Jesus told his followers to ‘look at the birds of the air’ and at Kilmalieu we are blessed with a remarkable range of birds. From tiny goldcrests, warblers and flycatchers to majestic golden and white-tailed eagles … there is a rich variety of mountain, moorland, woodland and shoreline birds to see, hear, enjoy and learn from.
As someone who is passionate about his faith and an avid birdwatcher, Mark Winter has spent a lifetime following Jesus’ teaching to ‘look at the birds’. Since 2004 he has helped many others to appreciate birds on his ‘Even Sparrows’ retreats on Holy Island, and he continues to marvel at how birds teach us about God’s character and love. Following the success of their first retreat at Kilmalieu in 2024, we are delighted to welcome Mark and his wife Sheila back to lead one of their special birdwatching retreats. We will enjoy times of contemplative Christian worship, guided birdwatching walks and reflections on some of the birds featured in the Bible, such as doves, eagles, the raven and owl.
The guided birdwatching walks are suitable for complete beginners. One day will include the option of a high-level walk in the company of an experienced mountain leader – and in search of specialist birds such as ptarmigan, eagles and golden plovers.
Kilmalieu occupies a stunning position on the shore of Loch Linnhe. It is a renovated eighteenth-century hunting lodge with a mixture of comfortable single, twin and family bedrooms. Numbers on this retreat are limited to 14. Food is home-made and consistently praised for its quality. Guests have access to a small library, chapel, art room, lounge and gym and are free to explore the estate, where otters, seals, butterflies, lichens, ferns and many other aspects of nature can be enjoyed.
