Wildlife Holidays in Scotland

The Bottom Line
Already looking at where we might go next.

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Trip Comments
Everything went perfectly. Different views and landscapes daily, new hikes and sites to visit, it kept me curious every morning what was to come. Perfect seabird viewing, seals and even porpoises, I could have watched "forever" :). The lunch breakes could have lasted longer, as the spots were always very scenic. Another highlight was the surprise evening out in the bar with live music. Authentic and fun! I love islands, and I highly enjoyed every single day.

Accommodation and Food
Very friendly and helpful staff and owners. It's a lovely, quiet location on the shore. I could spend another holidays there.

Your Guide
Ken cared about our wellbeing very much, adapted if needed the days program to our abilities, and made sure everybody was happy at the end of day. On the first day he asked us about our expectations, a he's met them all! Never seemed tired to answer our questions. Having his roots in Shetland, he shared his affection to this island with us, and knew the places well. As we were a small group it almost felt like a private tour, which was nice :) . We've got plenty of time to talk and get to know each other.

The Bottom Line
It's been another unforgettable and unique trip for me. After 2 trips I didn't intend to return to Scotland soon, but now I must reconsider .... There's still so much more to see and experience. What more can I say? :))

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Pre-Trip Service
The toll-free number made it easy to get in touch with the office if I had questions or something came up, like when my departing flight was changed by the airline and I wanted to know if I then would have to leave the tour early to make the flight.

Trip Comments
Second trip with WS and already planning the third! Shetland was beautiful and we had a great guide in Ken.

Accommodation and Food
Busta House was the best! Friendly and hardworking proprietors and staff, good food (and gin and whisky), clean and pretty rooms and modern bathrooms, centrally located. It was so nice to stay in one place for the entire trip instead of constantly moving hotels.

Your Guide
Ken was awesome! Knew Shetland like the back of his hand and his love of the place was contagious. Great sense of humor and all-around lovely guy.

The Bottom Line
Shetland is a must, and you can't go wrong going there with Wilderness Scotland.

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Trip Comments
The wildlife in the Shetland s is abundant amongst superb views

Accommodation and Food
Vista hotel staff were the best i have ever come across. It was very homely comfortable and welcoming

Your Guide
Ken is such a people person he quickly relates to their skill level and needs is funny and informative

The Bottom Line
Wilderness Scotland provides you with a holiday that is invigorating and meets the needs of your mind body and soul 100,%,!

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Trip Comments
The trip highlight was the day on Hirta, including the boat ride out and back. St. Kilda is an awesome place, in an historic and ecological sense.

Accommodation and Food
Two very different hotels, old and new, each with its own attractions.

Your Guide
Don was patient, perceptive, professional, and personal! I would recommend going on a Hebrides birding tour with Don to all my friends and family.

The Bottom Line
Pick a tour that most intrigues you and go for it!

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Pre-Trip Service
When we sent questions you replied promptly and gave frank advise about our suitability for various trips

Trip Comments
We did the wildlife adventures holiday, and the highlight of it was our guide Keith’s amazing insights and our engagement with him, and the group, in the beautiful settings. This learning was the high for me, sometimes confronting, but always fascinating and stimulating. Other highlights were the sea kayaking where we saw seals close up, and the hide where we saw pine martens and badgers. I’m from Australia and all of this was new and exciting. Doing all this with a small group was wonderful.

Accommodation and Food
Both accomodations were comfortable and relaxing and of the right standard for me. Our staying at Dalrachney Lodge was so luxurious and wonderful, but I also thought it odd that it had, and still has, a relationship with hunting. What to do? It’s good to engage with these sort of people , ie the hosts and other engaged with hunting, so that eco holidays become normalised and not alien to them. Our presence there in their lodge may broaden their awareness and acceptance of wildlife eco tourism as a mainstream activity. So, all in all, good to keep using Dalrachney Lodge

Your Guide
Keith was inspirational and his knowledge seemed endless. His guidance and interpretation of the wilderness was a true highlight. He also looked after us all with our different styles and capabilities. Wonderful.

The Bottom Line
I would recommend this holiday for anyone wanting to learn and engage with Scottish wildlife. A truly wonderful experience

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Pre-Trip Service
All questions were answered in a prompt and friendly manner.

Trip Comments
Kristy is a phenomenal guide! Let me repeat that at least 6 times and you have an idea of how thrilled we were having her as our leader. She is extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of Shetland and was very patient as we tried to remember all of the names for the new plants and birds observed while hiking. Pace of the hikes was excellent. She took care of so many extra details. It is very apparent she loves what she does. It was also great to have a group of 8 very like-minded people. Conversation and laughs never lagged. The trip gave us memories of a life time!

Accommodation and Food
Busta was a very central place to stay. Staff were very friendly and helpful. But it was frustrating not to have lunches filled as requested. Room was rather shabby with numerous water marks on the ceiling and walls. Pillows were flat and not supportive. Lack of hot water was not appreciated after a long day of hiking.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE:

Thank you for your feedback about your stay at Busta House, although we were disappointed to read your comments, as they are one of our most trusted accommodation partners. I have passed on your feedback to their management for their attention.

Your Guide
Please see previous comments.

The Bottom Line
Experience of a life time!!! Want to do another trip as soon as possible, and hopefully with Kristy!

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Trip Comments
The boat trip was a real highlight, and the walk on the Hermaness reserve out to Muckle Flugga. And the trip to see the storm petrels as well.

Accommodation and Food
The staff were all great, and the bedroom very comfortable. Bonus points for a bath, and for windows that you could actually open.

Your Guide
As on each previous trip, Kirsty was brilliant and a delight to be with.

The Bottom Line
I think this was my best ever Wilderness Scotland trip, and as on each previous occasion I hope to be back again.

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Pre-Trip Service
Highly organised.

Trip Comments
Wonderful wildlife, a fantastic group and a brilliant guide.

Accommodation and Food
Great staff. Couldn;t be friendlier

Your Guide
Third time with Kirsty and better than ever.
A wonderful ambassador.

The Bottom Line
Been on six and this was the best yet.

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Pre-Trip Service
Good website, staff helpful and friendly.

Trip Comments
Great guide, good itinerary, comfortable accommodation, fab weather and a lovely group - what more can I say.

Accommodation and Food
Interesting and comfortable hotel. Brilliant staff, owners and all staff without exception friendly, efficient and nothing was too much trouble.

Your Guide
Ken was a great guide, knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, looked after us all, may have adapted the itinerary to suit us all without us knowing, and set the scene for a lovely friendly group experience.

The Bottom Line
This was my 5th WS trip, which must say something! Every one has been a great experience and this certainly lived up to expectations.

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