Ideas for great photos to take west coast of Scotland

drodd

drodd

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Ok, today I managed to rearrange my annual leave and have now booked 2.5 weeks holiday from 16th August. I am planning to go with the campervan to the Isle of Skye, the Hebrides and islands off west coast of Scotland.

Any ideas of where we can camp, visit and get great pics would be appreciated.

D :)

P.S. I have 4 weeks to organise everything and want to make this a brilliant holiday :-)
 
the west coast is full of mountains lochs rocks and trees...all the time
what is not there all the time is the quality of lighting and weather conditions to amplify your shots....so you will need to be ready at all times and watch for developments

as for camping...cant help i am afraid

on skye you will need to get the cuillins...and in light which amplifies their colouring...usually early morning or evening for modelling and sofness

if its bright everything goes too contrasty and greens go black
 
mrcrow said:
the west coast is full of mountains lochs rocks and trees...all the time
what is not there all the time is the quality of lighting and weather conditions to amplify your shots....so you will need to be ready at all times and watch for developments

as for camping...cant help i am afraid

on skye you will need to get the cuillins...and in light which amplifies their colouring...usually early morning or evening for modelling and sofness

if its bright everything goes too contrasty and greens go black
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for the insight.

I will make sure to find campsites that lend themselves to all you mentioned above.

Can't control the weather and hope to learn loads from the Landscape TP meet this weekend, especially regards variable weather conditions and relevant settings.

I will look up the cuillins and add that to my list of 'to view'.

thanks

D :)
 
i am in blackburn just now...so i know your neck of the woods
 
when you get there all will be revealed...and your shots will be completely unique

i did go round scotland once on a scooter and stopped off at many places on the mainland
starting with fort william, skye and then up the west coast..ullapool, dornoch...over to groats and then south...
its vast and full of photographic material...but then again so are the lake and peak districts
its a matter of light..
what camper have you got..i had a vw devon sundowner in cornwall
 
drodd said:
:cool:, why not pop past for a brew and a tog natter?
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i am babysitting my grandaughter
a very nice offer in any case...:)
 
mrcrow said:
when you get there all will be revealed...and your shots will be completely unique

i did go round scotland once on a scooter and stopped off at many places on the mainland starting with fort william, skye and then up the west coast..ullapool, dornoch...over to groats and then south...
its vast and full of photographic material...but then again so are the lake and peak districts
its a matter of light..
what camper have you got..i had a vw devon sundowner in cornwall
Click to expand...

I hope so to your first comment, after all I will be going there this time with my DSLR (last visit I did was with my Kodak EasyShare DX4530) so hoping for some better pics

How cool, going round Scotland on your scooter ...... :love: that idea.

I have done the round trip you mentioned, starting at Gretna Green, right round the west coast, few island hops, up to JOG, back down through Perthshire, Blair Atholl, Roxburghshire and back to England. 2 weeks of great fun :)

And now my next mission is to do the west coast islands that I didn't get to see on the last trip.

I absolutely love Scotland. I am not religious, but believe me when folk refer to 'heaven' I think of Scotland as that place, it is one of the most heavenly places I have seen, so much so that when I meet my fate my family know what to do with me ...... Ben Nevis I will be there :)

D :)
 
drodd said:
How long you visiting the area?
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off and on...i live in manchester...my daughter lives in blackburn
soon though my wife and i will start our retirement proper back in cornwall
been away too long
 
mrcrow said:
off and on...i live in manchester...my daughter lives in blackburn
soon though my wife and i will start our retirement proper back in cornwall
been away too long
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Good for you both :)

Are you aware that there is a TP meet this weekend?
 
you're going in the height of midge season so be prepared, lotion and veils...
 
bidden said:
Hi:wave:

For camping I highly recommend Gorten sands campsite.Just north of Arisaig This link has some reviews.

http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?action=previous&n=72

It's where I took this pic (not great i know but gives you an idea)



Enjoy the hol...I'm not jealous at all:razz:
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Thanks for the suggestion, will add it to my list. Looking at your pic makes me think of the recent add about a cow wanting to be a horse :lol:

I am going to make sure I have a BRILL time!!!! :)
 
Flamez said:
you're going in the height of midge season so be prepared, lotion and veils...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reminder, although the last time I did a 2 week stint in Scotland back in July 2008 I was surprised that there weren't that many midges.

But needless to say I will be preped with my citronella :lol:

Thanks

D :)
 
As mentioned, the Cullins are a must, Elgol is a good place to get a view of them. The coastal walks around Kinloch forest provide a good view across to the mainland. The Island is littered with Lighthouses, Neist point the obvious one. If you get the chance, take a medium Telephoto lens with you, 85-100 mm. It'll get some landscapes that you'd otherwise miss. Be prepared to walk a lot. Get up high for those unusual shots. It's midge season too, and they just love the golden hours and will spoil your fun if you're not prepared.

If you get the chance, The mainland cost north of Ullapool around Scourie and Durness is beautiful with some of the best beaches you'll see on these islands.
 
TrevorP said:
As mentioned, the Cullins are a must, Elgol is a good place to get a view of them. The coastal walks around Kinloch forest provide a good view across to the mainland. The Island is littered with Lighthouses, Neist point the obvious one. If you get the chance, take a medium Telephoto lens with you, 85-100 mm. It'll get some landscapes that you'd otherwise miss. Be prepared to walk a lot. Get up high for those unusual shots. It's midge season too, and they just love the golden hours and will spoil your fun if you're not prepared.

If you get the chance, The mainland cost north of Ullapool around Scourie and Durness is beautiful with some of the best beaches you'll see on these islands.
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Thank you for all your valued input. I will factor all into my planning. D :)
 
It's well worth a trip along the coast to Applecross (over the stunning Beleach na ba road!), and around the coast to Sheildaig. Very picturesque. Further north of Ullappol as already mentioned is very special. I wouldn't go over to JOG though, unless you want to do it just to say you have been there.

Have a look at Steve Carter's website for some breathtaking photos of the Sheildaig/Torridon area: http://www.stevecarter.com/photos.htm
 
JohnStewart said:
It's well worth a trip along the coast to Applecross (over the stunning Beleach na ba road!), and around the coast to Sheildaig. Very picturesque. Further north of Ullappol as already mentioned is very special. I wouldn't go over to JOG though, unless you want to do it just to say you have been there.

Have a look at Steve Carter's website for some breathtaking photos of the Sheildaig/Torridon area: http://www.stevecarter.com/photos.htm
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Thanks I will consider your suggestions.

I have done the JOG 2 years ago and not a place I would visit again, except to meet up with the folk I met there way back then. Driving up to JOG was defo driving through the dessert of the UK. Although I did enjoy the sea cruise out to the island and going over the 'swirly' that was an experience.

But I have kinda set my heart on doing the West Coast Islands of Scotland this trip.

This will be the 3rd SERIOUS tour I have done of Scotland in my 40 years of existance, and would like to take full advantage of that, especially as photogtrapy is now my main hobby. I would love to get some of those great shots, like Woodsy got on his last trip.

Then again, I suppose I am limited with my equipment, but I would like to think otherwise. I hope to prove peeps wrong and get some surpurb shots.

D :)
 
I had a one day tour of the area just a couple of weekends ago. Took a couple of snaps along the route. Just a handheld camera, no tripod, no filters, no planning. Half of them were even taken through the windows of the car :D

Shot of the Applecross Road:

4717660852_83bfb45e52_b.jpg


I can recommend lunch at the Applecross Inn, on the shore front (turn left at the T junction).

Rest of my "snaps" from the drive are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnsidc/sets/72157624316679314/
 
JohnStewart said:
I had a one day tour of the area just a couple of weekends ago. Took a couple of snaps along the route. Just a handheld camera, no tripod, no filters, no planning. Half of them were even taken through the windows of the car :D

Shot of the Applecross Road:

4717660852_83bfb45e52_b.jpg


I can recommend lunch at the Applecross Inn, on the shore front (turn left at the T junction).

Rest of my "snaps" from the drive are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnsidc/sets/72157624316679314/
Click to expand...

Thank you, very inviting and thanks for your recommendations.

I will view your link too,

Cheers

D :)
 
When you're on the ferries (unless you get seasick) keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and basking sharks - there's of them around Scottish waters.

Will you have time for a trip to St Kilda?
 
Chris_Hoskins said:
When you're on the ferries (unless you get seasick) keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and basking sharks - there's of them around Scottish waters.

Will you have time for a trip to St Kilda?
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Thanks I will keep my eyes peeled for the sea creatures and hopefully get some good pics.

I haven't yet finalised my route, still looking for ideas of where to visit so will see if I can fit St Kilda into the trip.

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
canon_togger said:
Hi Dawn,

I live on Skye and I'm happy to help with any queries you have.
Some campsites:
Sligachan (http://www.sligachan.co.uk/sligachan-campsite.php)
Handy for the cuillin, and the Slig hotel is good for food etc

Loch Greshornish (http://www.skyecamp.com/)

Feel free to pm if you need to know anything else.
You can also check my website for examples of Skye scenery shots.

:)
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Hi Marie,

Thank you for the offer to help with any queries, I will send you a PM if I have any questions about the gorgeous Isle of Skye.

Thank you for the links I have looked at them and they look like great places to visit. I will add them to my prep list.

Your photos are absolutely stunning and encourage me to make this a fab trip where I can hopefully get some great photos.

Thanks for your help.

Dawn :)
 
bidden said:
Hi:wave:

For camping I highly recommend Gorten sands campsite.Just north of Arisaig This link has some reviews.

:
Click to expand...

That has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Britain, if not the world......a stunning white sand beach with terns nesting on the rocks and a view to the islands.:love:

I've asked for my ashes to be scattered there.
 
Dawn,

If you're planning to "do" the western isles, you can get a Hopscotch ticket (I think its called) which will enable you to do a round trip.

Last year we did Mallaig-> Skye->Tarbert (Harris)->North Uist->Oban. Obviously you drive between the various ferry ports.

The cost worked out a bit cheaper than buying single tickets, like about "buy three, get one free".

There's a whole range of different routes avialable - log on to the Caledonian Macbrayne website to have a look. Don't know how big your camper is but a VW T5 size one like mine fits conveniently in the under 5metres category and makes the fares reasonably economical.

If you do get to the Outer Hebs, the west side of South Harris is stunning and an absolute must. North Harris is quite mountainous so if feel like some walking it would be great. White sand beaches run all the way down the west side of the Uists as well.

Just north of North Uist is Berneray, once an island but now connected to the former by a causeway. Its still loverly, though. If you need a break from the campervan there's a delightful simple hostel there with amazing views back to the mainland.

Re the campervan : it seems to be fairly well accepted that you can park almost anywhere and spend the night. We met people who were spending weeks or months on the islands just parked up on the machair by the beach. I can't rmember seeing any camp sites, in fact.

Let me know if you need any more ideas.

j
 
Skye

http://www.staffincampsite.co.uk/

Backdrop of the Trottenish ridge and views across to the mainland

http://www.skyecamp.com/index.php

This was a great site a few years ago and looks even better now.

Lewis

http://www.eileanfraoich.co.uk/

The facilities were a bit basic when we last camped here but that was a good few years ago. The dining/common room was a boon in a 4 day stay
where the wind never dipped below force 6 and it rain for 14 hours, but perhaps not so useful if you have a motorhome.

http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?n=385&c=14
A dune site above a stunning beach but, as of some years ago, very few facilities.


Both these islands offer lots of spectacular photo opportunities in different ways.

On Skye a walk up to the Old Man of Storr, the rock formations close to Kilt Rock and the waterfall itself(best seen from a boat trip), the Quiraing, the Cullins from just about anywhere, but Elgol would be a good start, bird life in abundance; really too many to list.

Lewis/Harris If you get there then for me the one place that is a must is Callanish. Try to get there early or late as it does get very busy, then Carloway broch, there lots of other ancient sites too, Loch na Muilne (possible red necked phalarope), beaches - Luskentyre and Valtos and the machair

If you don't already have it I suggest having a look at this http://stephentrainor.com/tools

It marks the direction of sunrise and sunset ( and the moon too) on a map for any day and anywhere. Really good to plan landscape shots.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Dave
 
jerry12953 said:
Dawn,

If you're planning to "do" the western isles, you can get a Hopscotch ticket (I think its called) which will enable you to do a round trip.

Last year we did Mallaig-> Skye->Tarbert (Harris)->North Uist->Oban. Obviously you drive between the various ferry ports.

The cost worked out a bit cheaper than buying single tickets, like about "buy three, get one free".

There's a whole range of different routes avialable - log on to the Caledonian Macbrayne website to have a look. Don't know how big your camper is but a VW T5 size one like mine fits conveniently in the under 5metres category and makes the fares reasonably economical.

If you do get to the Outer Hebs, the west side of South Harris is stunning and an absolute must. North Harris is quite mountainous so if feel like some walking it would be great. White sand beaches run all the way down the west side of the Uists as well.

Just north of North Uist is Berneray, once an island but now connected to the former by a causeway. Its still loverly, though. If you need a break from the campervan there's a delightful simple hostel there with amazing views back to the mainland.

Re the campervan : it seems to be fairly well accepted that you can park almost anywhere and spend the night. We met people who were spending weeks or months on the islands just parked up on the machair by the beach. I can't rmember seeing any camp sites, in fact.

Let me know if you need any more ideas.

j
Click to expand...

Hiya J,

Thanks for all the information and suggestions of lovely places to camp and visit.

The last time I did a trip to Scotland was July 2008 and I got Hopscotch tickets then to ferry between mainland, Arran and Isle of Mull. This time I am going to plan my trip so I can find the best ticket for the trip. My campervan is a SWB so fortunately I pay the standard car rate.

Thanks again for the info, I am so glad people have taken the time to read this post and provide suggestions. By looks of it I may be able to plan my entire holiday from all the information here :D

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
Tringa said:
Skye

If you don't already have it I suggest having a look at this http://stephentrainor.com/tools
Click to expand...

Hiya Dave

Thanks so much for all the information and links to sites and your comments to the places. I will add the areas to my list. I reckon this is going to be an amazing holiday.

Cheers for the tools link, I will definitely look at that and use it in planning my route and for my photo planner.

I am so greatful for all the info.

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
JohnStewart said:
I had a one day tour of the area just a couple of weekends ago. Took a couple of snaps along the route. Just a handheld camera, no tripod, no filters, no planning. Half of them were even taken through the windows of the car :D

Shot of the Applecross Road:



I can recommend lunch at the Applecross Inn, on the shore front (turn left at the T junction).
Click to expand...

Yup, I can also recommend the Applecross Inn, but I'm not sure I'd fancy getting a Campervan up Bealach na Ba (the road in the photo).
 
hollis_f said:
Yup, I can also recommend the Applecross Inn, but I'm not sure I'd fancy getting a Campervan up Bealach na Ba (the road in the photo).
Click to expand...

:lol:

I may just try it anyway. My campervan managed the single track roads on the Isle of Mull and Arran, and some of those were steep.

Thanks

D :)
 
Ok, after chatting to some folk, seeing a program on TV I have decided to try my hand at a bit of 'wild' camping in Scotland ~ any ideas or suggestions of good placed/laybys I could use would help.

Also I have heard that one can pop into 'motorhome service points' to recharge batteries, dispose waste water, shower, etc, - any ideas of such places?

I also printed off loads of maps and info today in prep for my jollies.

Have a few weeks to plan everything and want to make this an amazing holiday.

Cheers

D :)
 
drodd said:
Ok, after chatting to some folk, seeing a program on TV I have decided to try my hand at a bit of 'wild' camping in Scotland ~ any ideas or suggestions of good placed/laybys I could use would help.

Also I have heard that one can pop into 'motorhome service points' to recharge batteries, dispose waste water, shower, etc, - any ideas of such places?

I also printed off loads of maps and info today in prep for my jollies.

Have a few weeks to plan everything and want to make this an amazing holiday.

Cheers

D :)
Click to expand...

I would imagine that local shops and inns would help with battery charging if you ask nicely. Just take as many spare batteries and chargers as you can. Also take at least twice as many memory cards as you think you'll need and don't be frightened to shoot in bad weather as well as good, often you'll get some great atmosphere in your shots. :)
 
goldenlight said:
I would imagine that local shops and inns would help with battery charging if you ask nicely. Just take as many spare batteries and chargers as you can. Also take at least twice as many memory cards as you think you'll need and don't be frightened to shoot in bad weather as well as good, often you'll get some great atmosphere in your shots. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks John

I never thought of asking shops & inns along the way, which gives me an idea about maybe finding out if there are any pubs en route who wouldn't mind me camping on their car park for the night.

I need to get more camera batteries, and possibly a spare charger. I have an 8GB and 4GB memory card, and will also be taking my netbook, so I could download pics to that and clear the memory cards. Also have an 8GB memory stick. I can imagine I will be taking loads of photos and the weather will not stop me (unless it is lashing it down), but hopefully I will be lucky with the weather.

Cheers

Dawn :)
 
goldenlight said:
I would imagine that local shops and inns would help with battery charging if you ask nicely. Just take as many spare batteries and chargers as you can. Also take at least twice as many memory cards as you think you'll need and don't be frightened to shoot in bad weather as well as good, often you'll get some great atmosphere in your shots. :)
Click to expand...

Never heard of motorhome service points, not in the UK anyway.....

If you mean charging camera batteries, couldn't you use car chargers that run off the cig lighter?

Personally, I wouldn't plan your overnight stops too carefully. Just cruise around till you find somewhere you like!
 
Can I use this as an excuse to post a few pics? :)

You will have an amazing time - such a great place for photography. I would say the weather is often pretty good for photos - you usually get a mixture of wind, sun and rain that is constantly changing and makes for some interesting conditions. Of course sometimes it just lashes down soidly for days but not that often ime.

4450338942_994090b137_z.jpg


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These are all from Lewis and Harris but the whole of the west coast and islands are amazing for photography imo. Lots of good wildlife too (eagles, dolphins etc etc).
 
The seals on the boat trip at Dunvegan castle are worth a visit as you can get really close to them. And the Applecross road is briiliant to drive on, I didn't get out of the car for the fun I was having. Ahh just read you're using a campervan, so prob not so relevent, but you got to love the sign that says its not for learners or inexperianced drivers, red rag to a bull!!
 
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