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Red Deer
The celebrated 'Monarch of the Glen', the red deer stag is a Scottish icon. This species, the largest land mammal in Britain, is widespread throughout Scotland. In summer, red deer are, as the name suggests, a dark red or brown colour with a lighter underside, while in winter they adopt a darker brown or grey hide. The stag is distinguishable from the hind by its size and impressive antlers, which it sheds each spring.With an estimated 300,000 red deer in Scotland, you are never too far away from a population. Hotspots include Galloway Forest Park, Rum and Jura, Perthshire and the Northwest Highlands. While red deer are resident year round, they tend to spend the summer up in the hills and remote glens, and move down to lower levels in the winter, where food is more readily available. Arguably the best time to see (and hear) them is during the annual rut each autumn. The loud barking and clattering of antlers echoing through the hills creates a memorable experience.
When to see this species : Winter, Spring, Autumn
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2 Days in Red Deer Country
Day 1
Arrive in Gairloch, only 90 minutes from Inverness but worlds apart in character. Beautifully situated around a bay and against the backdrop of the Wester Ross mountains, the village is a favourite amongst walkers, wildlife watchers and those who simply love wild places. Nearby, Loch Maree is perhaps the most scenic of all Scottish lochs, and is ringed by a number of superb walking trails, most notably at Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve at the south-east corner. Here, in Britain’s first ever NNR, visitors have a chance of seeing pine marten, Scottish crossbill, ptarmigan and golden eagle. Just around the corner from here, in spectacular mountainous surroundings, the National Trust for Scotland runs a countryside centre at Torridon. Here, visitors can learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the local landscape, not least the substantial population of red deer which roam the hills and are very easily spotted. Continue west along Upper Loch Torridon to the charming community of Diabaig, from where a splendid 10-mile walk leads along the shoreline to Redpoint. The views across to Skye and Raasay are unsurpassed and, if you can arrange a pick-up at Redpoint, it’s only a further 10 miles back to Gairloch. The road passes The Old Inn, a superb, traditional pub at the entrance to the village.
Day 2
More relaxing options are available for your second day in the Northwest Highlands. A few minutes up the road from Gairloch is one of the gems of the west coast, Inverewe Garden. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the extensive garden was founded by Osgood Mackenzie in the latter 19th century on a site of virtual wilderness. Thousands now visit Inverewe to admire its profusion of native and exotic tree and plant species, enjoying a particularly colourful display when the rhododendrons are in bloom in late spring. Those who are keen to enjoy a relaxing beach walk should head a little further up the A832 to Gruinard Bay. The juxtaposition of mountain and coastal scenery here is outstanding. To enjoy the scenery from another perspective, take a 2 hour cruise from Gairloch Marine Life Centre. These trips, departing regularly throughout the day in peak months, are designed to take you closer to a wealth of wildlife, including whales, dolphins and seabirds. As places on board are in heavy demand, it’s best to book before you go. Visitors looking to extend their stay around Gairloch should consider taking an inclusive holiday at Rua Reigh Lighthouse, around 10 miles on the B8021 to the north. A range of accommodation is available at this beautiful and unique spot, where wildlife is all around and interpretation is always available.
For more ideas on attractions to visit in the Northwest Highlands, Click here
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