Glasdrum Wood

[sandraandkevin]

I have a week away from work starting the 6th June and as Sandra and I have never been to Scotland or seen Chequered Skippers we thought that now is a good time to do both.

1) Will the Skippers still be showing in June?

2) As well as Butterflies we would like to see other wildlife eg Red Squirrels, Pine Martins, Crested Tits etc, will the Loch Creran area be able to provide these as well?

3) Need to find accomodation that takes a dog as well, cottage, caravan it is only for sleeping in so not as important as seeing great wildlife.

I would welcome any help, suggestions and advice from the knowledgeable members on this forum.

Thanks

Kevin

[Chris]

Hi Kev, Sandra,

I went a few years ago on 1st June and there were still plenty of fresh chequers showing. Not sure about crested tits, but there are definitely Pine Marten and hence Red Squirrel (the two are linked aren't they?). With Marten, you might be best getting hold of a guide in advance and suffering an escorted walk or dusk feeding station experience to guarantee seeing them.

Check this link re the wood:

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications ... um_nnr.pdf

[Pete Eeles]

I can only answer regarding item#1, and the answer is "yes"

Glasdrum Wood is superb - you'll find the skippers in the clearings below the power lines - along with the Scottish subspecies of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Speckled Wood.

All you need to do is pray for good weather - otherwise the skippers are very hard to find roosting!

Cheers,

- Pete

[sandraandkevin]

Thank you Chris for the link and thank you Pete for your comments

[markhows]

For Pine Marten try staying here

http://glenloy-wildlife.org.uk/index.html

Saw the skippers (loads) at Glasdrum Wood on 7th June in 2007

Mark

[sandraandkevin]

Thanks Mark,

It looks very nice.

Instead of 1 week, I think we will need one month to see everything we would like to see in Scotland.

Just seen Allt Mhuic and they get Chequered Skipper and Large Heath, I think we will be busy!!!

Kevin

[dave brown]

Hello Kevin & Sandra,
I have visited Allt Mhuic for the last four years (from Kent) and I can confirm that it is a great reserve. I have only managed to see Chequered Skipper on one of those occasions as it appears to be an early butterfly there. My visits have always been from mid June onwards. I think your planned visit in early June will be timed just right. The last two years the weather was unkind to us. They are seen from the trail that heads uphill from the car park once you have passed through the tree line. They are also seen from the west side downhill footpath as it passes near the remains of a stone building. I have also seen Pearl & Small Pearl Bordered there.
I have managed to see Azure Hawker on 3 of my 4 visits, in addition to numerous Golden Ringed dragonflies.
I understand Northern Emerald is also there, but I keep missing them. Your visit maybe a little early for them but I suppose it depends on the weather.
The approach road is long and single tracked with passing places, but very little traffic. Birdlife includes Osprey over the Loch. It looks good for Otter, but have yet to see one there.

Best wishes
Dave

[sandraandkevin]

Thnaks Dave,

We have been concentrating so hard on which butterflies and mammals we might see that we had forgotten about Dragonflies! I know what a crime.

I have only seen a Golden ringed once in Dorset and it was fantastic, never seen a Northern Emerald that would be exciting.

Thank you for the Great info we will keep a careful eye out.

Kevin

[George]

Hi,

We stayed here last year http://www.lochsidelodges.co.uk/ and had the most fantastic two weeks. I believe that one of the two lodges can take a dog and you are right on the shore of Loch Creran with Glasdrum Wood about 3 miles up the road. We went from 31st May and the skippers were flying for the first week we were there - just where Pete said they are! There were also dozens of Small PB as well and at some other reserves locally the Marsh Fritillary. We also had a couple of trips to Lismore (unmissable if you go to this area) where the Marsh frit was really common.

The welcome at the cottages was second to none and we got a lot of local knowledge (also Dippers nearby in the river and Otters in the loch). There is a resident Pine Marten and to sit outside after a days wildlife spotting and relax with a glass of wine and view was a brilliant way to end the day. The cottages are also very comfortable - just make sure you buy a tick remover!

Sunset.jpg (227.51 KiB) Viewed 1055 times

Have a great trip - if you can it is well worth a trip to the Treshnish Isles while you are there.

Cheers
George

[sandraandkevin]

Hi George,

It sounds brilliant, thanks for the info.

Love the picture

Kevin and Sandra


ps I think we meet a few years ago at Bison Hill when we had a great view of the Duke's.

[Nigel]

Hi I am hoping to be in the Fort William area for a few days from 26th June, is this going to be to late or do I have a chance?
Also is it to early for Mountain ringlet on Ben Lawes?
Any help would be welcomed.
Nigel

[dave brown]

Nigel,
I can only comment as an annual visitor to the area. I hope a local we give you more up to date information. The date in question is very late for Chequered Skipper, but not out the question. It will be hard work but you should see one or two at the right locations.Like always its very weather dependant. The date is early for Mountain Ringlet at Ben Lawers but possible in the right weather. The Nature trail is fairly reliable if above 16 degrees and sunny, especially later in your holiday.
Check your pm.

Dave

[Nigel]

Dave

A very big thank you for the information both here and in the PM. I am reasonably new to this butterfly photography game, and very keen to take any advice given or read on the internet. I have done a quite a bit of mountain walking (including Ben Lawes several times, and know the area reasonably well) therefore your kind comments will be of great help.
Cheers and the best of luck with your own visits
Nigel
www.nigelspencer.co.uk