Join photographer Karen Miller for a three/four day winter wildlife photography tour in the Scottish Highlands.  It includes four/five nights accommodation in on-site self-catering cabin The Drey Inchberry.

This tour is available December 2025 - early March 2026 (except 19 Dec 2025-3 Jan 2026).  It is limited to one or two people allowing for a greater flexibility in subject and tuition (if required).  These tours suit all standards of photographers and wildlife lovers who also enjoy photography are encouraged.

These tours, with the exceptions mentioned below*, are 4 nights accommodation  with 3 days of wildlife photography. We do one local day at my exclusive woodland sites (red squirrels and crested tits), one day in the Cairngorm National Park (red deer, snow bunting or red grouse) and one day of mountain hares (unless you prefer to do something different).   This itinerary is flexible however, so if there's something else you are interested in do let me know.

*Tours in December and early January are 5 nights/4 days. The species are the same however due to low light which affects woodland photography we will do red squirrels and crested tits over 2 days.  The only difference in cost is the extra night's accommodation, although you are welcome to stay for 4 nights and depart after the squirrels (or cresties) on the final day if preferred. You can also use my garden bird hide to photograph the many species that visit my garden after we finish in the woods.

• Dec 9 - 14 (workshop 10th - 13th)*
• Jan 4 - 9 (workshop 5th-8th) *
• Jan 9 - 14 (workshop 10th-13th) *
• Jan 16 - 20 (workshop 17th-20th)
• Jan 21 - 25 (workshop 22nd - 24th)
• Jan 26 - 30 (workshop 27th - 29th)
• Jan 30 - Feb 3  (workshop 31st - 2nd)  - booked
• Feb 4 -8 (workshop Feb 5th-7th)  - booked
• Feb 9 - 13 (workshop Feb 10th-12th)
• Feb 16 - 20 (workshop Feb 17th - 19th)
• Feb 21 - 25 (workshop Feb 22rd - 24th)
• Feb 26 - Mar 2 (workshop Feb 27th - Mar 1st)

Unlike many of the other Highland winter wildlife photography tours that you can book, this one is limited to one or two people and provides self-catering accommodation in open plan cabin The Drey Inchberry which sits next to Karen's house.  This allows for a greater degree of flexibility, one-to-one attention and opportunities to photograph in locations where taking a larger group is unsuitable.

When enquiring please do let Karen know what your target species are.  Because it's a small group we can build the itinerary around your  wish list where possible.  Do note though that weather can influence the species we are able to photograph (especially the mountain hare day as strong winds or icy conditions may make it impossible/unsafe to either get to the hares or be on an exposed hillside).

With the exception of mountain hares, there are only short walks to our subjects although it may be over uneven ground.  Some degree of fitness is therefore required.  We will also be standing for long periods or sitting on the ground (a chair can be provided if required).  None of the sites I use have hides, we will be outside all the time.

Mountain hares: much as it's a wonderful experience sitting with a hare, it's not for everyone. We are sitting on wet, cold ground on an exposed hillside at the mercy of all the weather (hares face away from the weather).  Doing the hares is optional. It is possible to spend that day with other species (such as waders and ducks or a second red squirrel site (extra cost)).

If you do not wish to do hares then I recommend coming in February. Reason being this is the month the hare location is at its busiest, so it's a great month to enjoy the benefits of the longer days and do something else.

And... if you are really keen on hares then I recommend December or January as, with fewer other photographers, we have a better chance of getting onto a hare in a good location and of sitting with more than one.

An example itinerary would be:

Day 1: Arrive from 4pm

Day 2: Mountain hares (depending on hare numbers, fitness and weather), or wading birds.

Day 3: Red Squirrels and Crested Tits (split over 2 days for 4 day tours)

Day 4: Red Deer, red grouse or Snow Bunting in the Cairngorm National Park

Day 5: depart by 10am

Price:

4 Night tours:

2 People: £1600  (£800pp)

1 Person: £1100

5 Night tours:

2 People: £1750  (£875pp)

1 Person: £1200

A few client comments from previous seasons:

"Thank you so much for making my time spent here such a memorable experience. I love how your passion for wildlife translates into the wonderful images that you capture and I'm fortunate enough to hopefully capture that too while I've been here. I feel very blessed to have met you." Kay, Feb 2025

"We had amazing time, The Drey is so comfortable and cosy. Karen is a brilliant hostess and we loved all our photo trips and got some excellent images thanks to Karen's knowledge of the animals. Karen is an excellent wildlife photographer who is always happy to pass on her knowledge, but without any pressure. Many thanks for a wonderful stay Karen."  Sandra and Linda Feb 2024

"What a great introducion to wildlife photography for me! I've learned so much in my three short days. Not just about the species, their habitats, behaviours and characters, but also how to photograph them..." Geoff, December 2024