Things to do in The Hebrides, Scotland: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

Loch Coruisk (Gaelic Coire Uisg/the 'Cauldron of Waters') is an inland fresh-water loch lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a water horse. After staying at Dunvegan Castle, Sir Walter Scott visited the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk in 1814 and described it thus: 'Rarely human eye has known A scene so stern as that dread lake, With its dark ledge of barren stone...' The loch is accessible by boat from Elgol or on foot from Sligachan (approximately 7-8 miles distance). It is also possible to walk from Elgol, but one section of the path known as the 'Bad Step' presents some potential difficulties for the nervous or inexperienced walker. The northern end of the loch is ringed by the Black Cuillin, often wreathed in cloud. From the southern end the Scavaig River, only a few hundred yards long, discharges into a sea loch, Loch Scavaig. The loch is nearly two miles long, but only about 400 yards wide.

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Centre highlights the unique diversity of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in the waters of the Hebrides. Situated on the harbour front in Tobermory, we are open daily from 10:30 to 16:30 Saturday to Thursday during April and May. Open every day 10:30 to 16:30 from 1st June to 30th September. Opening part time for the autumn. As well as information on cetaceans, interactive exhibits, activities for children and a gift shop, we offer talks on Bones, Baleen and teeth, and access to our 16 years of data. This includes species information and sightings collected from our boat and citizen scientists. Recent sightings can be accessed from the centre and via our ' Whale Track' app. Entry to the centre is free - donations welcome. We also host evening talks and special events throughout the summer, including scientific talks and headland watches using Opticron binoculars.

Callanish Alpacas remains open for drop-in visits/informal tours but not currently any booked feeding slots for practical and safety reasons. We have 6 female alpacas and are expecting baby alpacas between mid-April and early June! We also have 32 unusual looking chickens, a peacock and peahen, 7 rare breed four-horned Hebridean sheep, Dougal “the tour guide” sheep, 3 smiling goats and 55 ducks of various comical and striking breeds! All 100+ animals have names! Please note that the whereabouts of the animals is weather-dependent. There is no charge but a voluntary donation towards the cost of keeping the alpacas and other animals is welcomed. Mollans Takeaway and Craft Shop are on site. For further details and opening hours search Mollans.

Islay Outdoor offers bespoke guided tours on the Island of Islay. We offer wildlife walks, seashore foraging, fishing trips, beachcombing, bird watching and guided hill running. You can also have the opportunity of trying some wllderness camping. Your guide is a Green Badge with the Scottish Tourists Guide Association and can offer whole day activities.

The Tireragan Estate is a Highland Renewal/Regeneration Project run by 'Highland Renewal'. Highland Renewal is Scottish Charity 1233456.Highland Renewal Registered Office: Bendoran Cottage, Bunessan, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DU.

Mull Eagle Watch is a partnership involving Mull & Iona Community Trust, RSPB, Forest and Land Scotland, Police Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. This year we are being hosted by Craignure Golf Course, around a mile to the north of Craignure. Mull Eagle Watch offers ranger-led visits to view Britain's largest and most impressive bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle. There's also a really good chance of seeing other wildlife including Golden Eagles, Otters, Seals, Terns and other bird life. We've been awarded the Green Tourism Gold award for our commitment to providing an eco-friendly visitor attraction and we're a 5* Visit Scotland Tourist Attraction. We've also won the Nature of Scotland Award and won the regional Scottish Thistle Award.