotland’s iconic harbours, its name Ledaig means ‘safe haven’ in Gaelic. Tobermory is not just a safe haven for boats, but is also visited by some rather charismatic creatures - bottlenose dolphins. Several times a year they play amongst the boats, much to the delight of everyone ashore. Take a walk along the coastal path to the lighthouse – Rubha nan Gall - and maybe spot a harbour porpoise along the way. These are a common sight for walkers along the path, and their sleek black backs seem to roll through the water as they pop up to breathe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Tobermory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561471011086-AVPRYXERMD2DS37CF3CM/Tobermory-1.jpg Tobermory https://whaletrail.org/ullapool daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557744724490-7N88HMHELK16ENTBK24K/Artboard+2%402x.png Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365458306-LAXAV9X7441OKMPAB0MC/Icons+-+Ullapool%402x.png Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365444999-NRK0YGZP326WL6YL2FFS/Map+-+Ullapool%402x.png Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561474034079-K8BMU6I23AWZ1UW8FKOZ/ullapool%2B%25286%2529.jpg Ullapool - Sleek and speedy Ullapool sits on the shores of Loch Broom, a peaceful haven of pristine water bursting with wildlife. This calm sea loch is a perfect home for harbour porpoise. The Hebrides have among the highest numbers of this species in Europe and has now been designated a Special Area of Conservation for the harbour porpoise. If you are hopping on the ferry over to Stornoway then look out for mesmerising common dolphins that seem to delight in playing in the waves made as the ferry travels out past the Summer Isles. The are mostly seen in large pods of 10-30, but sometimes in the hundreds, and they can reach speeds of around 40 mph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714648252-O5WFQ7FWSLZAQHD8VTF2/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Ullapool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561633154584-GLV99SKLT4Z228679ZAQ/ullapool%2B%252819%2529.jpg Ullapool - Something for everybody Head out to Rhue Lighthouse for great views towards the Summer Isles, a fantastic place to spot whales and dolphins. Local volunteers for WDC Shorewatch can regularly be found here, so say hello and find out more about what they have seen. Dive in along the North West Snorkel Trail which great sites around Ullapool. Ardmair beach is a great introduction site where families and beginners can take the plunge and discover the often overlooked wonders beneath our waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557744403933-Z1XC40BZ6NJBRW0WF5MP/Ullapool.jpg Ullapool https://whaletrail.org/gairloch daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561125356681-IRU61UGOJY45PTJE60AY/Artboard+2+copy+2%402x.png Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365487964-1SP5GUGCWQAY8QMURES6/Map+-+Gairloch%402x.png Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526020129-UNPUC2Q1AIJY0F4ABHF7/Icons+-+Gairloch%402x.png Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714747067-RLW1IPPZ00TZQU20DKUF/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Gairloch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561645892318-WG9TZWJW8K81IY7MYB8A/Minkie.jpg Gairloch - Herring at the heart Gairloch was founded on the herring industry. For decades the whole community relied on these silvery fish until the herring populations collapsed in the 1970s. In 2018 scallop divers discover huge herring spawning grounds off Gairloch for the first time, sparking hopes that fish stocks might be recovering. This is not only good news for the herring, but it is also good news for minke whales who travel great distances each summer to munch on these very fish! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561473962130-L9L3B549QJVTNKCG7ETQ/School+Dolphins.jpg Gairloch - Wild at heart Gairloch is a mecca for wildlife lovers and the rugged and untouched coastline is great for beasties of all kinds, from the land, sea and skies. Jump in along the snorkel trail and see sea life up close. Be amazed by the speed and splash of hungry gannets dive-bombing the sea for fish. Watch in awe as dolphins leap or whales breach - Gairloch might just take your breath away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557745759151-3GD13GYBBAJ9L3MZVU98/Gairloch.jpg Gairloch https://whaletrail.org/the-oa-islay daily 0.75 2023-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558023427652-PUGD0L75LYNCKBG6H4TX/Artboard+2%402x.png The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561374960508-YJG7Q8V6VGW1MIXLC15S/The+OA+Islay.jpg The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558600791584-FP4IAG3328YS7FIYH2VG/Whale+Trail+Website+Assets_Icons+-++The+OA.png The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371187074-S8BG12BRDWY5C27QKKX3/Map+-+The+OA%402x.png The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561539800044-53E7K7JF3JSS5SJDV7DO/HWDT_Orca_KFroud_13.7.14_edit.jpg The Oa Islay - Ocean Wanderers Gazing out towards the endless ocean, the view from the Oa might make you think the seas are vast and empty. You would be wrong. Here at the edge you have a glimpse into the underwater highways of the ocean wanderers - humpback whales, killer whales, minke whales. These and many other species travel huge distances, travelling north or south, or crossing the wide Atlantic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715234124-91J3UONL72DUDQF4YMDI/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg The Oa Islay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560863249067-LM1GP16HWU6Q422469D4/The+OA-1.jpg The Oa Islay - American Monument American monument commemorates the lives lost due to the sinking of the troopship carriers the Tuscania and the Otranto, in the last year of 1st world war, off the coast of Islay. There is a powerful sense of place here, atop the windy cliffs and looking out across these wild seas with the monument standing tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561375444135-FEEER1JM9KD37ON9302B/The+OA-1.jpg The Oa Islay https://whaletrail.org/barra-airport-isle-of-barra daily 0.75 2022-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557498332987-UCUL8QJ6TFGSFTRZC9T3/Artboard+2%402x.png Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525518518-69BG8QPF2NYQ3O9YFRLK/Icons+-+Barra%402x.png Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560962316879-WUZCCCXOTUVY0FQT6XW0/image-asset.jpeg Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561455253934-HN6TM21XK0NFXQSCWH2Q/Map+-+Barra+Airport%402x.png Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560962339771-NSARGTCULGWEM7BHRHYO/aIMG_2487.jpg Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561568513399-62K0MACUWOJPNCOLMS85/IMG_9195.JPG Barra Airport Isle of Barra - aerial surveys A great way to spot marine wildlife is from the air. Aerial surveys give a completely different perspective of the marine environment. Scientist’s regularly use aeroplanes to photograph and count numbers of whales and dolphins. Did you know you can report your own sightings from the air if you are flying in and out of Barra airport to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust? Reporting is quick and easy using Whale Track. Scientists in Scotland are also using aerial photography to count and monitor the numbers of seals living along our coastline and volunteers are even starting to map litter on remote beaches from the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714414094-M2C6X8NUXAVHN3YU5V7Z/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561372557357-3EV7TGVGDD9YNB6YWPXN/Dolphins.jpg Barra Airport Isle of Barra - The Barra Boys There is a very special community that call Barra their home - a group of bottlenose dolphins that are regularly spotted close to the shores of this beautiful island. We fondly referred to this group as the Barra Boys until they had babies! Research revealed this group of around 15 dolphins live here all year round, raising young in this picturesque setting. Using unique markings and the shapes of the dorsal fins, scientists at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust are able identify individuals from photographs and track their movements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557498140107-SGZBOXFDJE5R1AZMHIQZ/Barra+Airport.jpg Barra Airport Isle of Barra https://whaletrail.org/rubha-ardvule daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557738112910-02ANDN95KLI2DLWZUVNQ/Artboard+2%402x.png Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525567332-TM4ADNKYI7RA584ZLDU9/Icons+-+Rubha+Ardvule%402x.png Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365070258-NRKD4Y0NHLAFR9CB4OMC/Map+-+Rubha+Ardvule%402x.png Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562075096256-2XFFRF8ZX7T92JUO7GYW/canmore_image_SC00991666.jpg Rubha Ardvule - Mummies in Scotland? The nearby archaeological site of Cladh Hallan dates from the Bronze and early Iron Ages and contain evidence that these early inhabitants of Uist made good use of whales that washed ashore. The hearths in these ancient houses were full of burnt whale bone, which is high in oils and fats making it a valuable fuel source. Uist is lush but not forested so without a steady source of firewood the industrious natives burnt bone for cooking and warmth. Cladh Hallan is remarkable in many other ways as two mummified bodies were found in the settlement, it turns out you don’t have to go as far Egypt for ancient mummies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560962544174-I9L7FEHYE7L8AISA4S7U/Seal-1.jpg Rubha Ardvule - Seals ashore The coast around here is a seal ‘haul-out’ where seals come ashore to rest or breed. In Scotland you could see two types of seal - common seals or the larger grey seals. Grey seals have distinctive long straight muzzles, sometimes called a ‘Roman nose’, while common seals have more of a rounded face and snout. The Gaelic name for seals is ròn, pronounced like the name but with a longer vowel in the middle. You often see seals basking on rocks, and common seals tend to lie in a very distinctive pose, with their heads and tails raised up so their silhouettes are a curved - like a banana! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714447281-4RK87WPC6I8IJLG0DYFL/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Rubha Ardvule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1559899800878-76MNTF6VLH2GYKS0BL5E/SouthUist.jpg Rubha Ardvule https://whaletrail.org/the-pier-isle-of-eigg daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557826414835-RE5Q48DUV7ZK7LMHSR5I/Artboard+2%402x.png The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526193354-KR95Q6MRVXY2UTV8QEY7/Artboard+3%402x.png The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365674128-106F3NUK5GQ0DO4Y2TVJ/Map+-+The+Pier+Isle+of+Eigg%402x.png The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714846521-C2GZYO9OHCC5FHVZ9XTX/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png The Pier Isle of Eigg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560965275195-K1X0HAIXYJ7APRUTKU21/Harbor+Porpoise.jpg The Pier Isle of Eigg - Small but mighty Harbour porpoises when fully grown have an average length of 1.5 metres, which is a foot smaller than the average man in the UK. They can be quite tricky to spot, especially if the sea is a little rough, as they disappear amongst the waves. Look out for a dark back that seems to roll through the water, with a small triangular fin in the middle of their backs. These are the most frequently spotted species here on the west coast, and with the highest concentrations in Europe, the Hebrides has been designated a Special Area of Conservation for the harbour porpoise. The Small Isles are a hot spot, with huge numbers of these small but mighty creatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560873268703-OEWSRZ57DIIBHUKBMHL8/1000px+EiggRanger.jpg The Pier Isle of Eigg - Green credentials The Isle of Eigg is a community owned island with its own renewable electricity supply. You are unlikely to encounter a more environmentally friendly and just plain friendly bunch than the people that call Eigg their home. There are plenty of opportunites to get involved when visiting Eigg; guided walks, whale watches, beach cleans, singing groups and the occasional ceilidh. Meet Norah the ranger at 2pm every Monday during the summer for a guided walk and whale watch starting at the Pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558953238647-2E9JUNV6CJ5AVCJLDAGZ/The+pier+Isle+of+Eigg.jpg The Pier Isle of Eigg https://whaletrail.org/clachtoll daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557743922684-3O5VLQUT9KOCOAQUR287/Artboard+2%402x.png Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365406114-AL31BCOMKHEUF6YC2N3N/Map+-+Clachtoll%402x.png Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365384705-PMRJJPAE4DO4N9Y3TJ17/Icons+-+Clachtoll%402x.png Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561636608696-CE8WDQ3G1YT7US0Q2G1W/clachtollranger+hut+outside+aug08+%284%29.JPG Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561636588008-E15KOV7OFSVVTVVJFVTI/image-asset.jpeg Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560964174640-XBPKIT43RXJNTYQHYF93/Clachtoll_+David+Haines+%2811%29.jpg Clachtoll - Funny bone The Assynt Rangers have a great wee information hut right in the car park. It’s chock full of helpful info for your visit, both historical and wildlife related. Next to the hut you will see some enormous bones from a fin whale – the second largest whale! Just up the road at Stoer Lighthouse there are some dedicated local volunteers for the WDC Shorewatch programme who can regularly be found watching out from the car park area. They are really friendly and knowledgeable if you want to say hello! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714562869-R1BQ6XUEZVPO6JWATRRH/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560964096684-2GGJYA0TNU2KUHDV73HX/clachtoll+%2827%29.jpg Clachtoll - Mega-groovy in the Minch During the last Ice Age, most of Scotland was blanketed by ice. As the ice flowed and receded it sculpted much of the landscape we see today, such as the hills and glens that dominate the skyline here. It also made mountains and valleys on the sea floor, now invisble under the waves. Scientists have identified ‘mega-grooves’, huge channels carved from the seafloor by the ice that once covered the area off Clachtoll. Local naturalists monitoring the whales and dolphins off the coast here observe that they seem to follow these mega-grooves, perhaps feeding along the turbulent edges of these underwater canyons. Mega-groovy indeed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558951816867-EI01YBPYW9R0IVYOZCEA/Clachtoll-3.jpg Clachtoll https://whaletrail.org/sabhal-mor-ostaig daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1562152151007-BIHOHP950NE6VTWU7LYJ/Artboard+6.png Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526123154-M5ZMZ9GDVLDY6Z12YSJ4/Icons+-+Sabhal+Mor+Ostaig%402x.png Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365600273-8IL5RRVJI6ZKCCLXU7SJ/Map+-+Sabhal+Mor+Ostaig%402x.png Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714823156-5PWMIZH5V62CIGP01HQL/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561473668602-VDCRAXHR0ZGHESHIJ1L5/School+Dolphins.jpg Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye - What’s in a name? The Gaelic names for the wondrous creatures in these seas might look tricky to pronounce but are wonderfully descriptive. Dolphins are leumedair meaning ‘one who leaps’, porpoises are peilag meaning ‘little puffing one’, and whales are muc-mara which is the admittedly slightly less poetic ‘sea-pig’. A particularly apt name is mada-chuain which is the Gaelic name for killer whales, and this translates as ‘ocean-wolf’. With strong family bonds and clever skills for hunting in pods (or packs?) this wonderfully captures some of the behaviour of these charismatic creatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561568403855-UT1HB43O8WZJOJ684AEH/HWDT%252BSightings%252BOfficer_Laura%252BMandleberg_4.8.06%252B%2525286%252529.jpg Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye - The Pointed Pig Muc-bhiorach is the Gaelic name for bottlenose dolphins, and translates as ‘pointed pig’. It seems like whatever language you speak, these big chunky dolphins are recognised by their pointy ‘bottle’ noses. That’s not the only way to identify these playful creatures though; these dolphins can be really acrobatic, usually seen in groups of 1-10, and have big prominent curved dorsal fins in the centre of their backs. Look out for amazing acrobatic displays as they leap right out of the water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561473500325-WPFJOZSVHRONAI58QQT2/DSCN0166%2B%25282%2529.jpg Sabhal Mor Ostaig Isle of Skye https://whaletrail.org/iona-ferry-isle-of-iona daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561473178298-RX4DHWO2SFUS2X17DP55/Artboard+16%402x.png Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558526955278-F8QL9MXK8CRK5CZAYJ7F/Icons+-+Iona+Ferry%402x.png Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560864774505-PY6TUK5Y6DMSEO1XWE3A/Iona+2.jpg Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561477352399-RZHLXHGQORAOS9XGL766/Map+-+Iona+Ferry%2C+Isle+of+Iona+%402x.png Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561539672759-NW0XTUJBHISLZ59UYH3U/HWDT_BottlenoseDolphins_MBrook_8.7.07.jpg Iona Ferry Isle of Iona - Dolphin on holiday Bottlenose dolphins are one of the species regularly spotted from here year round. These big and charismatic dolphins pick up marks, scars, and nicks in their fins that make them individually identifiable. Using photographs of these markings, scientists from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust are able to track individual dolphins. Dolphins spotted from Iona have also been seen at different places all over the Inner Hebrides. The odd individual has even been spotted further afield, as far as France! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715138497-BS0AACRXB8OMEW1TIZVB/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561470766125-HXQXCXM2TMXBI8IU9L5Z/Orca-2.jpg Iona Ferry Isle of Iona - Monster of the deep! Iona is well known as the home of St Columba where he founded his abbey around 563 AD. This famous saint may also have encountered local whales and dolphins, and was said to have warned two monks traveling from Iona to Tiree of a “monster of the deep”. These monks encountered “a whale of extraordinary size, which rose like a mountain above the water, it’s jaws open to show an array of teeth” … could this have been a killer whale? What will you encounter on your visit? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557918521268-E7CG69JA2MZ6Q7RHFTF0/Iona.jpg Iona Ferry Isle of Iona https://whaletrail.org/lamlash-bay-isle-of-arran daily 0.75 2023-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558082615945-EG4ORCIN4ZVQOGTE4QF9/Artboard+2%402x.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/c0af09cd-c6f4-46b8-958b-9e2d7488f167/Dolphins+Helen+Logan.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran - Make it stand out © Helen Logan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/7e0ff6a4-e871-489b-b4a8-f16dcbf89cdf/Otter_Helen.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran - Make it stand out © Helen Logan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371275681-GT9D4RA0J79SRT16OTAM/Map+-+Lamlash+Bay%402x.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560529581841-9LOGKID1E2IF7F2CFRGI/ArranCOAST+%2814%29.JPG Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561371305589-YCZGDNKUX96CCYDJVD6P/Icons+-++Lamlash+Bay%402x.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560529506931-FWRVU7NXBVGV2DCVQG2L/ArranCOAST+%285%29+1000px.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715283766-XLUWLN784NJMXVK14TY7/Untitled-1-01.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/a7570e90-064c-4871-b5b5-009362f36045/CUTE.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran - Adorable Otters Although otters are rare across the rest of Scotland, visitors to Arran may be lucky enough to spot the many resident otters by rivers and shores all over the island. Living in underground burrows called ‘holts’, otters feed on the bountiful fish found in these waters. Look out for their five-toed footprints and droppings to find clues that they may be lurking nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561375693482-VU6EU0ZZIXCWUSNAX2IA/Basking%2BShark-1.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran - Basking sharks Basking sharks were once hunted in the Clyde as a valuable source of oil to be used in lamps or in industry. Around a quarter of a basking shark’s total body weight is made up of their oily livers, which meant a lot of oil from just one of these massive sharks. The Clyde was home to Scotland’s last basking shark fishery, which closed as recently as 1995. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560779387891-5J5RRAVRXFW2FBGN12UZ/AndyTait_Plankton+sm.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran - microscopic & massive As the second largest fish in the world, basking sharks can grow as big as ten meters long - a true mammoth of the seas. Basking sharks are gentle giants, as despite their intimidating size they feed on microscopic plants and animals called plankton. In fact most of the amazing animals you might spot along the Hebridean Whale Trail rely on plankton - from fish and birds to basking sharks and whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558081855404-YIG5DB5N99X0GW7FAZ28/Lamlash+bay+Isle+of+Arran.jpg Lamlash Bay Isle of Arran https://whaletrail.org/st-kilda-world-heritage-site daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557496388160-BT4E7XN220DV8VX9BFTR/Artboard+2%402x.png St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525470418-TMPB1KS774F7RNNBFMM9/Icons+-+St+Kilda%402x.png St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561372273782-QDSSLHFHYPTO4EY9JN9B/IMG_5202+%282%29.JPG St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561364913229-SUH5ZVSC1YOFE7GU1FWI/Map+-+St+Kilda%402x.png St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561372403583-ZK3E5XMRP97JLH3FA0EW/IMG_0141.JPG St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561134885354-SWWIUY6NS1DLDFGTCXJA/HWDT_+Puffin_1000px.jpg St Kilda World Heritage Site - A puffin a day… St Kilda is Europe's most important seabird colony, home to over one million birds such as gannets, fulmars and the charismatic puffin. Seabirds formed a major part of the St Kildan diet, and at one time it was estimated that each person on St Kilda ate 115 fulmars every year! Puffins were more of a snack and in 1876 it was said that the islanders munched on 89,600 puffins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714372144-X2070VX1TFF1I5QH0J5K/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561134944199-CP6Z94JFTZXN9FRNXA0U/Cuviers+_+Charles+Davies.jpg St Kilda World Heritage Site - A mighty migration St Kilda is perched on the western edge of the Hebrides, close to where the sea drops off into the ocean deep. This deep water along the edge of the Hebrides shelf is known as the Rockall Trough, and is a migration highway for large whales like fin and blue whales. The deep waters are also where you find elusive species like beaked whales - the deepest diving mammals on the planet! Situated so close to this deep water you might spot some of these ocean wanderers here at St Kilda, so look out for massive fin or the blow of a surfacing whale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561372357443-EEWLAQ1HRSVBTPRVA3PR/image-asset.jpeg St Kilda World Heritage Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1559660133797-QIJ81U079TBMZ77HAYW4/St+Kilda.jpg St Kilda World Heritage Site https://whaletrail.org/cape-wrath daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557742159655-WEMK1ZMHO7Z299CH8H3P/Artboard+2%402x.png Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560963929667-QKBV73OKYGV8LTN5QMST/P1070971.JPG Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561365344651-WY0YT0IN2QUI16Z1U9OP/Map+-+Cape+Wrath%402x.png Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558525831944-5U839PP827O0TGVKC6HP/Artboard+3%402x.png Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560937580487-E7MAY49K6YQALA6XXTX5/Cape+Wrath+Ian+Cowe+%282%29.jpg Cape Wrath - Take a trip to the edge A visit to Cape Wrath is not for the faint of heart as there are two ways to visit and both are an adventure. For those of you willing to stretch your legs a bit (really quite a bit) you can walk from the glorious coast of Sandwood Bay. Alternatively, you can join a trip from Durness, a short journey on the Cape Wrath Ferry to meet the minibus that will take you through the challenging landscape of the MOD training area to the very edge; Cape Wrath itself, and boy is it worth the trip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565714538071-AOCG8LDTGEEO7YPRKTDV/Artboard+1%402x-100.jpg Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Cape Wrath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560963853694-SYJRULMVSPRG2NR2588W/Minkie-1.jpg Cape Wrath - A migration of minkes Minke whales are a graceful creature, often recognised by their dark back, with a small dorsal fin 2/3 of the way down the body towards the tail. Minke whales migrate to Scotland in the summer months to gorge in the fertile seas off our shores. Preferring small shoaling fish packed with fats, such as mackerel, herring and sprat, minke whales are active hunters. A striking white band on each pectoral fin helps to scare and confuse shoaling fish during hunting, making them crowd together for protection. However a tightly packed shoal of fish is a much easier meal for a feeding minke to devour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561636020935-B9B200LLB17M6CWIZQX5/P1070966.jpg Cape Wrath https://whaletrail.org/glengorm-isle-of-mull daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1557911640297-Y3NEK0O493BZTYSD4A75/Artboard+2%402x.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561369872502-E4W7YRBYJUSZ349J1P5U/Icons+-+Glengorm%402x.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561472166918-0T5PV2ZAWPLPBR8DN5U1/Glengorm+%284%29+1000px.jpg Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561455119262-W1QOG47F9VB8ROCC47KY/Map+-+Glengorm%2C+Isle+of+Mull%09%402x.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560868992645-047KYTA4HIE6V6BKW887/Glengorm.jpg Glengorm Isle of Mull - Join us at Glengorm! During the summer months’ staff from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust join the Glengorm Wildlife Project Ranger for a regular Thursday morning whale watch. You will learn top tips for spotting and identifying Scottish marine species and birds and explore the local natural environment. Join us as we look out from this stunning site, in search of an elusive whale or two! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1565715010856-RRK29SKKDLU29537WFSU/Untitled-1-01.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560780794053-RBK3E3Z3CFQIXSM44HTW/divider-01.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560966423734-U5NIX9C0D8L8RL8EB0UF/Orca-2.jpg Glengorm Isle of Mull - The West Coast Community Glengorm has a commanding view across the Hebridean sea, so there are lots of amazing species to look out for. One rare but spell-binding sight are killer whales. Growing up to almost ten metres long, they are actually really big dolphins. Scotland has a small resident pod numbering just 8 individuals, Known as the West Coast Community. These elusive creatures are only spotted occasionally throughout the year - a couple of those sightings usually from the north of Mull. The Gaelic name for these enigmatic creatures is Madadh-cuain which means ‘ocean-wolf’ - a perfect name for these clever hunters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1560526004142-HKUFVAL7N7AL6T35FKPL/divider-01.png Glengorm Isle of Mull https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558954108021-MFVCB6BXT8O3SF7QPAJ5/Glengorm.jpg Glengorm Isle of Mull https://whaletrail.org/explore daily 0.75 2019-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561649205362-L5EB728IN6531RAS9I0D/Artboard+1.jpg Explore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561649248186-5IWN613V98ASEXB8ZM17/Artboard+1.jpg Explore https://whaletrail.org/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2019-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561480246893-B34HDGMZ7Q488A2S4U9S/Artboard+17%402x.png About Banner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561480510905-ANSQ0ZIQXMUD3N90O20J/DavidLivingstone_TheOa+%283%29.jpg About Banner https://whaletrail.org/social daily 0.75 2019-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1555084294406-XZZV9940165HOOXLYWC9/image-asset.jpeg Social https://whaletrail.org/get-involved daily 0.75 2019-08-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1555084196019-A6MYX176GA75AY59O06E/workshops-photo.jpg Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561482368616-NTM9Y9XIG41WU2LDURC4/divider-01.png Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561482339685-RZY6UX69USZSVC0JAUDZ/divider-01.png Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561482387288-6PDKVD71VMMFQB479K07/divider-01.png Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1555084155672-GP62GNBPF3YQRMTJ1RHH/workshops-shibori.jpg Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561482435735-7F8JQDFLXW6WFRL2366M/divider-01.png Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561482413895-96IMUSZ75A8K9IXJ4QZR/divider-01.png Get Involved https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561479235890-HVFVVFF7D2MQ7S424ZPZ/Ardnamurchan+%286%29.JPG Get Involved https://whaletrail.org/location-1 daily 0.75 2019-06-25 https://whaletrail.org/quote daily 0.75 2019-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56d47d412b8ddea29eb012d8/1460472285353-6K0NC7QS6IYOJKR5EX9F/divider_nature.jpg Quote https://whaletrail.org/why-a-trail daily 0.75 2025-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558348747756-QCGUR7KMCWI29B8XVIK1/Lewis%26Harris_Tiumpan+Head.jpg Why a Trail? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558348786428-ZRR13XUHMOVHWODYT7OI/Kilt+Rock.jpg Why a Trail? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561558010344-RDK26CO9DI87173MBQQM/divider-01.png Why a Trail? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561558360622-DYKGWNCKYGVYZN05OAXP/Humpback-1.jpg Why a Trail? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561549631093-G0QIYADALFPPHPJKTQJX/DavidLivingstone_TheOa+%283%29.jpg Why a Trail? https://whaletrail.org/the-hebrides daily 0.75 2019-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558434039818-K0TZ0ULE37L6NRV6K4EB/Lewis%26Harris_Huisnish.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561573080738-OAA4256LHS5S71AQJRED/canmore_image_SC01665522%2B%25281%2529.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558434074330-VMPVNO8ZVQDTEVU4H0X9/Iona.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558608999974-KBBBE7EY0L5SJ6RWZU5J/Dolphin.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561573549734-JJ8OC3XHG2JP67L0HC3B/Tiree1920s_AnIodhlann.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561573449031-W69Q5PFXX64HVGTM90FH/canmore_image_SC01665520.jpg The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561477862491-I9KD1SMWB6BMOSC41YO7/divider-01.png The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561477842206-WXJP03CGPC8VIHMGP8AI/divider-01.png The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561477815565-0TWA5HSAKQAEWI3YAFY3/divider-01.png The Hebrides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561479362414-HN9AU8EKEIVR0N1KHA8O/Butt+%283%29.JPG The Hebrides https://whaletrail.org/wondrous-creatures daily 0.75 2019-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561569782847-O5DE5VRMJF0ZLTAOHG5X/divider-01.png Wondrous Creatures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558607460243-61J1TK6YME8KRT74UQKV/HWDT_Cliff_KStevens_06.06.18.jpg Wondrous Creatures - The west coast of Scotland is incredibly biodiverse… but why? Within the Hebrides, warm oceanic currents from the south and west, and offshoots from the Gulf Stream, mix with cool coastal currents. This, in combination with the complex bathymetry (underwater mountains and valleys) encourages mixing, forcing cold nutrient-rich waters up into the sunlit zone, where photosynthesis can occur, creating areas of high productivity. The plankton blooms off the west coast of Scotland are so extensive they can be seen from space! The complex coastline also means there are a variety of habitats, from sheltered areas in the long sea lochs to fast tidal currents between islands, coastal and shelf waters and the open ocean of the Atlantic. Deep water close to the coast, such as in the sound of Raasay, brings offshore and deep-diving species close to the coast too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558607755389-56EC1QEYCSAG7VRLYFO5/Orca.jpg Wondrous Creatures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561569758457-JNOPF4NGF500RY4CM0JG/divider-01.png Wondrous Creatures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561571935572-M7MHBLTN7VMYKFW3FA2Y/PASS04_+%285%29.JPG Wondrous Creatures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1558433852078-FAG5YMAEXIZ8UT44IGBS/The+OA+Islay.jpg Wondrous Creatures https://whaletrail.org/responsible-access daily 0.75 2019-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca4c0f501232cdfafdba81d/1561651439552-EP1YSCBPDRYFNY5ILV7F/IMG_0941_1000.jpg Responsible Access 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