A land of contrasts, Scotland offers a wealth of opportunities for landscape photographers. Its relatively small size houses a wide variety landscapes and subjects covering everything from remote, rugged mountains and rolling hills to stunning coastlines, wild moorland landscapes and historic castles. Its diverse landscape and dramatic lighting make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to capture breathtaking images. Here's our take on the top photo spots in the highlands of Scotland.
Glen Coe
Glen Coe is on every photographers must shoot list. A spectacular valley in the Scottish Highlands, it's renowned for its rugged, dramatic mountains. You'll find it busy with hikers, photographers and tourists from all over the world and for good reason. Many of the best sights will require some walking, but there are also some classic photos that can be captured without putting on your hiking boots.
Buachaille Etive Mor
This magnificent mountain, with its pyramid shape, is located at the head of Glen Coe and is an iconic subject for landscape photography. The mountain offers a range of photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of the surrounding landscape to intimate close-ups of the mountain itself.
Loch Achtriochtan
Located near the entrance to Glen Coe, the loch offers a picturesque setting, especially during the autumn months when the surrounding hills are clad in golden hues and the still water of the loch allows you to incorporate reflections into your composition
The Devil's Staircase:
The Devil's Staircase is a mountain pass located between Glen Coe and Glen Etive with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular area for hiking as well as photography but there will be no shortage of opportunities for quiet reflection, even at the busiest times.
Lagangarbh Hut
A short walk from the main road, this desolate crofter's cottage against the backdrop of a craggy mountain peak is a classic view to be captured by any photographer visiting Glen Coe. With the river in the foreground or viewed from the nearby bridge, there are many ways to make this scene your own.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a photographer's dream destination with its rugged coastline, soaring mountains, and otherworldly landscapes. Here are some of the best photo locations on the Isle of Skye.
The Old Man of Storr:
This iconic rock formation is one of the most photographed locations on the Isle of Skye and indeed in all of the UK. It offers a view of the surrounding landscape that Tolkein would recognize, and the sunrise or sunset lighting can create a magical atmosphere.
Quiraing:
This otherworldly landscape offers incredible views of the rugged cliffs, rock formations, and rolling hills. It is a challenging location to photograph due to its steep incline, but the reward is well worth the effort, especially if the weather provides some moody clouds
Fairy Pools:
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. The area offers a range of photographic opportunities, from intimate close-ups of the waterfalls to wide-angle shots of the surrounding mountains. Walking along the river will present almost endless options, especially if you take your tripod into the river itself.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the Neist Point Lighthouse provides terrific views of the surrounding coastline. Not far from the parking lot you can capture the classic view of the headland and light house, but if time permits, wander the area in search of something different, particularly at sunset.
Sligachan Bridge
The bridge is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by the rugged Cuillin Mountains. The scenery is stunning, with waterfalls, rivers, and dramatic mountain landscapes that make for great photos. The changing weather conditions in the area can create dramatic lighting conditions, with shafts of sunlight breaking through the clouds, casting shadows across the landscape, or illuminating the Cuillin Mountains in the distance, so be patient, if you don't like the light, just wait a few minutes as it can change on a dime as the weather rolls in.
The North Coast 500
If you have 5-10 days to fill, you can't do much better than the NC500, a scenic driving route that loops around the northern coast of Scotland, covering approximately 500 miles (800 km). The route starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and takes in some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. The NC500 was established in 2015 as a way to promote tourism in the northern Highlands of Scotland and covers a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged coastline of Caithness to the rolling hills of Wester Ross, from the sandy beaches of Sutherland to the rugged peaks of Assynt. The NC500 also passes by several historic landmarks, including castles, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages. While there are countless beautiful stops along the way, here are some of the best for photography.
John O' Groats & Duncansby Stacks
John O' Groats is a small coastal village located on the coastline of the Pentland Firth on the tip of Scotland and is home to several historic landmarks, including the John O' Groats signpost and the Duncansby Stacks. The coastline features dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and secluded bays, making it a perfect location for seascape photography and the waters around John O' Groats are home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and whales. These animals can often be spotted from the coastline, providing opportunities for wildlife photography or take one of the boat cruises from the harbor to see the birds and wildlife up close. Due to its northerly location John O' Groats is also a great location to photograph the Northern Lights which can often be seen in the winter months.
Achmelvich Beach:
With its white sandy beach and turquoise waters, Achmelvich Beach on the west coast of the NC500 will have your eyes believing you are in the Caribbean, but with the cool breezes and passing showers that are typical of the area, it's only your eyes that will be fooled. Take a stroll along the beach and find great seascape compositions or use the surrounding hills as a backdrop to your photographs.
Dunrobin Castle:
Dunrobin Castle, dating back to the 13th century is a stately home on the east coast of the NC500. The castle features a unique French-inspired design and the gardens and surroundings provide excellent photo opportunities.
Eileen Donan
Eilean Donan Castle is a picturesque castle located on a small island in Loch Duich, in the western Scottish Highlands. It's a favorite photography location for good reason and while you will likely come away with satisfying pictures at almost any time of the year or day, the lighting conditions at Eilean Donan Castle can make a significant difference to your photos. The castle looks especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, with warm, golden light creating a magical atmosphere, so try to time your visit accordingly. Try to get creative with different perspectives including the water's edge, the nearby bridge, and the surrounding hills in your composition and use the reflections for some added interest.
Smoo Cave:
Smoo Cave is a large sea cave located near the village of Durness, on the north coast of the NC500. The cave features an underground waterfall and a large chamber, making it a unique and fascinating location for photography.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is as beautiful as it is popular. Established in 2002 and covering an area of about 1,865 square kilometers (720 square miles), the park is easily accessible from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and its picturesque hills, glens, and forests are home to a variety of wildlife including red deer, ospreys, and golden eagles. It is truly a target-rich environment for photographers! some of the best photography locations in the park:
Loch Lomond:
The largest freshwater lake in the UK, Loch Lomond is the centerpiece of the national park and offers a range of photo opportunities, including reflections of the surrounding mountains and landscapes, misty sunrises or sunsets, and wildlife such as ospreys, eagles, otters and, of course, sheep.
The Trossachs
The Trossachs is a beautiful area of forested hills and glens located to the east of Loch Lomond. This area offers stunning photo opportunities of the forested landscapes, tranquil lochs, and moody atmospheric conditions.
Ben Lomond
The highest peak in the Loch Lomond area, Ben Lomond offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the loch itself. Photographers can capture sweeping vistas of the surrounding hills and mountains from the summit.
Falls of Falloch
These falls are located in the northern part of the national park and just a short walk from the parking lot. The falls offer stunning views of cascading water against a backdrop of natural forest and rock formations.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a simply beautiful location and offers a wide variety of scenes to photograph, from historical ruins to natural wonders, and everything in between. Here are some of the best scenes to capture in Loch Ness:
Urquhart Castle
Originally built around 1230, the now historic castle ruins provide an amazing backdrop to your photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Located right on the shore of Loch Ness, you can position yourself at the right angle to capture the castle and it reflection. A wide-angle lens will be your best option to capture the grandeur and scale of the castle.
Invermoriston
The small village of Invermoriston is home to the Invermoriston Falls. There are a few different viewpoints and each provides a slightly different perspective. Our suggestion is to take the short walk downstream of the bridge to a small platform that overlooks the gorge. From here you can see the river rushing through the gorge and the falls cascading down.
Fort Augustus
This picturesque village located at the southern end of the loch offers a stunning view of the Caledonian Canal and the surrounding countryside.
Foyers Waterfall
Located on the east side of the loch, the Foyers Waterfall is a beautiful spot to capture the natural beauty of the area. The falls are easily accessed with a well-marked path that winds through lush forest. Take your tripod and lengthen the shutter speed - best time of day will be golden hour or when the weather is overcast.
These are just a few of the many photographic highlights to be seen on a trip to bonny Scotland. Still more can be found on the islands of the Outer Hebrides or just by driving the highways and byways of this spectacular country. It's clear why Scotland remains a permanent fixture on our Must Shoot list and we hope you get a chance to visit again and again.