1 week in Scotland, where would you go?

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Steveo_Hants

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I am coming back to the UK in May next year for a good friends wedding, it'll be my first time home in just over three and half years!

Anyway I have said to the wife that we'll spend a week in Scotland as I have never been!
I was thinking of flying up to inverness and spending a few days there exploring and then head over to Skye for a few days before back to inverness to fly back south.

What do you guys that live in Scotland or who visit Scotland often recommend? Obviously photographic locations are high on the list of priorities.
 
Motorhome and just go where you want!

I'm taking a week off on Aug and doing just that and it allows you to park up more or less where you like, you are not restricted to having to stay anywhere and you can stop where you want to be shooting in the morning, pop the coffee on, open the door and you are there. You get the best light without inconveniencing your wife and once you have shot what you want you can just go back to bed. :)

I'm off to Skye and exploring the West Coast to the north of there before looping over to Thurso to do some shoots with a brilliant photographer John Baikie.

Contact EdinburghGary and ask him about motorhome hire. :)
 
Good choice so far. The West Highlands are fantastic for scenery and one of my favourtite places in the UK.

Inverness to Skye is a good choice and then you could go around the Fort William area. In the Summer, a steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig daily, so that would be a good photographic opportunity, or you may decide to travel on it as the scenery on that route is stunning.

If photographing it, The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a good location. This is it, the first image I found on a Google search http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nf5FfHNth...I6d09CGJXo/s320/glenfinnan-viaduct%5B1%5D.jpg
 
AliB said:
Motorhome and just go where you want!

I'm taking a week off on Aug and doing just that and it allows you to park up more or less where you like, you are not restricted to having to stay anywhere and you can stop where you want to be shooting in the morning, pop the coffee on, open the door and you are there. You get the best light without inconveniencing your wife and once you have shot what you want you can just go back to bed. :)

I'm off to Skye and exploring the West Coast to the north of there before looping over to Thurso to do some shoots with a brilliant photographer John Baikie.

Contact EdinburghGary and ask him about motorhome hire. :)
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Thanks Ali, I doubt the Mrs will be too keen on a camper van, I think the 9 weeks we spent in one in NZ in 2005 has put her off for life!
 
It's an incredible place Steveo.

A couple of mates and I had a long weekend there back in Jan. Loved every second!

Try and find The Quiraing (if that's spelt right!) on Skye.
Utterly breathtaking views from up there........

4311701879_cb32f74f11_o.jpg


But keep an eye out for those rude Stag deer. They can be quite offensive at times.............

4309282339_cbd93c1050_o.jpg


:lol:
 
Hi there !

Is there anything particular you want to concentrate on or is it landscapes - in which case what type of landscapes ?

May is a good time by the way - great light, snow on the high peaks and too early for the midgies.
 
Andy that fist shot is fantastic, exactly the scenery am hoping for. Did fly up and hire a car or drive up yourselves? I am trying to find out what kind of vehicle we'd need, is a 4x4 really necessary?
 
Excellent shots there m8,love the stag.:D:thumbs:
 
dinners said:
Hi there !

Is there anything particular you want to concentrate on or is it landscapes - in which case what type of landscapes ?

May is a good time by the way - great light, snow on the high peaks and too early for the midgies.
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Hey Phil, mostly landscapes yes, nothing in particular in mind, mountains and seascapes I guess!
 
Steveo_Hants said:
Andy that fist shot is fantastic, exactly the scenery am hoping for. Did fly up and hire a car or drive up yourselves? I am trying to find out what kind of vehicle we'd need, is a 4x4 really necessary?
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Thanks mate.

We drove up, all the way from Portsmouth!! (Mad fools :nuts: )

We had a Vectra and a Picasso. No need for a 4X4 I'd say. But we didn't do any 'off-roading'. Didn't really need to, as all the places we visited were accessible by road.
Quite a lot of hills and fairly steep roads, but again, nothing that our fully loaded cars couldn't handle!

Damn the memories are flooding back :'(
I SOOOOO loved it there..........
 
You don't need a 4x4 so don't worry about that, I've done it all in a Renault Van :) This time it will be a Mazda Bongo. Shame about your wife not liking campers because they are absolutely ideal for this kind of trip :)
 
if you're going into Inverness, then for me, the obvious place to head for is Chanonry Point at Fortrose on the Black Isle to go see the dolphins - they come into feed there during a rising tide. Also for dolphins, I reckon the best boat trip is the one offered by Ecoventures. They sail out from Cromatry, at the oppersite end of the Black Isle

Look out for red kites after you cross the bridge out of Inverness. Theres also a new feeding station thats been set up them on the Brahan estate. The kites don't seem to be coming in regularly yet, but theres plenty of other things to see there.

As for Skye, I guess the obvious trip out is from Portree to see the sea eagles - have been out on both boats and theres not a lot to choose between them. Keep a look out all over for golden eagles and also for hen harriers in more southern areas.

TBH though, theres loads and loads to see just about everywhere in the places you're going to - you'll run out of time very quickly!
 
As your going from Inverness to Sky take a little detour, 2-3 hours, and drive over the Applecross Peninsula, hopefully on a clearish day. Not if your in a motorhome though, that would be too scary ;)
 
Steveo_Hants said:
Hey Phil, mostly landscapes yes, nothing in particular in mind, mountains and seascapes I guess!
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From Inverness (given just 1 week) I'd say:

Head out on the A836 as if going to Ullapool - Before you get to Ullapool you can turn South - that whole stretch of the west coast taking in Dundonnell, Loch Maree, Torridon, Applecross and eventually Skye and Lochalsh.

The other option is to stay North of Ullapool - Inverpolly, Assynt, Sutherland etc. Not as touristy or 'picture postcard' as the first option but amazing.
 
GoLotus said:
if you're going into Inverness, then for me, the obvious place to head for is Chanonry Point at Fortrose on the Black Isle to go see the dolphins - they come into feed there during a rising tide. Also for dolphins, I reckon the best boat trip is the one offered by Ecoventures. They sail out from Cromatry, at the oppersite end of the Black Isle

Look out for red kites after you cross the bridge out of Inverness. Theres also a new feeding station thats been set up them on the Brahan estate. The kites don't seem to be coming in regularly yet, but theres plenty of other things to see there.

As for Skye, I guess the obvious trip out is from Portree to see the sea eagles - have been out on both boats and theres not a lot to choose between them. Keep a look out all over for golden eagles and also for hen harriers in more southern areas.

TBH though, theres loads and loads to see just about everywhere in the places you're going to - you'll run out of time very quickly!
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Thanks for the information, dolphins won't be high on the list as we get to see them quite a bit over here.
 
Another question, how does Lewis compare to Skye?
 
POAH said:
Edinburgh is a dump TBH

any place up the west coast is senic
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Respectfully disagree with your first statement (although Edinburgh City Council is doing their best to turning it into one...), but your second statement is spot on :thumbs: ...

To the OP, the (small) camper van suggestion really is spot on, I can't remember when you said you'll be going but finding accomodation on the West Coast might become your biggest headache. If you don't plan ahead but expect to be able to drive around where your heart takes you and falling into random cute little B&Bs/Inns on your way, you'll be sorely disappointed. In high season, lack of accomodation can be a bigger problem than the midges...
 
ohansen said:
I can't remember when you said you'll be going but finding accomodation on the West Coast might become your biggest headache. If you don't plan ahead but expect to be able to drive around where your heart takes you and falling into random cute little B&Bs/Inns on your way, you'll be sorely disappointed. In high season, lack of accomodation can be a bigger problem than the midges...
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We are going in May, will we encounter such problems then?
 
Steveo_Hants said:
Another question, how does Lewis compare to Skye?
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Lewis is a bit more windswept and rugged (bleak?) than Skye, which is perhaps more classically beautiful (and has the stunning Cuillin mountains).

Lewis is an amazing place for photography though imo

Some of my pics are here (need to trim them down a little though :) )

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18244158@N00/sets/72157623537347369/


But basically anywhere north of Glasgow on the west side is pretty spectacular. One of my favourite bits is going across Rannoch Moor - some of the most spectacularly wild scenery you can easily see in this country. And then you come through Glencoe which is also stunning.

Steveo_Hants said:
We are going in May, will we encounter such problems then?
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Nah I don't reckon.
 
I could spend a week in Edinburgh alone, and when I lived in Glasgow (ok, it was almost 30 years ago), it was the biggest rectum I had ever been to (but I believe they've spent a lot of money tarting it up in the meantime).

Would like to spend some time exploring the highlands and islands at some point but find the warmth of the south of Europe far more comfortable these days!
 
Nod said:
Would like to spend some time exploring the highlands and islands at some point but find the warmth of the south of Europe far more comfortable these days!
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Ha, it's the opposite for us since living here, we like to go on holiday to cold places! NZ and Tasmania have been our top spots so far.
 
South Lewis is beautiful, deserted beaches and rough landscape, theres nothing much there though. The weather can be wild outwith July, or so my mum tells me.....its her birthplace.
Skye for amazing landscapes, I love the cairngorms but thats in another direction.
Andy Fozzy - love your photos. The stag was thinking of breakfast when he saw you ;-)
 
From Inverness you've got Loch Ness and the surrounding area and Glen Affric, Glen Cannich & Glen Strathfarrar. You can hit the Isle of Skye from Invermoriston. Definitely recommended. :thumbs:

Here is my set on flickr clicky
 
you could fly up to glasgow, head up through oban, fort william (trip up ben nevis?), across to mallaig, take the ferry to sky.

Then after sky head back to inverness, there's a few different routes you could take.

Don't ignore the east side either, lots of nice places, moray has endless Distilleries, there are lots of nice castles in grampian
the A9 from perth to inverness is a nice drive but I often avoid it and go via tomintoul over the lecht, down to braemar then over glenshee, you could swing back to Pitlochery which is a lovely place, down to Crieff and back to glasgow :)

Depends how many days you have and how much driving you want to do I guess
 
Steveo_Hants said:
We are going in May, will we encounter such problems then?
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That would probably be a good time to go, and it's before the peak season so probably a good time to roam around at random. However there's no guarantee that the midges haven't come out yet so invest in a bottle of "Skin so soft"...:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forum...s-spray-as-midge-repellent-for-Royal-Marines&

Jokes about the Royal Marines having the softest skins of all the armed forces in the world will be ignored :nono:
 
Skye is awesome - went there last year.
Fort William and various Lochs nearby as well.
Suggest that you fly to Glasgow or Inverness and hire a car from there.
There is heaps of great scenery about and I think that you will find plenty to keep you and the camera occupied as you travel across the west coast.

Not a fan of motorhomes myself, but can see the logic in hiring one. Saying that, B&B's are relatively cheap and the people running them (the decent ones at least) are often knowledgable in what to look for in the vicinity.

Can defo recommend a B&B in Skye if you do decide to go there, PM me if you want details.
 
One week is actually not very long, you could easily spend a week in the Glencoe area and still only scratch the surface.

Under the correct conditions, Scotland IMHO can be amongst the very best places to photograph landscapes due to the quality of light and accessibility of the land.

I would like to know a little more about exactly what interests you, specifically before I'd recommend an itinerary. That said, if I had never been to Scotland, there is no doubt in my mind that I'd be staying West. Now 'West' encompasses quite a bit so I'd personally fly to Glasgow, pick up a car, (absolutely no requirement for a 4x4), drive across the Erskine Bridge and head for Loch Lomond (A82). If you follow the A82 north towards Glencoe, you will drive through some unbelievable locations, with many opportunities right from the road-side. I'd then be heading towards Skye, all the while you'd still be travelling through fantastic scenery.

There are a few routes by which you can get to Skye, via Mallaig, past Glenfinnan/Arisaig then by ferry to South Skye (Sleat) or via Kyle of Loch Alsh and the Skye bridge (no cost). This also opens up the previously mentioned Applecross and the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) which is quite a gobsmacking drive.

Skye is, well just Skye, you will NOT be disappointed if your a landscaper.

I'd really need to know more about you as a tog, are you prepared to do a bit of hiking, do you just want accessible photo ops not far from the road ? I could send you up many superb Glens for something that wee bit different but if the missus is in tow, then I guess thats not what you'll be after ?

May IS a very good time of year, as the sun is still relatively low in the sky but it also allows slightly longer shooting days and the sunrise/set isn't just quite at ridiculous hours. There are a hundred other places, where you could easily spend a satisfying week, (not limited to) Knoydart/ANY of the Islands/Sutherland/Inverpolly, etc, etc, etc but if what I'm taking from your OP is correct then I think Glencoe/surrounds and Skye will be perfect for you.

Have a look at my flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/antsplan (apologies though as its a bit messy in terms of subject matter) and if there are any specific areas you are interested in I can write something up for you.

Best

Anthony :thumbs:
 
AnthonyBrawley said:
One week is actually not very long, you could easily spend a week in the Glencoe area and still only scratch the surface.

Under the correct conditions, Scotland IMHO can be amongst the very best places to photograph landscapes due to the quality of light and accessibility of the land.

I would like to know a little more about exactly what interests you, specifically before I'd recommend an itinerary. That said, if I had never been to Scotland, there is no doubt in my mind that I'd be staying West. Now 'West' encompasses quite a bit so I'd personally fly to Glasgow, pick up a car, (absolutely no requirement for a 4x4), drive across the Erskine Bridge and head for Loch Lomond (A82). If you follow the A82 north towards Glencoe, you will drive through some unbelievable locations, with many opportunities right from the road-side. I'd then be heading towards Skye, all the while you'd still be travelling through fantastic scenery.

There are a few routes by which you can get to Skye, via Mallaig, past Glenfinnan/Arisaig then by ferry to South Skye (Sleat) or via Kyle of Loch Alsh and the Skye bridge (no cost). This also opens up the previously mentioned Applecross and the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) which is quite a gobsmacking drive.

Skye is, well just Skye, you will NOT be disappointed if your a landscaper.

I'd really need to know more about you as a tog, are you prepared to do a bit of hiking, do you just want accessible photo ops not far from the road ? I could send you up many superb Glens for something that wee bit different but if the missus is in tow, then I guess thats not what you'll be after ?

May IS a very good time of year, as the sun is still relatively low in the sky but it also allows slightly longer shooting days and the sunrise/set isn't just quite at ridiculous hours. There are a hundred other places, where you could easily spend a satisfying week, (not limited to) Knoydart/ANY of the Islands/Sutherland/Inverpolly, etc, etc, etc but if what I'm taking from your OP is correct then I think Glencoe/surrounds and Skye will be perfect for you.

Have a look at my flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/antsplan (apologies though as its a bit messy in terms of subject matter) and if there are any specific areas you are interested in I can write something up for you.

Best

Anthony :thumbs:
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Anthony, firstly thanks very much for a very detailed response.

Why do you reccomend flying in to Glasgow rather then Inverness? I would have thought the drive from Inverness to Skye would be pretty interesting, or is the drive from Glasgow even better?

In terms of what kind of landscapes I am hoping for, mountain ranges, lakes/lochs, seascapes. Nothing really that specific!

Not too sure about "hikes" but we do enjoy good walks, say half day kind of things so we still have time to see other things on the same day.
 
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