Scotland Lochinver & Assynt ideas?

[Tobers]

I'm going up to Lochinver & Assynt with some photography pals at the end of February. We are staying in a rented house on the coast which looks good. I fancy a bit of clambering up mountains (safely of course), some coastal shooting and all sorts of general landscaping.

Anyone been and have any tips?

Thanks!

 

[mulch]

Lochinver is one of my favourite places in the Highlands for both walking and generally exploring. Here are just a few photographic highlights in my opinion:-

Ardvreck Castle – located at the side of Loch Assynt.
For climbing Suilven takes some beating, but it’s about a nine hour return hike from near Lochinver....and a bit of a serious climb, so February might not be the best time to do it. The mountain itself is very photogenic, which can be seen from various vantage points near Lochinver.
To the south of Lochinver is Inverkirkaig and from here a walk of 4 miles (return) is the Falls of Kirkaig, a spectacular 60 foot torrent dropping into a pool below.
North of Lochinver is Stoer on the single track road B869, nice lighthouse worth a pic or two and if you fancy another 4 mile (return) walk, park up here and walk the coast path up to the Old Man of Stoer, a 200ft high rock stack just offshore.

Deer are all over this area, I’m sure if you walk around the harbour in the evening you will see them in peoples garden and on the road! In February they are in the low lands rather than up in the mountains so usually plenty of opportunities to get a good snap.

Hope some of the above is of use. Enjoy your trip...just writing this has got me very envious

 

[Tobers]

Thanks for that Mulch. I do have my eye on Suileven. I was thinking of taking my mountain bike and riding iup to the bothy nearby and overnighting there to do a sunset shoot then a dawn shoot, and climbing up if the conditions allow. I'll take fuel for the fire in as well, plus a nice warm sleeping bag & stuff.

We're staying in Inverkirkaig as it happens, so I'll look at those waterfalls. Thanks for that. I'll also give the lighthouse a go.

I'm really looking forward to this one.

 

[Moadib]

From Lochinver round to Achiltibuie the coast turns, with many bays. As the sunset is moving north, you can usually find a bay where the sun will set directly down the bay (TPE or such can help with research). You often get a bank of cloud/haze on the horizon, and it works really well with sunsets. Loch Assynt is very photogenic, both down at the castle end (nice view of Canisp too) and with the original trees and islands in the loch (see below). The inverpolly nature reserve is fabulous. Even the first views from the road when you catch sight of Stac Pollaidh are likely to have you stopping and reaching for your camera (it still does it to me every time!), and once you get in and scout some locations, it's excellent. The Cam Loch is a good place to photograph Suilven when you get the right light. Likewise Loch Lurgainn can work well for Stac Pollaidh (or even the smaller lochans nearer the road).

I couldn't write without recommending (a) the pies at the pie-shop in Lochinver, and (b) if you feel up to a meal out, both the Albannach (Badidarrach, near Lochinver) and the Summer Isles hotel (Achiltibuie) are really superb, albeit on a different price scale to the pies!


View down loch looking straight at sunset.

Loch Assynt, at North West end

 

[Tobers]

Crikey - that looks good, especially the second shot.

I've stopped at the pie shop before and had a haggis, neep & tattie pie - superb! Staple diet for the week I think.

Ta for the recommendations - I'll add them to the list and do some more research.

 

[donside]

Mulch is correct, in that it is a most photogenic area. In places the mountains just rise sheer out of the peat hags. This can make for a very long and arduous day!

If the weather in February is too icy/snowy for serious mountaineering, close by Ardvreck Castle is the mountain Quinaig. (pro Cuinag) This is usually an easy uphill stroll from the roadside, but offers some great views from the top, in all directions.

View attachment 5301
This is Quinaig, behind the castle. Below is the other side of the mountain at Kylesku.
View attachment 5302

Looking forward to your photos on your return. I wish I was coming with you! Good luck.

 

[Deleted member 25799]

Loch Assynt, at North West end

This is stunning.

 

[Tringa]

I'd add an ascent of Stac Pollaidh. It an easy walk and the view north from the col is stunning. Unfortunately the erosion on the south side has resulted in the ascent going around the east end of the hill so you don't suddenly get hit by the view as you used to do. However, still well worth the walk.

For a longer walk fairly close by have a look at Ben More Coigach and/or Sgurr an Fhidhlier; both are a few miles south of Stac Pollaidh but you'll need to take the longish road around towards Cullnacraig.

Dave