Wild Photography Holidays - Photography & Adventure Travel: Scotland’s Far Northwest – Coigach and Assynt with Dougie Cunningham

Scotland’s Far Northwest – Coigach and Assynt with Dougie Cunningham

Highlights include…

• Achmelvich Beach
• Clachtoll beach
• Wailing Widow Falls
• Reiff
• Stac Pollaidh from Loch Bad a’ Ghaill and the Aird of Coigach
• Achnahaird
• Ardvreck Castle, Loch Assynt
• Loch Druim Suardalain
• Inverpolly from Creag Dharaich
• Clashnessie Falls
• Stac Pollaidh summit ridge
• Old Man of Stoer
• Elphin Bothy

Introduction

Coigach and Assynt lie in the far northwest of Scotland, and together they combine to make up one of the most wild and beautiful areas in the Scotland. Here we will encounter a landscape full of open spaces where huge skies lend a magical quality to the light that is a joy to photograph.

We will be exploring a unique range of island mountains set amongst a landscape of knocks and lochans that surpass the the more oft visited mountains and glens of Scotland. Stac Pollaidh and Suilven in particular are amongst the most photogenic of all Scottish mountains and will feature in the backdrop of several venues we visit. The local rocks attract geology students from far and wide, and for us provide not only unique vistas but also some incredibly fine photographic detail. Looking towards the coast, we will enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches on the Scottish mainland including Achmelvich and Clachtoll plus some of the most dramatic and characterful sea cliffs at Reiff.

There is more to Coigach and Assynt than can easily be described – it is the sort of place you need to experience. There will be plenty of time to explore, soak in the atmosphere and truly connect with each of the incredible places we visit. Out in the field there will be the option of photographic guidance and advice from guide/tutor Dougie Cunningham. Along with our time in the field, we will have evening sessions to review the days images, consider different creative decisions, photographic techniques and ways to post process our images.

Photographic Tutor

Dougie Cunningham is a professional Scottish landscape photographer whose many clients include The National Trust for Scotland, Field Magazine, The Great Outdoors and Wanderlust. Dougie recently wrote a best-selling guidebook Photographing Scotland, he is currently writing a walking guidebook for the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership. Dougie is a Scottish adventurer born and bred and there is no one better suited to ensure that participants get a true insight into the stunning and often hidden landscapes of Coigach and Assynt.

Brief Itinerary

For full details please download the trip description PDF

We will have just one base in Lochinver for the whole duration of this workshop. In our experience this will allow participants to relax into a daily routine safe in the knowledge that we return to the same base each evening. Lochinver itself is a beautiful location and is perfectly placed for our photographic excursions.

Day 1: Arrive in Loch Inver

There will be a pre-booked and timed transfers from Inverness mid morning to our hotel in Loch Inver. We will meet together as a group at 15:00 for introductions and a trip briefing. If the conditions are suitable we will go out to a sunset location followed by dinner at our Hotel.
Hotel Lochinver (D)

Days 2-7: Various Locations

As is often the case our exact itinerary will always be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions, each evening Dougie will discuss with participants plans for the following days outings. There are a couple of longer trips that will depend very much on the weather conditions and the fitness of participants, these will be optional. Following is a list of locations that will be included in our six full days of photography.
Hotel Lochinver (B,L,D)

Achmelvich

This location has a little bit of everything. Crystal clear turquoise waters, and a chain of sandy beaches, with the finest white shell sands on the west coast. Add to this a long stretch of the machair and some great rocky headlands to explore, a perfect photography location. The Hermit’s Castle brings an unusual twist to things for those that find it!

Clachtoll

Not far along the coast from Achmelvich, Clachtoll has a completely unique character, and many stunning features to discover. The famous Split Rock is a powerful subject, particularly when there is a good swell coming in, and the salmon bothy gives us an insight into the history of the area.

Wailing Widow Falls

The Allt Chrànaidh can’t flow more than 50m from Loch na Gainmhich before it tumbles suddenly into a deep slot gorge. Viewed from the top, it makes for a pretty unique sight, with the small loch emptying immediately into a stunning waterfall. We can also scramble up the gorge from below, entering into a secluded and magical world where the intricate detail is as fascinating as the scene in its entirety.

Reiff

At the western end of the Coigach peninsula is the tiny hamlet of Reiff. There is as much detail to be found inland as there is drama in the cliffs and rocks along the coastline. It’s a place that feels wild, and is different every time you visit.

Stac Pollaidh from Loch Bad a’ Ghaill and the Aird of Coigach

Stac Pollaidh is one of the very finest mountains in Scotland, making up in character what it lacks in height. The banks of Loch Bad a’ Ghaill offer some great views back to the towering summit ridge. Perhaps the real prize here is found when we explore the Aird of Coigach, where the stone and heather provide the foreground to set against the backdrop of Inverpolly. From here we have views not just of Stac Pollaidh, but across to Suilven too.

Achnahaird

This lovely location has an expansive feel, with superb views across to the Island Mountains of Inverpolly, there are not many beaches to rival it for photography.

Ardvreck Castle and Loch Assynt

Loch Assynt is the largest inland body of water in the area, and is set amongst some spectacular scenery. Ardvreck Castle is well-placed on a small peninsula and can be photographed against Quinag in the distance. Further along the loch as several small islands with stands of pine trees – perfect photography fodder!

Loch Druim Suardalain

Not far from our base in Lochinver is Loch Druim Suardalain. Its intricate northern shore creates an intimate atmosphere, while it boasts one of the very finest views of Suilven in the area.

Inverpolly from Creag Dharaich

This viewpoint is another that is only a short drive from our accommodation. With elevated views across the whole of Inverpolly, this is the perfect place for sunrise, but can also be incredible at the tail end of the day if the conditions look better then. From here, all the island mountains of Assynt line up perfectly along the horizon, making for a truly world-class location.

Clashnessie Falls

A short walk from the road near Drumbeg is Clashnessie Falls. There are many waterfalls in the area although Clashnessie has easy access and a host of beautiful features combining to make a perfect venue for photographers. This is a great place to work the lines and textures in the landscape, using the falls as a backdrop.

Stac Pollaidh Summit Ridge

A more demanding location which will depend on conditions as well as the fitness and willingness of the group. On arrival at the car park, a brief detour to the shore of Lurgainn gives us an excellent view back towards our objective for the day, the summit ridge of Stac Pollaidh. The climb itself is short but steep. On rounding the shoulder of the hill around half way through the ascent, you will enjoy views out over Suilven and Cul Mor. The ridge itself is intricate and has many beautifully weathered sandstone features, along with an incredible vista stretching in every direction. We can’t guarantee that this will feature on the tour, but this will be a place never forgotten!

Old Man of Stoer

Another classic location requiring a bit of an effort but so well worth it! The Old Man of Stoer one of the finest sea-stacks in Scotland. The round trip is approximately 7km over mixed terrain. Our first view of the stack will be a little over half-way through the outbound leg, from a fine cliff-top perch. Continuing to the point at the north end of the peninsula opens up many more views of the pinnacle.

Day 8: Homeward Travel

If the weather conditions are suitable we will enjoy a last sunrise in a location not too far from our hotel.
Following our final breakfast together there will be a pre-booked and timed transfer to Inverness from our hotel in Lochinver.
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Joining Arrangements and Transfers

The trip officially starts on Day 1 at our Hotel in Lochinver. There will be a transfer from Inverness to Lochinver on Day 1 & Lochinver to Inverness on Day 8. Regarding timing and pick-up location please get in touch with the office closer to the departure time.
Inverness is considered to be the gateway to the Highlands and is well served by domestic/international flights, train and the UK national bus service. For participants who wish to drive themselves to Lochinver there is parking at the hotel.

What’s Included

• Accommodation 7 hotel nights
• Single rooms with private bathrooms
• All meals
• Photographic tuition
• Transfers to and from Inverness

What’s not Included

• Flights
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks and beverages other than with meals
• Travel insurance

Full Details

This page is only a brief summary and more details can be found in our trip description PDF
It is important that you read this full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.