Scotland 01-18/04/2022
This trip is based around two 1 week stays in self-catering cottages - the first week at Tuim Cottage on the Dunalastair Estate near Loch Rannoch, the second at Coullabus Beag on Islay. These locations were primarily selected in order to find some specific early spring moths that have a very restricted distribution - but we have enjoyed two previous holidays in the Loch Rannoch area and were pleased to return to this beautiful part of Scotland - and we had planned to visit another Scottish Island this year to add to our list of those we have visited.
Diary
01/04/2022 - Drove north from Cumbria, stopped at Perth for provisions, stopped just west of Struan for a successful hunt for Rannoch Brindled Beauty, stopped a little further along the B847 for a quick lunch and happened upon 2 male Black Grouse, arrived at Tuim Cottage and unpacked the car. Set 3 (MV) moth traps and had the other of my main target species here, Rannoch Sprawler, before bed. 03/04/2022 - Driving circuit of Loch Rannoch with a walk at Cairie and a break at the Rannoch Station tearoom
Views of Loch Rannoch on an unusually calm day |
02/04/2022 - 78 moths of 10 species in the traps, despite temperatures down to -1 degC, including 4 more Rannoch Sprawlers.
Sgáirneach Mhór and Bheinn Udlamain - 2 Munros |
04/04/2022 - We had planned to go to Corrour to do a Munro today but the train from Rannoch was cancelled, so we settled for a short walk to Loch Laidon; followed by another short walk in the Black Wood of Rannoch.
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A 3rd new moth species for this trip in last night's traps.
Rhyacionia logaeana (Elgin Shoot) 05/04/2022 - A washout! - rained all day, stayed in. 06/04/2022 - Caught the train from Rannoch to Corrour and did the Munro we had planned to do on 4th: Beinn na Lap 07/04/2022 - Waited in for Autoglass to repair my cracked windscreen |
08/04/2022 - Moved on to Tarbert for a 1 night stay before travelling over to Islay. Climbed Meall Ghaordaidh from Glen Lochay, near Killin, en route