I was lucky enough to snag a day with Steve alone last week, having firstly established what I wanted to see beforehand he collected me early in the morning and we set off.
Having spent the day around Aviemore on my own the day before, I wasn't expecting too much but due to Steve's fantastic knowledge of the local area I got to see great locations, stunning views, plentiful wildlife and had a great time with the host too!
We saw Black Grouse, Red Grouse (and chicks), Red Squirrels, Slavonian Grebe, Ring Ouzels, Cuckoo, Short Eared Owl, Dipper, Osprey (nesting and fishing), Mountain Goats, several types of deer, Red Throated Diver, Black Throated Diver, Pied Flycatchers and Wood Warblers. I'm a keen photographer as well as nature watcher, Steve was patient and enthusiastic whilst I snapped away.
Very comfortable transport, nice warm tea and coffee, good conversation and plenty of facts and info about our locations and the wildlife we were seeing. I'll be booking again for next May soon!
Make sure you book Steve so that you get the most out of the Cairngorms.
Matt T - May 2018
We spent two days with Steve and I reckon these were probably the best guided birding days I have ever spent. This man has a fantastic knowledge of Highland wildlife and thoroughly enjoys sharing it with you. He will plan a trip around what you want to see and it can/will include amazing scenery and great wildlife/birds. He found me Dotterel, which I had been waiting 65 years to see! It meant climbing to the top of Cairn Gorm, but that was part of the whole Wow! experience, the views from the top are amazing. Steve has qualified as a guide and thus has permission to take you to an area where most other tourists cannot go. He is even prepared to get up at 3.30am and take you to see Black Grouse at their lek. No extra charge. Obviously, some of these things will depend on the time of year, but Steve will plan a trip on what is available and will be perfectly honest about what you are likely to see. He has a great personality and provides comfortable travel in his large Range Rover and will pick you up from your hotel, etc.. What more can you ask for?
Richard M - May 2017“ My husband and I had a wonderful day around Speyside. The environment is beautiful and the excellent knowledge and skill of our guide, Steve, ensured we saw lots of wildlife, including several birds and animals we had never seen before. We were picked up in a fabulous Landrover Discovery, kitted out with everything we could possibly need. Steve even brought hot drinks and shortbread, along with lots of equipment including binoculars and a great scope. A memorable day and a magical experience - I would highly recommend this safari to anyone visiting the area. Suitable for all ages.” - Isabel & Jane October 2016
“ What a fantastic day! Good fun and the most fantastic wildlife! We cannot believe how much we saw!” - Jane & Colin (Doncaster) June 2015
“ We saw a huge variety of wildlife in lots of different habitats - There were lots of opportunities for photography, and we were able to get close to lots of species - overall a great experience.” - Nathan Ellis 11/04/2014
“ A really lovely day, we have seen so many things we would not have seen on our own. Many thanks. See you again soon.” - The Kent Crew 20/06/2013
“ Fantastic day, saw masses of wildlife with expert guidance. Steve is a superb guide, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A wonderful day!” - John Lynch 14/06/2012
“ How many times can you say “wow” in one day?! “Purrfect” start & just amazing all day! Thank you so much - we will be back.” - Angela & Nigel Wedge 15/04/2011
“ Absolutely incredible! A whirlwind tour of some of the most stunning, rarest birds of the UK, all brought to life by Steve’s expertise, inside knowledge & great sense of fun! Totally unforgettable - the day that made my visit to Scotland.” - Richard Ryder 16/04/2010
“ Excellent day! Answered many questions & showed us lots of species we’d never seen before. Great picnic spot too!! Brilliant! Many thanks.” - Gill & John Sones 31/07/2009
“ Brilliant - a wonderful range of nature & scenery & a fantastic insight into what to look for & how. A day to remember!” - Paul & Jo Smith 02/08/2008
“ Had a lovely day. Would come again - 63 birds & 12 mammal species - fantastic!” - Judy & Roger 23/06/2007
“ A superb day, and excellent value for money. Steve’s unlimited knowledge of birds & Highland wildlife & his first class planning of routes & scenery is astounding. The day is one spent as with a close friend. Can’t wait to make a repeat booking.” - Eddie Docherty 25/05/2006
“Amazing day, filled with everything you wouldn’t see without a knowledgeable guide” - Julie Culkin 01/04/2005
“ A great day, several firsts - a good variety of habitats & an impressive list of birds - very friendly & knowledgeable guide” - John & Eileen Merchant 20/05/2004
