Scotland Skye, Harris & Lewis + Highlands

Hugo Drax

Hugo Drax

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Andrew
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I am flying into Inverness in 10 days and having never been there before (at least not since I was very young) was looking for a few pointers for photospots (mainly land and seascape). Happy enough to spend most of the day driving around exploring but particularly keen to hit some good spots for sunrise and sunsets.

I have four nights on Skye, two on Harris & Lewis for two nights and a couple in Inverness (for late/ early flights) at the start/ end

Will be myself and pretty good at fitting a lot in but to avoid driving around aimlessly (which I will do some of) trying to target a few places

Still in the planning phase but current thinking is:
Highlands - drive via Garve to Torridon on the way out and A87 on the way back , Shieldaig, Plockton, Eilean Donan (sunset), Glen Sheil, Loch Ness, Loch Duich
Skye - Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Neist Point, Sgurr Dearg, Talisker Bay, Uig sands
Harris & Lewis - Luskentyre, Butt of Lewis, Callanish, Taobh Tuath, Rodel

Anywhere else I would look or anywhere you not bother with? Am particularly interested in where I can get the best views of Cuillins and happy enough to walk/ scramble for a good hours

Thanks in advance
 
The stretch of coast between Luskentyre and Rodel on Harris is wonderful. Beautiful beaches at Seilebost, Horgabost, Scarista and weird saltmarshes just to the north of Leverburgh.

On Skye, if you get good weather the vista across to the main Cuillin arc from near the summit of Bla Bheinn is superb. Hillwalking boots needed though. Otherwise the somewhat cliched views from around Sligachan and Elgol.
 
A good itinerary Andrew. These might be on your mental list, and you didn't mention them, but Applecross and the Pass of the Cattle are worth visiting. Best time to stop at the Pass around the time you are visiting is between sunrise and about midday. Later in the afternoon the sun is behind Skye.

If you do go there and the weather is good there is a very short walk from the car park at the Pass. Go south on the road for about 0.25km and take the track (which goes roughly east) on the other other side of the road towards the radio/telephone mast on a nearby hill top. The walk is easy and short and must give one of the best views for very little effort.

Dave

PS Hope the current weather holds for you. I'm on the west coast of the mainland now and it it too hot for me to sit out.
 
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Mountkeen said:
The stretch of coast between Luskentyre and Rodel on Harris is wonderful. Beautiful beaches at Seilebost, Horgabost, Scarista and weird saltmarshes just to the north of Leverburgh.

On Skye, if you get good weather the vista across to the main Cuillin arc from near the summit of Bla Bheinn is superb. Hillwalking boots needed though. Otherwise the somewhat cliched views from around Sligachan and Elgol.
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That is great, thanks

I will definitely look all of those up. Yeah the weather is obviously the x-factor but will try and make the most of whatever is thrown my way
 
Tringa said:
A good itinerary Andrew. These might be on your mental list, and you didn't mention them, but Applecross and the Pass of the Cattle are worth visiting. Best time to stop at the Pass around the time you are visiting is between sunrise and about midday. Later in the afternoon the sun is behind Skye.

If you do go there and the weather is good there is a very short walk from the car park at the Pass. Go south on the road for about 0.25km and take the track (which goes roughly east) on the other other side of the road towards the radio/telephone mast on a nearby hill top. The walk is easy and short and must give one of the best views for very little effort.

Dave

PS Hope the current weather holds for you. I'm on the west coast of the mainland now and it it too hot for me to sit out.
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Dave

Thanks so much. I hope it is a good plan but not too sure if am trying to fit too much in and the weather may mean I have to be flexible

No I didn't have Applecross and the Pass of the Cattle on my list at all so will have a look at that too. I have a bit of time on the way so should be able to fit that in
 
Uig sands are on Lewis, dont mistake them with Uig on Skye which is where the ferry terminal is.
Elgol on Skye is worth a visit if you have time. Also fairy glen (near Uig).
Be prepared for a lot of driving as its a bigger area than you think. Quiraing and Old man of Storr are best for sunrise shots (do one each morning). Fairy Glen, fairy pools, Sligachan etc can be for during the day with neist point, talisker, elgol saved for sunsets. All subject to weather.
 
Trying to fit too much in is common in Scotland. It is, as Marie has noted, deceptively large and with stunning views in abundance, stops are frequent.

It would be possible to do a trip that takes in some of the things on your list and Applecross and the Pass on your way from Inverness to Skye but it would be a long day, close to 150 miles before you set foot on Skye. This would need a good day, there really is little point in going over the Pass in poor weather.

Dave
 
canon_togger said:
Uig sands are on Lewis, dont mistake them with Uig on Skye which is where the ferry terminal is.
Elgol on Skye is worth a visit if you have time. Also fairy glen (near Uig).
Be prepared for a lot of driving as its a bigger area than you think. Quiraing and Old man of Storr are best for sunrise shots (do one each morning). Fairy Glen, fairy pools, Sligachan etc can be for during the day with neist point, talisker, elgol saved for sunsets. All subject to weather.
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Cool thanks

I am staying at Uig for a couple of night when I come back from Harris & Lewis and Portree for the first couple so will definitely get to Storr and Quiraing early. The driving distances look short but I am expecting they will take longer than I expect.
 
Tringa said:
Trying to fit too much in is common in Scotland. It is, as Marie has noted, deceptively large and with stunning views in abundance, stops are frequent.

It would be possible to do a trip that takes in some of the things on your list and Applecross and the Pass on your way from Inverness to Skye but it would be a long day, close to 150 miles before you set foot on Skye. This would need a good day, there really is little point in going over the Pass in poor weather.

Dave
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Yeah, I guess it better to have too much than too little to do and see and but will definitely be stopping off when I get the chance. I am pretty good at getting up early fortunately and keen to make the most of being there.

I don't mind walking in the rain but not so great for photos...
 
minnnt said:
@MattyW is your man for all things Skye, Harris and Lewis. He is a great mentor and tutor. Highland guru fo' sho'.

For example... https://flic.kr/p/y63axn
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Wow, some great shots in there

Thanks so much everyone, have plenty to keep me busy when I am there and really looking forward to it. Very re-assuring to know that I am roughly on the right lines with my plan (albeit maybe too ambitious as want to some decent length walks as well)

Will report back and bore you with shots :)
 
Isn't a bit intrusive to message these guys? I have never spoken to them before and would feel a bit awkward although some amazing shots on Matty's stream
 
@MattyW comes across as the shy quiet type but really he loves it. He's very generous with his help. It's how i learned... He's a good tutor and gives you good feedback on your shots afterwards. Very good value for money.
 
AdamSi said:
Someone else that I'm sure would have good input would be @ST4
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Cheers. Most of the locations have been mentioned.

I'd of course recommend a stop on the way there towards Glencoe and Rannoch moor plus a stop at Kintail.

Why:here is why

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/index.php?threads/Buachaille-Etive-Mor-(Colour-and-BNW).616187/

Skye's fun, changeable weather but it can be exciting, fun and rewarding.

I'd add Torin (it's on the way to Elgol) for the AM list as well as the lochan just before it not long as you leave Broadforc for Elgol.

Elgol itself has a variety of shots. Sunset, golden hour on the beach, up high etc. Explore and play with compositions.

Don't rule out shooting the Storr from the lochan below and also brides veil waterfall.

Lewis etc I know nothing about.

Elgol done a little differently to the norm

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/index.php?threads/Elgol,-Light-to-dusk.617677/
 
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Nothing much to add on the locations above Andrew, but past experience in the west of Scotland suggests it might be worth having a think about making the best of poor weather if you are unlucky enough to hit it. Fingers crossed that this might only be Plan C or D, but moody weather shots can be fine if you've got a few ideas with you! (y)

This sort of thing is what I was meaning
P1010384 TP forum.jpg
 
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MattyW said:
Ignore @minnnt being the end of a bell, but shoot me a message if you've got any questions dude. Happy to help ✌️
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ST4 said:
Cheers. Most of the locations have been mentioned.

I'd of course recommend a stop on the way there towards Glencoe and Rannoch moor plus a stop at Kintail.

Why:here is why

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/index.php?threads/Buachaille-Etive-Mor-(Colour-and-BNW).616187/

Skye's fun, changeable weather but it can be exciting, fun and rewarding.

I'd add Torin (it's on the way to Elgol) for the AM list as well as the lochan just before it not long as you leave Broadforc for Elgol.

Elgol itself has a variety of shots. Sunset, golden hour on the beach, up high etc. Explore and play with compositions.

Don't rule out shooting the Storr from the lochan below and also brides veil waterfall.

Lewis etc I know nothing about.

Elgol done a little differently to the norm

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/index.php?threads/Elgol,-Light-to-dusk.617677/
Click to expand...

Thanks ever so much guys, much appreciated.

I am flying into Inverness so won't be able to fit Glencoe in but have been there a lot (from my climbing days) and will certainly return for some proper photos in the next couple of years

I am glad I asked on here and everyone has been so helpful so think I plenty of info. Leave on Tuesday so just sorting a final plan and downloading some good walking routes into my GPS

I will share some shots when I get back if I get anything worthy
 
Peter B said:
Nothing much to add on the locations above Andrew, but past experience in the west of Scotland suggests it might be worth having a think about making the best of poor weather if you are unlucky enough to hit it. Fingers crossed that this might only be Plan C or D, but moody weather shots can be fine if you've got a few ideas with you! (y)

This sort of thing is what I was meaning
View attachment 59790
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Thanks Peter, lovely shot and I am a fan of moody dark shots too so won't be put off and try and make the most of what the weather throws my way
 
You might know this site already Andrew but, if not, have a look at the WalkHighlands site - http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

It has lots of walks all over Scotland, everything from gentle short strolls to mountain ascents.

Dave
 
Tringa said:
You might know this site already Andrew but, if not, have a look at the WalkHighlands site - http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

It has lots of walks all over Scotland, everything from gentle short strolls to mountain ascents.

Dave
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Thanks Dave, I did find that site and have been using it. Such a good site for planning and have a some walks downloaded so shouldn't get lost!
 
I am back now and would like to thank you all for your suggestions and feedback, it made my trip much more enjoyable

The weather was as expected - a challenge at times but adding to the photos a lot of the time too. No decent sunsets and sunrises but plenty of clouds and blue skies for at least a few hours

Will share some shots on the forum when I get round to working through
 
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