Scotland, the country I now call home, is jam packed full of landscape photography opportunities. Whether you are visiting on vacation or have caught the photography bug like me, then you will want to visit many different iconic locations. But where do you start? The country is huge and full of potential round every corner and twist in the road. Why not start by checking out my most favourite Scotland photography locations in the list below. You will hopefully find some inspiration for your next trip around this beautiful country. Why not comment below and tell others which places you like to visit whilst in Scotland.
Is it possible to love a mountain? Everytime I drive along the A82 through Rannoch Mor on the way through the mountain range, I always pull off and stop here. It has become a ritual. I love trying to capture this well photographed scene in different conditions and seasons. Sometimes there is more or less water down through the river, creating a different scene each time. During winter the area can become quite boggy and dangerous. Please be careful if you visit and I strongly recommend wearing wellies. Take the 1st left hand turn down to Glen Etive, after you have passed the Kings House Hotel on your right. There is a very small parking area near the bridge over the river Coupall. Please Click here to see the exact location on google maps. Why not have a peek at the Black and White version to see which image you prefer.
Same mountain as above, different angle. I have had this image on my to do list for many years. The night before I went up to scout out the local area and find the composition that I wanted. There was no snow at all. The following morning, as day broke, I was greeted to a light dusting on the tops which I was absolutely thrilled about. The small building in the bottom left of the image is Lagangarbh Hut and is itself a very popular focus point for many a stunning image of Glen Coe. There is a large lay-by on the side of the road near this location. It should be easy enough to find a spot. Especially if like me, you are up there for sunrise. Click here to see the exact location of the lay by on google maps.
If you are wanting to photograph one of Scotlands most famous castles then Eilean Donan Castle might be right up your street. It is famous for been the focal image on many shortbread tins throughout the years. This image of mine was taken past the castle and over the bridge at Dornie, next to the Dornie community hall. With the hills in the background falling away into the haze, it gives the scene a traditionally Scottish look. The late afternoon light catching the side of the castle helps make this a truly wonderful image. Please check out this colour version of Eilean Donan Castle and see which one you prefer. The light hitting the hills shows up very well in the colour version. Click here to see the exact location that I took this image from. What is also great about this location, is that it is found on the road to the Isle of Skye.
4 – Glenfinnan Monument – Loch Shiel
Another spectacular location to photograph is the area around Glenfinnan. As well as this truly breathtaking view down Loch Shiel, you will also find the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Framed by spectacular Scottish Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. As I arrived at this location the heavens looked as though they were just about to open. I quickly put the money in the parking machine, grabbed my bag and tri-pod and ran up to the viewing point to find the best possible view back down the loch. I was only able to fire off a couple of shots before the driving rain arrived. It went so dark and moody which I’m sure comes across in the final image. There is also a nice visitors centre here with a cafe. If you want to know what other facilities are available there then please visit their page on Visit Scotland. Click here to see the location on google maps that I took this image from.
The Isle of Skye has its own competition of favourite locations. I could spend weeks on the Island and still not capture all the iconic images I would want. The Quiraing is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks on the Isle of Skye. Safe to say there were quite a few photographers up on the ridge the morning of this image. Despite that fact, not one of them, including a workshop of around 10, was in the spot that I wanted. I used my Canon 16-35mm wide angle lens to capture this image as I really wanted the entire road in the foreground and thanks to that lens, I was able to achieve just that. I really love the clouds in this image, if you look really close it looks to me like a mini tornado is whipping up in the background. Click here if you would like to see the exact location that I shot this image from.
6 – Glen Coe River
This Glen Coe photograph with the three sisters in the background took a bit of effort to capture to say the least. Having reached out to some fellow photographers I quickly realised just how protective some can be when it comes to locations. I totally appreciate that if they have gone to great lengths to find the location themselves then why should they have to make my life easy. So, using google maps and a bit of my own local knowledge I was able to find the exact spot within 30mins of parking the car. I had the location completely to myself and loved every minute of it. I could happily have sat and had my lunch there for hours. Just the sound of the river, the wind and the local wildlife for company. Truly breathtaking. I used a Lee 0.6 soft graduated filter to darken the sky a touch. Together with the ND filter and a polariser I was able to slow down the flow of the water to create a slightly long exposure.
This sunrise print was captured on a very early morning summer shoot on the Isle of Skye. I feel the final image was well worth the 2am alarm call to get up and drive to the Old man of Stor. For thse who haven’t managed the hike up to this viewpoint it took myself around 1hour. Some were passing me on the way, some I overtook on the way. Yes, still busy even when I set off up the hill at 3am. This 50 megapixel image was captured using my Canon 5dsr camera as low as possible on my Manfrotto tri-pod. It did seem relatively calm until I made the final push to the top of a ridge where it was far more exposed. This image is part of my Scottish Islands Portfolio, which contains many other Isle of Skye prints.
8 – Elgol Rocks
If you have been to the Isle of Skye and have yet to make the long winding drive down to Elgol then I highly recommend it. The drive itself is worth the 30 minute or so journey with stunnng scenes round every bend. At Elgol the views looking over Loch Scavaig towards the Black Cuillins are truly breathtaking, whatever the weather. The sunsets from this location are something else too. I am yet to be at Elgol for sunset be I still like the composition and moody nature of the wet weather captured in this image. This image means a lot to me as my 10 year old daughter scrambled over the wet rocks to hold the umbrella over my camera equipment. A team effort. This image is part of my Scottish Islands Portfolio, which contains many other Isle of Skye prints.
That was very difficult to choose just a few iconic images for you to photograph from the whole of Scotland. What’s your thoughts? Have I missed out your favourite location? If so then drop me a message in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Please share your love and experiences of this wonderful country and how it may have inspired you like it has me. Thanks for reading – Chris
Wow Chris you sure are a brilliant photographer!
When I visited Scotland for the first time, I instantly fell in love!
There’s sooo much to explore and I cant wait to go back!
I love the detailed info you’ve given regarding each place. It really enables you to create a picture in your mind!