The Scotland Roadtrip

HEADING NORTH

In the past years, my fascination for landscape photography has grown steadily - and with it the desire to explore new territory. This is why my friend Michael and me recently decided to head north to Scotland for a two-week road trip devoted entirely to photography. After flying to Edinburgh from Basel and renting a car, we set off on a journey to the westernmost edge of Scotland, the picturesque Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.

On our way north to the Isle of Skye, we stumbled across the cosy town of Inveraray. The beautiful village with its ancient castle immediately caught our attention, so we parked our car and headed out to explore the local harbor life.

The ISLE OF SKYE

Upon arrival on the Isle of Skye we were greeted with typically Scottish overcast and windy weather. Nevertheless, we quickly set out to explore the island. Accompanied by the ever-present sheep, we scaled the iconic rock formation called the “Old Man of Storr”. Climbing up its rocky flank rewarded us with a magnificent view over the Island and the surreal, almost alien-looking landscape.

On the south side of Skye, we dwelled in the impressive scenery of Loch Harbort, which reaches the feet of the mystic Cuillins mountains at its very end.

On the second day, we decided to head out to the Fairy Pools, which spring from the feet of the Cuillins mountain range and attract thousands of travelers every year. We decided to explore the upper parts of the river bed, where were rewarded with an amazing long exposures.

Towards the end of our stay on Skye, we set out to a place every landscape photographer knows: Neist Point and its iconic Lighthouse. Sadly, clouds were hiding the setting sun, so we decided to explore the abandoned lighthouse.

THE OUTER HEBRIDES

Soon it was time to leave the Isle of Skye behind. With a heavy heart and full of impressions we took the ferry to the Outer Hebrides. Coming from the Isle of Skye’s mountainous and rugged landscape, we were totally unprepared to the Isle of Harris - a vast, flat island with beautiful sandy beaches that make you want to jump in the water… If it weren’t for the weather :)

While driving on the coastal road on the Isle of Harris, we discovered the magnificent Northton Saltings - an inlet spotted with grassy islands that provide food for sheep.

After exploring the Isle of Harris on the Outer Hebrides we quickly headed back to Skye to start our journey back to Edinburgh. While passing the old Sligachan bridge in the Cuillin Hills, I took a last glimpse at the magnificent mountain ridge rising up from the heart of the Isle of Skye. Suddenly, a sadness materialized in my chest, growing stronger as we drove through the highlands back to Edinburgh. It had been only a couple of hours since we left Skye, and still, my heart already longed to be back on this peculiar little Island.