Trip created by David Russell
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Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
Trip Type: Photography
Comfort: Classic
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryOften described as the last wilderness in Scotland, the Knoydart peninsula has an island atmosphere, isolated from the rest of the Western Highlands by the ‘rough bounds’, a notorious strip of mountainous terrain. For this reason, Knoydart has always been best accessed by boat which we use to our advantage during the week.
From our accommodation on the tip of the peninsula we can also explore the nearby islands of Skye, Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, providing an appetising contrast of landscapes to work with during the holiday. On the boat trips we can expect to encounter whales, dolphins and porpoises, while sightings of golden eagles are common on Knoydart. Colin Prior’s photographic knowledge of the Highlands is second to none – and this region is one of his absolute favourites.
This photography holiday is based at a remote wilderness lodge on the western tip of Knoydart. During the week, we have access a boat which means that we can easily visit many remote coastal areas, allowing us unique opportunities to interact with the landscape. The surrounding area of Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn as well as the Small Isles archipelago and Skye are all within reach although we will select our daily destinations based on the weather and the best opportunities for our photography workshops.
We meet in Mallaig which is easily reached by car or train via the spectacular West Highland Railway Line. A short transfer by boat takes us to our base at Doune on the very tip of the Knoydart Peninsula. An informal introductory presentation will establish the aspirations of individuals and we will discuss the week’s photographic opportunities based on the most accurate weather forecasts. (D)
After breakfast, we depart on the ‘Mary Doune’ to explore Loch Hourn visiting an area of outstanding beauty with stands of Caledonian pines. Dominated by the high summits of Ladhar Bheinn, Knoydart boasts two other Munros, Luinne Bheinn and Meall Bhuide. We’ll also search for seal colonies at the head of Loch Hourn. These all provide excellent scope for photography and our workshop will help you capture the images in your preferred style. (B, L, D)
Once again aboard ‘Mary Doune’, we speed across the Sound of Sleat towards Eigg. Eigg has fascinating geology and hosts many wonders, including the unmistakable peak of An Sgurr, which is composed of pitchstone. Further north lies Laig Bay which affords stunning vistas to the Isle of Rum and creates a backdrop for the volcanic beaches of Laig Bay, making it a must visit destination for any photography holiday in Scotland. (B, L, D)
Crossing the Sound of Sleat, we head for Loch Scavaig and where there is a huge seal colony. We disembark and walk to the head of Loch Coruisk, which sits in an amphitheatre created by the main peaks of the Cuillin. With stunning landscapes, exciting wildlife and dramatic seas you are spoilt for choice when picking your photography subjects on this workshop. (B, L, D)
Depending on sea conditions, we will head for Bloodstone Bay on Rum where we explore caves and sea stacks. Climbing up and over into Bloodstone Bay it is possible to find bloodstones, which are a duck-egg green colour, blotched with red oxides. Red deer are often seen on the shores feeding on kelp. Rum also boasts a very unusual castle with many features of interest to the photographer. (B, L, D)
A rarely-visited island – yet one of the jewels of the Hebrides. Stunning vistas of the western faces of the Cuillin mountains on Skye and unusual vantage points for the mainland hills, allows us to photograph familiar landscapes with a fresh outlook. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides are visible over the waters of the Minch. (B, L, D)
Cruising past the east coast of Eigg we arrive at Muck in just over an hour. Here we will work on the white sandy beaches before heading out over the headland and, if the tidal conditions permit, to Horse Island. (B, L, D)
Following a relaxed breakfast, we board the launch boat and, keeping our eyes open for Minke Whales which are often spotted in these waters, return to Mallaig. For those travelling by rail, we arrive in Mallaig in time to catch the mid-morning train back to Glasgow. (B)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation on Knoydart is an alpine- style wilderness lodge set right by the beach amongst magnificent coastal and mountain scenery, and views across to Skye.
With a spacious interior, you will be allocated a single room unless you request a double/twin. Bedrooms are located on the upper level while the ground floor consists of a large lounge and open plan kitchen (this is for tea & coffee – we dine in the restaurant). Shared bathroom facilities are adjacent to the kitchen, with showers, basins & toilets – there are no en-suite rooms.
Freshly prepared, locally sourced meals are taken in the adjacent “Taste of Scotland” accredited restaurant and are a real highlight of this trip, with freshly caught seafood a particular speciality. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. The restaurant is licensed and offers an excellent choice of wines, beers and spirits
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You will be met by Colin Prior on the main platform at Mallaig Railway Station at 5:50pm on Day 1 of your trip. The time coincides with the arrival of the train from Glasgow. You will be dropped back at 10.00am on the last day in time for 10.10am train For full details on how to get to Mallaig, please see our website: Recommended Travel.
For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website:
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY COACH
Colin Prior is one of Britain’s leading landscape photographers. His spectacular panoramic images capture the beauty and eternal quality of the world’s wild places, especially those of his own native Scotland.
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| Trip Dates for 2019 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th May - 18th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,725 | |
| 18th May - 25th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,725 | |
| 6th Jul - 13th Jul 2019 | 5 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 3rd Aug - 10th Aug 2019 | 2 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
As an avid adventurer, Stevie has life-long experience in Scotland’s outdoors. He’s Co-Owner and Head of Adventure with Wilderness and been with us for over 15 years in a variety of roles, with innovative trip design being both a passion and a speciality. In his spare time, Stevie runs the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival, bringing the world’s most inspiring adventure film makers and athletes to an audience of over 1,500 each year. His experience of living in the Cairngorms National Park for over 7 years has helped design this exciting walking trip.
- Stevie Christie
Call Stevie Ask Stevie a QuestionGreen Graded Photography Holidays 1-3
Our Green graded photography trips are suitable for people who enjoy outdoor photography and easy hiking, and have a reasonable level of fitness. We will be accessing wild locations to photograph so you should be comfortable hiking for up to 3 hours at a time. Our Knoydart trip utilises a private launch and dinghy to access some remote locations so for this trip you must be also be comfortable getting in and out of the dinghy.
The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. The days are fairly leisurely and we spend about 6-8 hours outdoors. Out timetable will be flexible however, so we may head out early for a few hours before taking a break and going out again in the evening to take advantage of the best light.
Our photography trips are not graded by your degree of photography skill – a small group size means you will have lots of time for one-to-one tuition regardless of your starting level.
Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 32 review(s) of Photography – Knoydart and the Small Isles
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
Kathy Kavolinas
Reviewed on 17/08/2018
The Bottom Line
Bob Jones
Reviewed on 16/08/2018
The Bottom Line
Steve Pears
Reviewed on 15/08/2018
The Bottom Line
Knoydart is a beautiful, remote location. Colin is a great host and photographer who will help you to improve your photography. The food is delicious and plentiful.
Monica Ferro
Reviewed on 14/08/2018
The Bottom Line
I am recommending you to all my friends. Amazing experience
Simon Coupe
Reviewed on 06/06/2018
The Bottom Line
Excellent trip, exceeded expectations.
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