Name: Aigas Field Centre
Address: Aigas Field Centre, Beauly, Inverness, Scotland, IV4 7AD
Telephone: +441463782443
Rating: 5

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
read moreread less

JohnPPhilpott

×

JohnPPhilpott

This was my second visit and I certainly hope to come again. Accommodation and catering are excellent and the centre is in a splendid setting within its own grounds, which encompass woodland, moorland and a small loch, the home of beavers. The daily field trips were well planned to cover a variety of Highland habitats and to encounter many species - golden eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins and pine martens perhaps the most memorable among the great many seen. The rangers who lead the trips are first-rate in their knowledge and enthusiasm and their consideration for the groups in their care. Both my stays were for one week: the first (in 2010), "Walking and Wildlife", requiring more physical stamina than the second, "Aigas Wildlife", whicxh involved walking but of a gentler nature. For both, good waterproofs and footwear were essential, binoculars too, although these can be hired. Apart from wildlife weeks, there are others focussed on different topics. For example, there was a "Creative writing" group during my second visit, and the interaction between the groups over meals is stimulating.
We spent a week here with a program hosted by the Lister-Kaye family and their team. The food is fresh, organic, delicious, and nicely presented. Each comfy cottage has a private bathroom. Our hosts were competent and welcoming. We enjoyed daily excursions to surrounding areas to learn about Scotland's history, heritage, clans, and natural environment. They told us Scottish lore (witch trees!?), explained the history of battles, castles, subsistence farming, and remnant Caledonian forest. We had time to wander among ruins of churches, castles, and graveyards, and to imagine what life was like so many years ago. We wandered through gardens and forests, along rivers, and past waterfalls. Bring your bug spray (for midges), curiosity about history, and wonder about the natural world. You will not be disappointed.
read moreread less

USAwalkers

×

USAwalkers

We spent a week here with a program hosted by the Lister-Kaye family and their team. The food is fresh, organic, delicious, and nicely presented. Each comfy cottage has a private bathroom. Our hosts were competent and welcoming. We enjoyed daily excursions to surrounding areas to learn about Scotland's history, heritage, clans, and natural environment. They told us Scottish lore (witch trees!?), explained the history of battles, castles, subsistence farming, and remnant Caledonian forest. We had time to wander among ruins of churches, castles, and graveyards, and to imagine what life was like so many years ago. We wandered through gardens and forests, along rivers, and past waterfalls. Bring your bug spray (for midges), curiosity about history, and wonder about the natural world. You will not be disappointed.
I can not say enough about the amazing experience my family & I shared at Aigas this summer. I reached out to them in November asking if they could accommodate a family of 27 people and lead us around to certain attractions that we were interested in visiting throughout the Highlands. Within several months we had accommodations, a preliminary itinerary set and transportation lined up (through Aigas) to and from the airport. The rangers were so helpful & knowledgeable about all of the locations we visited, were able to adapt to our changing plans & made every excursion a delight! Lady Lucy's meals were fantastic and we couldn't wait to see what we were going to eat every day! Thank you, Aigas, for making our family trip (27 of us ranging in age from 3years-85 years old) so memorable & easy!!!!!
read moreread less

Holly B

×

Holly B

I can not say enough about the amazing experience my family & I shared at Aigas this summer. I reached out to them in November asking if they could accommodate a family of 27 people and lead us around to certain attractions that we were interested in visiting throughout the Highlands. Within several months we had accommodations, a preliminary itinerary set and transportation lined up (through Aigas) to and from the airport. The rangers were so helpful & knowledgeable about all of the locations we visited, were able to adapt to our changing plans & made every excursion a delight! Lady Lucy's meals were fantastic and we couldn't wait to see what we were going to eat every day! Thank you, Aigas, for making our family trip (27 of us ranging in age from 3years-85 years old) so memorable & easy!!!!!