- Improve your photography skills in the company of Colin Prior – one of the UK’s leading landscape photographers
- Access to some of the finest wilderness landscapes in Scotland by using our private boat
- Capture the spectacular mountain scenery and encounter wildlife such as eagles and dolphins
- Sample fresh local cuisine in the award winning restaurant at our remote lodge
- 7 nights accommodation in a remote Wilderness Lodge by the shore. Each client will have their own single room, unless a twin or double room is requested.
- Breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals are included throughout (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All boat transfers during the holiday, starting and finishing in Mallaig
- The services of Colin Prior, who will work closely with each group member throughout the trip, helping you develop your photographic skills.
Green 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.
12th May - 19th May 2018
Colin Prior
One of the world's leading landscape photographers and a naturalist in his own right.19th May - 26th May 2018
Colin Prior
One of the world's leading landscape photographers and a naturalist in his own right.4th Aug - 11th Aug 2018
Colin Prior
One of the world's leading landscape photographers and a naturalist in his own right.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 specialty. 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:
Customer Kudos
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.
by Helen Brown 26/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by Tom Lovatt 16/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Very helpful whenever I called or emailed.
Trip Comments
The workshop was terrific. Colin spent time with everyone giving individual instruction. He was a delight to be with, and I learned a lot.
Accommodation and Food
I enjoyed my stay at Doune at Knoydart. All the staff was very friendly and enjoyable, including Andy and Robin who took us to many beautiful places on the Mary Doune. Each meal was absolutely delicious. My only complaint was that they fed us to much.
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
I will recommend this trip to all my photo friends.
by Bronwyn Stafford 15/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I had "problems" with my credit card and when I phoned, the staff were extraordinarily helpful.
Trip Comments
This trip was exactly how it was described and just what I wanted.
Accommodation and Food
What a wonderful place, stunning food and great people. The accommodation was simple but had everything I needed. Every meal was a delight that showcased the best of local produce. The staff were exceptional.
Your Guide
The combined experience, knowledge and talents of Andy and Colin made the most of the weather and the locations to provide a range of photographic opportunities.
The Bottom Line
Wilderness Scotland is my first choice when I'm looking for a trip that features outdoor activities that suit my interests, ability level and budget.
by Robert Hoornweg 07/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I did like the trip very much. Colin Prior is an excellent instructor and I learned a great deal form him. There's one thing that could be better though. The equipment list I received seems to be an equipment list for walking holiday's. Perhaps it could be a bit more tailored for the photography trip? For example, a head torch wan't really necessary.
Trip Comments
See my previous comment.
Accommodation and Food
Although the accommodation at Doune was very basic, it was adequate and served it's purpose. It also helped in getting the group together. I felt it was a part of the whole experience. The food was excellent! No comment there :-D
Your Guide
The staff on the Mary Doune was very helpful and knowledgeable. And Colin Prior is a very nice person. He helped me in getting to know much more on photography, composition and my camera.
My compliments to the staff of the restaurant also!
The Bottom Line
by Robert Wallace 30/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Questions asked were answered promptly and correctly. Joining directions were sent straight from Colin Prior and contained all I needed to know pre-trip.
Trip Comments
The trips from Knoydart to the small isles were weather dependent so we didn't get to cover all of the advertised locations - but we did go to an interesting location each day. The technical focus of the trip was on optimising the use of our cameras through manual focus and exposure. The creative focus of the trip was in learning to see landscapes not just in big vistas but also in 'intimate' lanscapes prehaps with just a few flowers and a rock.
We also had the chance to shoot birds and seals so wildlife was covered too.
The hostel was adequate for the type of trip, and the food the restaurant 100m walk from the hostel was exceleent - salmon, venison, prawns, lamb, haddock...
The boat crew were always helpful and chatty and looked after us well taking care of camera bags during transfers and providing cups of tea on return to the boat.
Accommodation and Food
It wasn't 5 star accommodation, but the hostel was as described, single rooms upstairs and bathroom, kitchen, and lounge downstairs. Tea and coffee ingredients were provided.
Food in restaurant was excellent, cooked breakfast and 3 course evening meal each day.
Your Guide
Colin Prior is a top class landscape photographer and gave us top class tips on how to get the best use from our equipment and encouraged us to 'see' different types of landscape.
The Bottom Line
The trip was everything I expected, with excellent tuition and care from the restaurant staff and boat crew.
by Uwe Bairischer 30/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Colin was great. He was always very encouraging. It was areal pleasure. Locations have been great. Also the lodge.
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
see before comment
The Bottom Line
Just great
by Rita Chan 23/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Detailed info was provided and prompt responses given on queries and requests for additional info
Trip Comments
knowledgeable and friendly guide, great food
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by Stephanie Chadwick 21/09/2016
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
only that the weather was poor
Accommodation and Food
food was excellent, accommodation was basic ( but we knew it would be)
Your Guide
the staff at Doune were wonderful. Colin was fun and informative and we learned a great deal.
The Bottom Line
A shame about the weather which limited our photography completely on 2 days and made it pretty difficult for another 2 days. Colin was a great teacher and there was plenty of opportunity to ask one to one advice. The food was outstanding and the local knowledge imparted by Andy and Mark on the boat was really helpful. Highlight was spotting a golden eagle,a storm petrel and a very photogenic otter.
by John Seager 22/08/2016
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Tour leader, Colin Prior, was excellent. Very informative and great relaxed style. The food at Knoydart was absolutely first class!
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
Excellent photography coaching in stunning location at a great relaxed pace.
by Katrina Felton 16/08/2016
Pre-Trip Service
Everything was fab!
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
Brilliant...pack your bags and just do it!
Prices and Departures
11 people viewed this trip in the last week1 Booking in the last 72 hours
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
2018 Trip Dates
2019 Trip Dates
Trip Details
Often 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.
What’s included in this photography holiday:
- 7 nights accommodation in a wilderness lodge in Knoydart
- All meals
- All boat transfers during the holiday, starting and finishing in Mallaig
- Tuition, coaching and guidance from Colin Prior throughout the trip
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – The Photography Holiday Begins!
We meet in Mallaig for this unique photography holiday, 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 week’s photographic opportunities based on the most accurate weather forecasts. (D)
Day 2 – Initial photography workshop with Colin Prior
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 Murnros, 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)
Day 3 – The Isle of Eigg
Using our fast boat, the ‘Mary Doune’, we speed across the Sound of Sleat towards Eigg. Eigg has fascinating geology and hosts many curios, including the unmistakable Sgurr, which is composed of pitchstone. Further north lies Laig Bay which affords stunning vistas to the Isle of Rhum 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)
Day 4 – The Isle of Skye
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 surrounded by the main peaks of the Cuillin. There are many options to focus on during this photography workshop such as the landscape, the wildlife and the ocean. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – The Isle of Rum
This fascinating island offers superb landscape photography in addition to excellent wildlife possibilities – during May and June the cliffs are alive with nesting seabirds which include gulliemots, puffins with food for their young. The large population of red deer also make excellent subjects for our photography. The whole island is a Nature Reserve with a fascinating natural and social history which we’ll discover on this memorable outing. Rum also boasts a very unusual castle with many features of interest to the photographer. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – A visit to Canna
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)
Day 7 – Muck
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)
Day 8 – Return to Mallaig
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)
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PhonePrices and Departures
11 people viewed this trip in the last week1 Booking in the last 72 hours
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
