Programmes By Date - Aigas Field Centre

I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
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mfhunter

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mfhunter

I spent 4 nights at Aigas with a day out with rangers and an early morning trip to try and see otters whilst there. Firstly Covid-19 related issues. The preventative steps have been well thought out. As well as comprehensive cleaning of rooms staff wear masks at all times as do guests when moving indoors or in vehicles. Hand sanitiser is Seating for dinner is socially distanced. I stayed in a lodge which was clean, warm and comfortable. Lots of space for a couple and would be fine for a family group of 4 (2 bedrooms). The house has lots of space and I enjoyed a simple breakfast (fruit, porridge, toast and local honey or preserves). The 3 course dinners were varied and well cooked. The grounds are tremendous for those interested in photography or wildlife. Several very comfortable hides are available and set up for different species. I got lovely opportunities to photograph red squirrels, pine martens, badgers and various birds. Unfortunately otters and beavers (resident in the loch) avoided me. Staff are friendly and knowledgable. Sir John, Lady Lucy and Hermione all welcoming, The rangers very well organised and fun to be with for trips - I learnt a lot about wildlife, geography and local history. There are a students on placement for the year who are also happy to chat with guests. Overall I was very impressed with the set-up, welcome and organisation especially at a time when so many challenges have been posed by Covid and related changes in laws and regulations.
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.
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JohnPPhilpott

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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 had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.
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CathyRhino

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CathyRhino

We had a brilliant 4 days at Aigas Field Centre in September. We had booked via the tailormade option, and enjoyed having some time to ourselves to explore the estate and spend hours in the hides (the Pinewood was particularly good for red squirrels, and we took some great photos) but also had excellent safaris with Aigas's rangers. We went in search of raft spiders and feral goats on one trip, with great photographic opportunities at a waterfall with plenty of fungi and wood ant nests to macro, and another afternoon did a slow walk around the Aigas lake, looking at insects and fungi. The rangers' knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent and made our stay very enjoyable. Our thanks also to Sir John and Lady Lucy Lister-Kaye, for some lovely rhino-related conversations and great care with my complicated dietary restrictions. The rooms are simple but exactly what's needed - warm, clean and comfortable - after long days out in search of otters and pine martens. We'll visit again, I am sure.