13 Beautiful Places for Landscape Photography in Scotland
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Why Scotland is an Epic Photography Destination
Scotland is famed as one of the most beautiful landscape photography locations in the world and with its rugged landscapes, picturesque viewpoints and majestic castles it’s easy to see why.
We have been to many beautiful destinations in the United Kingdom and Scotland is easily our favourite.
It’s one of the rare destinations that you quickly fall in love with and we both lost count of the number of times we stood in awe staring at the Scottish highlands!
Landscape photography in Scotland is hard to beat.
As a landscape photographer, you will be spoilt for choice when visiting Scotland.
From the Jurassic Park-esque Isle of Skye to the purple hues of the Cairngorms through to the incredible scenes of Glencoe. We spent a month in beautiful Scotland and it still was not enough.
In this guide, you will find our favourite and some of the best 13 locations for landscape photography in Scotland that we explored on our trip.
Detailed with location information, things to do, photography tips and information on where to stay as well as what to pack to help you prepare for your Scotland photography trip.
So let’s jump into the best photography spots in Scotland!
Best Places for Landscape Photography in Scotland
1. Glencoe
If you are not sure where to go for landscape photography in Scotland then start by adding Glencoe to the top of your list!
Glencoe is a village in Western Scotland nestled in the Scottish highlands and well known for its dramatic scenery, winding mountain roads and friendly deer! It is simply breathtaking and one of the most popular photography locations in Scotland!
Towering green mountains, glistening lakes and deer wandering around just itching to make friends with you, this place is nothing short of a landscape photographer’s dream.
One of our favourite places for photography in the UK is North Wales, especially Snowdonia National Park and its many beautiful landscapes. But Glencoe in Scotland is our ultimate number one for dramatic scenery.
Most people just simply drive through and there are lots of pull-in spots where you can stop and take photographs but if you have time we would suggest spending a few nights in this gorgeous village.
Top three Things to do in Glencoe
- Stopping by the Kings House Hotel to see the wild deer was one of the most magical things we did in Glencoe
- Take the chair lift from Glencoe Mountain Resort for epic views from the top
- Photograph Buachille Etive Mor, one of the most notable and unique mountains in the area
Where to stay in Glencoe?
Glencoe has several accommodation options and one of the favourites is the King’s House Hotel due to the family of friendly deer that often frequent the property.
Another great option is The Glencoe Inn where we were lucky enough to stay for four nights. With its rustic furnishings and picturesque location we recommend it as a more affordable yet still stunning Glencoe base.
How long to spend in Glencoe?
We only spent three days here but found that long enough to see and photograph most things.
However, if you love hiking you could easily dedicate a week here to explore all of the trails and viewpoints in the area.
📸Photography Tip: The mountainous region of Glencoe is a stunning sight to behold and a popular spot for Scotland landscape photography.
But mountainous regions come with their climate and it’s very likely to be cloudy a LOT of the time.
For this reason, if you want to take that golden sunrise shot, plan extensively and make sure you are there for a few days to get the best chance.
But regardless of how long you spend in Glencoe, be prepared with these tips for getting the best cloudy day photography captures!
2. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is situated off the West Coast of Scotland and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is on everyone’s itinerary when looking at places to photograph Scotland
The Isle of Skye is the most famous of all of the Scottish islands, a top movie film location and one of the best places for landscape photography in Scotland.
For such a small island it packs a punch with dramatic landscapes such as The Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, The Quairing and the magical Fairy Glen! It is packed with some of the best photography locations in Scotland!
We spent an epic two weeks here and have a full guide on the very best photography spots including photography tips and where to stay right here!
Top Three Things to Do on The Isle of Skye
- The Quairaing was our favourite spot on the island! The views from the car park were breathtaking and the photography here was so unique.
- The Old Man of Storr is a dramatic and unique rock formation that can be seen for miles around and continues to draw visitors year after year.
- The Fairy Pools with its foggy low laying cloud, sparkling waterfalls and mountain backdrop cannot be missed on any Isle of Skye trip
Where to Stay on The Isle of Skye?
Most people base themselves in the biggest town on the Island, the town of Portree.
Portree being the main town on the island has lots of accommodation options to choose from.
And whilst this is not a bad choice we actually favoured camping at Kinloch Campsite on the far end of Skye and also a few nights in the beautiful town of Broadford.
Both had incredible views and photography straight from the accommodation.
How long to spend on The Isle of Skye?
So many people just visit here for the day or spend a couple of nights but this is just not long enough in our opinion.
We spent two weeks on this magical island and we never had the chance to get bored. That said, if you are happy to keep busy every day you could see everything the island has to offer in 4-5 days.
📸Photography Tip: Five spots not to miss with your camera
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- The Old Man of Storr
- The Quiriang
- Elgol
- Highland Cows
3. The Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms is a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland and became part of Scotland’s second national park in 2003.
It is often overlooked in the typical itinerary for Photographing Scotland.
The Cairngorms were so different from what we had seen so far on our Scottish road trip.
More open, more vast, rolling mountains covered in purple heather and views for miles! It is simply beautiful and a truly unique mountain photography location in Scotland!
There is so much to see and do from the Cairngorm mountain itself, Ben Macdui (The UK’s second-highest mountain!), a herd of reindeer, a green loch and plenty of activity centres to suit all interests and abilities.
However, our favourite thing was just going for a long drive through the mountains and stopping frequently to take it all in and of course, take a photo or two.
Top Three Things to Do in Cairngorm National Park
- Braemar Castle, situated in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, is a historic fortress with a rich Scottish heritage. You can book a visit to explore inside or like us, choose to wander the grounds and take photographs.
- Loch Morlich is another beautiful location with both a sandy beach and opportunities for water sports. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and hiking trails, it’s an ideal destination for relaxation, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers like us.
📸Photography Tip: Make sure to get to the Loch early in the morning just after sunrise to see the fog lifting from the water.
- Ardverikie House is a 19th-century Scottish house and grounds that not only has its beach and walkways but if you choose to wander the 3-mile path to the house you will be treated to a glimpse of this famous film location. It looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Where to Stay in Cairngorms National Park?
The most popular towns to stay in during a visit to the Cairngorms National Park are Aviemore and Braemar as they offer a very central location and lots of options for eateries and things to do.
Both areas have an abundance of accommodation options from hotels to Air B and Bs and campsites.
How long to spend in Cairngorms National Park?
We spent just a few nights here in the Cairngorms National Park and found it to be long enough.
That said if you want to fit in more hikes and downtime then you could easily spend a week here just taking in the natural beauty and exploring all of the photography spots in the area.
📸Photography Tip: Heather blooms in Scotland from early summer to early-mid Autumn.
The best time to photograph the lush rolling purple hills in the Cairngorms is August and it is worth planning your trip around this season.
4. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is a lake in southern Scotland. It’s part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is often considered the boundary between the lowlands of central Scotland and the highlands.
We spent four nights here camping at the start of our trip and found the area to be almost bewitching and worthy of its reputation despite the thick fog and pouring rain.
Loch Lomond is home to many footpaths and cycle trails across Ben Lomond mountain and the smaller Hills surrounding it.
Not an obvious stop-off point for Photographing Scotland but it has so much beauty and some wonderful waterfalls and mountain views in the area.
Top Three Things to Do in Loch Lomond
- Visit the epic Falls of Falloch waterfall. A short walk from the car park with a variety of viewpoints for photography this has to be on your list when visiting the area.
- Take a walk along the edge of the Loch! Not only is it a peaceful little spot for a walk but it makes for a stunning photograph even if the weather is a little gloomy.
- Take a hike up Ben A’an, an easy walk for beginners offering stunning views of the loch and mountains in the area
Where to stay in Loch Lomond National Park?
Loch Lomond is an extremely popular national park and as such has an abundance of accommodation options from luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts.
However one of the most popular accommodation options is to camp. We set up our tent at a local campsite for a week and despite midge season being in full swing we enjoyed connecting with nature.
You can check out a full list of camping sites in the area here.
How long to stay in Loch Lomond National Park?
Loch Lomond has so many things to do that you could easily spend a full two weeks or longer ticking them all off your list.
For us, we were drawn to the Highlands of Scotland so we only spent a week if photography is your main draw then we would recommend saving the days for places further North.
📸Photography Tip: Due to its natural beauty and its proximity to Glasgow, Loch Lomond can get very busy and it’s best to avoid it during the high season for any chance of photos with nobody in them.
If you are there during these times consider using a very dark ND filter and a 30-second or more exposure so that if people are in the photo they’re likely not to get captured fully. This can also create some cool effects in the photos
5. Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan is a magical village hidden away in the Western highlands of Scotland.
It’s a place we almost didn’t visit due to time constraints but it ended up being one of our favourite places we visited for landscape photography in Scotland.
For those of you who are Harry Potter fans, this place needs no introduction.
The filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took place in this area with the Hogwarts Express calling at Glenfinnan!
And whilst this is up there as one of the most famous Harry Potter hot spots, Scotland is actually home to 16 Harry Potter locations in total!
The famous Glenfinnan viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground.
The Jacobite steam train runs from here to Fort William and Mallaig in the summer months with regular trains available the rest of the year. You can even purchase tickets aboard here.
It only runs a few times a day so make sure you check the timetable and get there at least 30 minutes before it’s due to come past as it gets rather busy!
Regardless of whether you want to see the train or not, the drive from Fort William to Glenfinnan through the Glen hit our Top five most beautiful drives and one of our favourite photography locations in Scotland.
Top Three Things to Do in Glenfinnan
- Watch the famous magical Jacobite steam train that runs past a few times a day!
- Explore the Glenfinnan monument – a tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause and a standing beacon with views over the neighbouring Loch Shiel.
- Explore the Glenfinnan Viaduct trail which offers more outstanding views towards and around the viaduct.
Where to stay in Glenfinnan?
Many people choose to stay in the nearby town of Fort William and spend a day visiting Glenfinnan which we did.
That said if you want to stay closer to the village there are several beautiful accommodation options very nearby boasting spectacular views, the Glenfinnan House Hotel being one of the most popular options.
How long to stay in Glenfinnan?
Glenfinnan can easily be visited on a day trip from Fort William but if you want to take a slower pace a few days here would be perfect to explore the area.
📸Photography Tip: You’ll want to make sure you are in Glenfinnan to see the train travelling west, which it does at 10 am and 3 pm.
On a particularly cold day, you are much more likely to get a good amount of steam rising from the train.
We were there in the height of summer and unfortunately, there was barely any steam. Thankfully photoshop came to the rescue for the final edit!
6. Fort William
Fort William is one of those places everyone tells you that you have to visit but once you get there you realise there is not a great deal to do.
So why did we choose to add it to our list?
Well, it’s home to the famous and mighty Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom standing at 1345 metres.
Despite not being high on the usual list of places for Photographing Scotland, it makes a great stop-off point or base as it has lots of cute cafes, restaurants and shops to stock up before moving on.
But the main draw is for hikers like us, that are planning to climb Ben Nevis, photograph Ben Nevis and see what other pretty viewpoints are in the area.
Top Three Things to Do in Fort William
- Climbing Ben Nevis is the number one thing to do in Fort William and if you manage to summit on a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views for miles around.
- The Shipwreck of Corpach was one of the most unique and truly Scottish things we saw in a month of exploring and made for one of our favourite photography locations in Scotland! Surrounded by yellow wildflowers and running waters with the epic backdrop of the mighty Ben Nevis it’s the perfect spot for Landscape photography in Scotland
- Visit Steal Waterfall! The third-highest fall in Scotland is worth a trip for both its sheer beauty and getting that perfect photography.
Where to stay in Fort William?
Fort William is one of the bigger towns in the area and is home to many of the larger chains of hotels such as Premier Inn and Travel Lodge.
There are also lots of independent boutiques and more luxury hotels if your budget allows.
How long to spend in Fort William?
Many people spend a few weeks here in Fort William as it is so well-appointed and surrounded by other points of interest.
It’s a fairly compact town so there isn’t really a bad location on where to stay.
But if your main focus is photography then we would save the nights for some of the more rural areas in the Scottish highlands.
📸Photography Tip: If you’re in Fort William the best spot to take a photo capturing not only the town and the mighty Ben Nevis, but a shipwreck too is the Corpach Shipwreck site.
Here you can tell a story of the place capturing all that Fort William has to offer.
7. Finnich Glen and The Devils Pulpit
If you think and envision a scene from the Lord of the Rings you are not too far away from what you experience when visiting Finnich Glen, also known as The Devil’s Pulpit.
A magical deep gorge at least 70ft deep set into the orange sandstone rock with rushing red water and walls embraced by green trees, leaves and moss. This place is truly breathtaking and one of our favourite locations for landscape photography in Scotland.
However, we will tell you that descending into this magical gorge is not the easiest of routes.
It’s not easy or accessible for anyone with mobility issues but if you can make it down, it is worth it.
The trip from the car park is short at only half a mile and takes around 30 minutes round trip but of course, if you plan to take photographs you could easily spend a few hours here.
Top Three Things to Do Near Finnich Glen?
- Explore Loch Lomond National Park – (see number four in this guide!) This is an epic destination in its own right and makes for a great base to see the nearby viewpoints and lochs
- Visit the majestic Loup of Fintry waterfall just 25 minutes away from Finnich Glen – see number 8 in this guide!
- Finnich Glen is just half an hour from the larger city of Glasgow. So if you are looking for a base with more amenities or need to purchase more camera equipment which is quite often why we end up in big cities, then Glasgow could be a good option. There are also a huge number of things you can do for free during your stay in Glasgow in between photography!
Where to stay near Finnich Glen?
Many people do this trip either from a day trip from Edinburgh or the nearby Loch Lomond National Park rather than stay near the glen and this was our preferred option.
Loch Lomond to Finnich Glen is just 30 minutes so makes the perfect base for your trip here and there are lots of accommodation options in the area.
How long to spend near Finnich Glen?
Finnich Glen can easily be combined with several other photography spots and destinations and we would recommend using Loch Lomond as a nearby base.
📸Photography Tip: Bring your waders for this one! To get the best angles and most interesting photos make sure you bring a pair of waders so you can get right into the water.
Another good reason to do this is to reduce the likelihood of anyone walking in front of your camera. As it’s a gorge/valley you won’t get much light in the morning or late evening. So mid-day shooting is a must. But that comes with its problems… Tourists!
8. The Loup of Fintry
Loup of Fintry is a remarkable waterfall on the River Endrick with a total height of 94 feet. It can be found just 45 minutes north of Glasgow and makes for the perfect stop-off at the start of a Scottish Highlands road trip.
When looking for locations for landscape photography in Scotland this place popped up on Google and we just knew we had to add it to our list.
Top Three Things to Do Near the Loup of Fintry
- As per our above recommendations, Finnich Glen Waterfall is just 30 minutes from the Loup of Fintry so could be combined in one day and both are simply stunning photography locations in Scotland.
- Loch Lomond was our next stop after visiting and camping at the Lou of Fintry and makes for a great next stop after visiting these beautiful falls!
- Visit the epic Stirling castle just 30 minutes away from the waterfall.
Where to stay near The Loup of Fintry?
The Loup of Fintry is a popular wild camping spot with lots of space next to the waterfall where you can pitch up and just take it all in as golden hour approaches.
As a photographer, this was the perfect option for us as we were blessed with a beautiful sunset and sunrise and even a rainbow!
However, if camping is not for you, you can stay at a nearby hotel or guesthouse and drive there for sunrise and sunset to capture the scene at the best time of day.
How long to spend near The Loup of Fintry?
If you can camp then we would recommend an overnight stay at The Loup of Fintry so you can experience both sunset and sunrise as both have their dose of magic to be captured. It’s a popular wild camping spot with a few parking spots near the roadside.
However, if you are just passing by then a few hours is long enough to explore and capture these stunning falls.
📸Photography Tip: This spot is perfect for sunset because the direction of light will point straight at the waterfall while producing some vivid colours in the sky behind it.
There is an area to the side that allows you to take your shot almost at eye level with the waterfall.
9. Kyle of Lochalsh and Eileen Donan Castle
Kyle of Lochalsh is a village set on the Northwest coast of Scotland.
It’s not somewhere we had heard much about until we drove through it but it deserves a mention because aside from the journey through the majestic Glencoe this was the next place that took our breath away.
Loch after loch decorated with small islands housing trees and wildlife and a backdrop of sweeping mountains. It was gorgeous.
So naturally beautiful and one of the best locations for landscape photography in Scotland.
If you drive to Skye or travel to see the historic Eilean Donan Castle then you will no doubt drive along the A87 and get to experience this scenic route yourself.
But even if those two places are not on your itinerary we suggest you make the journey anyway.
One of the most beautiful roads we travelled along in a month.
If you are planning a trip here to visit Eileen Donan Castle and you are a photographer then be aware that it is located where the three sea lochs meet which means that there are tides, unlike a lot of other lochs in Scotland.
The result is that you can get two very different landscape photographs featuring the same castle.
A shot with the water in the loch hugging the island that is home to the 13th-century castle or when the tide is out, the castle surrounded by rocks and land.
Top Three Things to Do in Kyle of Lochalsh
- Visit and photograph the majestic Eileen Donan Castle – one of the top photography locations
- Capture the stunning Isle of Skye bridge which is just a stone’s throw from the area. This little hidden gem is also a great spot on your way to the Isle of Skye!
- Explore the Five Sisters of Kintail hike which offers some of the best views in the area
Where to stay in Kyle of Lochalsh?
Kyle of Lochalsh is a fairly remote area that only has a few accommodation options so it will be easy to choose where to stay. It’s so rugged and quiet that it’s the perfect place to connect with nature and the Scottish surroundings.
After driving through the area on the way to The Isle of Skye we decided to dedicate a few nights here on our way back to England.
How long to spend in Kyle of Lochalsh?
We booked three nights here after finding that spending just a few hours was not enough.
If you are looking for a hidden gem that is perfect for landscape photography in Scotland then it is worth spending a few nights here and just driving the area at golden hour.
📸Photography Tip: Check the tide time before visiting Eilean Donan Castle. We did not, which left our photos with rather unsightly exposed rocks and seaweed in the foreground.
Where simplistic photos are generally more appealing, it’s best to allow the tide to come in to cover the rocks in front of the castle.
10. Loch Ness
The world-famous Loch Ness needs no introduction.
There are many unique holiday destinations in Scotland and Loch Ness is one of them.
The freshwater loch stretches 23 miles and is home to the mythical creature affectionately known as Nessie the Loch Ness Monster.
Despite not having a much-hoped-for encounter with the legendary Loch Ness monster we can confirm the trip there was still all together worth it.
Located near Inverness the loch is shrouded in mystery and as such, you can jump aboard several boat tours and trips to hear more about the legend and try and spot the beautiful Nessie for yourself.
For us, we just loved walking along the edge of the famous loch and discovering what seemed to be abandoned wrecks and boats which we are sure had their own stories and legends to go with them.
If you fancy exploring the old shipwrecks for yourselves, you can find them on the West Side of Loch Ness.
There are also a ton of boat tours across Loch Ness where you can join a crew and go in search of her yourself!
Top Three Things to Do Near Loch Ness
- Take a walk along the banks of the loch exploring the rustic boats that have long been forgotten. They also make for great photography subjects.
- Visit the Falls of Foyers waterfall and on the way you will pass a scenic road called Easter Drummond. Both are wonderful options for landscape photography but also for nature lovers seeking beauty spots in the area.
- Explore the picturesque village of Invermoriston situated on the northern slopes of Loch Ness and take a walk along the trail next to the river bank, dont forget your camera! Parking can be found at Invermoriston Falls car park.
Where to stay in Loch Ness?
Given Loch Ness is one of the most famous locations in all of the Scottish Highlands there is no end of accommodation options.
From five-star hotels to cute bed and breakfasts and everything in between. Some offer gorgeous Loch views and many are located in the city centre of Inverness.
There is not a bad location but if your main draw is the Loch then we would recommend a river hotel to make the most of the views in the area.
How long to spend in Loch Ness?
We chose to only spend a day here in Loch Ness as we were on our way to The Cairngorms National Park and whilst it was a little rushed we think a couple of days is more than long enough to explore the area.
📸Photography Tip: Shortly after driving through Fort Augustus on the left-hand side of the Loch, there is an area with some boats that have been tied up and forgotten about.
These boats make for a fantastic photo and one of the most interesting things we found along Loch Ness.
11. Kilchurn Castle – Dalmally
Dalmally is a beautiful Scottish village in the county of Argyll and Bute situated between Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
Nestled in the village is the captivating Kilchurn Castle, surrounded by breathtaking views of the loch.
Tourists and photographers alike are drawn to its historic charm and whether you’re looking for a day stop to capture some photos or a longer trip, this village offers an idyllic location for both and is one of the lesser-known spots for landscape photography in Scotland.
Top Three Things to Do in Dalmally?
- Kilchurn Castle is often the attraction to visiting the village of Dalmally and so it is one not to be missed.
- Cruachan Power Station / Dam is a rather unique experience in the highlands offering tours of the station deep within the mountains whilst sharing the story of the power station.
- Hiking up to Duncan Ban MacIntyre is a popular thing to do in the area and not only makes for an easy and enjoyable walk but also offers a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding mountains and lochs.
Where to stay in Dalmally?
Despite being a smaller village, Dalmally is full of beautiful guest houses, bed and breakfasts and hotels.
Kilchurn Castle is just a 3-minute drive from the centre of the village so there is no bad location in terms of choosing where to stay.
Although staying near the centre will mean you are in walking distance of shops and restaurants to get a good pub lunch or cosy dinner.
How long to stay in Dalmally?
Dalmally is a rather small village so we chose to stop off for a day visit and photograph the castle.
If you are interested in seeing what else the area has to offer we would recommend 2-3 days.
📸Photography Tip: If adding Kilchurn Castle to your itinerary when Photographing Scotland a good tip is that reeds on the waterfront make for a nice foreground and can give a nice effect, especially in a long-exposure photograph with the castle in the background
12. Duncraig Castle and Plockton
Plockton often referred to as the jewel of the highlands is a picturesque coastal village renowned for its idyllic setting and charm.
Framed by lush green hills, it is a popular spot due to its scenic beauty, traditional whitewashed cottages, and tranquil atmosphere.
It’s also extremely close to the Isle of Skye so makes for a perfect stop-off when exploring the Scottish Highlands.
Top Three Things to Do in Plockton
- Duncraig Castle makes for a wonderful subject for Landscape photography in Scotland. Whilst once operated as a bed and breakfast and wedding venue the castle is now thought to be privately owned but still makes for a wonderful capture from across the shore in the town of Plockton
- Look for highland coos in the nearby village of Duirnish where they can often be found wandering around freely
- Wander Plockton harbour. Dotted with wooden boats amid a stunning backdrop walking the harbour was one of our favourite things to do when we visited the village
Where to stay in Plockton?
Plockton has several accommodation options including traditional inns, hotels and quirky self-catering options such as The Duirinish Pods.
Given it’s a fairly small village we would recommend staying near the centre so you are within walking distance of restaurants and eateries.
How long to spend in Plockton?
Plockton is a small village and whilst a stunning location, unless you are looking to get away from it all on a quiet retreat, we found that a day trip for photography was more than enough. or 1-2 nights would be the perfect amount of time if you wanted to explore the area.
📸Photography Tip: You can photograph Duncraig Castle from across the shore in the town of Plockton. The mountains behind it make for a very dramatic image.
Take a telephoto lens to close in on the castle and the surrounding scenery. We didn’t bring ours and regretted it!
13. Mallaig
Perched on the western coast of Scotland, Mallaig is a coastal town that serves as a gateway to the majestic Scottish Highlands.
Renowned for its scenic harbour, Mallaig is surrounded by breathtaking views of the nearby islands and rugged landscapes making it one of our favourite photography locations in Scotland.
We do love coastal photography in the UK and Scottish coasts are some of our favourites!
This bustling fishing port is dotted with colourful fishing boats on the waterfront and serves as a departure point for ferry journeys to the Isle of Skye and other nearby destinations.
If like us you choose to head to Skye then this is a great stop-off between Glenfinnan and Plockton as you head North.
Top Three Things to Do in Mallaig
- Wandering the colourful town of Mallaig was our favourite thing to do when visiting as it’s so pretty and full of charm so ensure you make time for just exploring
- If you are a nature lover then you will be pleased to know several wildlife cruises set off from Mallaig. Some of the most popular are operated by Western Isle cruises and are as short as 1 hour meaning you can easily fit them into your itinerary even if you are short on time.
- Take a short circular walk around the hills and village known as the Mallaig circuit walk. Just 3lm long on a well-paved path the walks offer some lovely views of the surrounding areas and get away from the hustle and bustle.
Where to stay in Mallaig?
Mallaig has a strategic location so makes for a great base to explore some of the areas mentioned in this blog as well as being a great jumping-off point to the Isle of Skye.
Mallaig has a plethora of accommodation options including Air B and BS, hotels and traditional inns and we recommend you stay in the heart of the village where you will be in walking distance of the train and ferry terminals as well as plenty of places to eat and get snacks.
How long to spend in Mallaig?
Mallaig is another small Scottish town which makes it very easy to explore in a day or even a few hours. We popped this into our itinerary on the way to The Isle of Skye and found an afternoon the perfect amount of time to wander around with our cameras.
📸Photography Tip: This quaint town is full of curiosities and interesting subjects. Be sure to have your camera on a mode that allows you to capture things in the moment!
Tips for Photographing Scotland
So you have jotted down your trip list of your favourite photography locations in Scotland, now what to pack and be aware of?
Camera Gear for landscape photography in Scotland
Do not forget these four essential items when packing your bags.
We find them important bits of kit for photography in general.
But we found them even more essential when photographing Scotland!
- Lens hood/cap
Due to the many types of rain you will experience when photographing Scotland, it’s best to be prepared for them all.
Sometimes in a light rain that doesn’t warrant getting out a rain cover but still gets an annoying light mist of rain on your lens, you will want to use a lens hood just to keep those tiny droplets at bay.
2. ND Filters
Scotland is full of waterfalls and landscapes.
These two things lend themselves very well to long-exposure photography. It’s also a great way to spice up a grey sky by giving it lots of movement and atmosphere. And you will be seeing a lot of grey skies!
3. A sturdy tripod
Many places in Scotland can be the victim of high winds, The Isle of Skye being one of them. A tripod is a must for getting those steady shots when photographing Scotland.
4. All-weather backpack and a waterproof rain cover
The weather in Scotland is so changeable and often rains numerous times per day even in the summer.
An all-weather backpack and waterproofs will be your new best friend when travelling to Scotland.
What to pack for your trip to Scotland?
- Midge Spray
We were warned about the midges, and we did take the advice seriously.
However, the intensity and sheer number of midges we faced during our trip to the Highlands was beyond what we had imagined.
After some research, we found that Smidge was the most recommended solution, as it was specifically formulated and tested in Scotland.
- Waterproofs
We experienced gale-force winds, heavy downpours, and a heatwave all in just 30 days. The weather in the highlands changes very quickly, and it can rain heavily anytime. If we had not packed waterproof clothing, we would have missed out on many activities.
Therefore, it is advised to pack waterproof trousers over your regular ones, a waterproof coat with a hood, and waterproof shoes to keep you dry at all times.
You never know when the Scottish heavens will open up.
- A good pair of walking trousers
Whether you plan to walk a ton on your Scottish adventure or you don’t we can guarantee that you will walk more than you intended.
So make sure you are comfortable and get yourself some practical but pleasant to wear, walking trousers. Ideally, water repellent. But most of all just make sure you are comfortable.
You will spend so much time in the outdoors and feeling comfortable can make your trip!
- Clothing for ALL weathers
In our first two weeks in the highlands, it was raining almost every cold gale-force wind which kindly snapped our cooking tent in half and soaked us through on more than one occasion.
The second two weeks? A minimum of 28 degrees every single day. So to say the weather can be changeable is a slight understatement.
Take quick-drying clothes and lots of layers you can throw on and pull off as the weather changes.
- Extra camera batteries and power banks
Taking a camera on any trip is pretty obvious but on our Scotland trip, we felt more than ever that we wanted to try and capture as much as possible all of the time.
Scotland is easily the most beautiful place we have had the joy of visiting and it’s very difficult to do it justice by photograph or even by video, but we can try.
Ensure you take spare batteries for your camera, drone and power banks for your phones. You will need them.
- Reliable waterproof footwear
Again, this may be an obvious tip but we saw many people on our trip trying to hike mountains or walk around Glencoe in sandals.
A pair of hiking boots or waterproof hiking trainers are the most important bit of kit you will pack on your Scottish highlands trip.
The ground is changeable as is the weather so unless you want boggy, muddy, midge-bitte feet and a possible twisted ankle then stick to walking trainers or boots and ideally make sure they will keep your feet dry!
- Suncream
This was not on our list when we packed. We were told of the rain, the clouds and the fog.
But no one mentioned the sunshine and since you will be spending so much time outdoors, it’s worth packing some to protect your precious skin.
We had a random heatwave during our time in Scotland I ended up quite burnt after climbing Ben Nevis so add suncream to the top of your list.
Things to be aware of when visiting Scotland
- Factor in more time than you think you need when planning
If you are planning a landscape photography trip in Scotland then this one will need to be a major factor in your planning! We tried to plan our trip as best as possible but didn’t account for the many roadside stops as we travelled from place to place.
The roadside photography in the Highlands is just epically beautiful so you will want to make sure you factor in time for this. You will never get from A to B in the time Google tells you.
- Restaurants tend to close early
We thought that this was due to our visiting shortly after the 2020 lockdown was lifted but it seems after further research it’s just a part of the charm of the Scottish Highlands.
If you want to go out and eat ensure that you do so before 6 pm as many restaurants, cafes and food stores close between 6-7 pm. Especially in more remote areas.
- Ensure people know where you are and take precautions
One of the things that we love about Scotland and the Scottish highlands is the fact it feels so remote. We often spent hours not seeing another soul.
However, ensure that you take precautions. Let your hotel know where you are going, pack snacks and water, a whistle and torch and also consider investing in a satellite phone.
- The weather is extremely changeable
We have mentioned this more than a few times already but it was the biggest thing that affected our trip.
The weather changes all of the time and the weather forecast is rarely accurate so be prepared with clothing in your backpacks.
When to go to Scotland?
Scotland is a truly stunning part of the world and there is no bad time to visit but there are a few things to bear in mind.
If you want to miss the crowds then avoid school holidays and the busiest months of July and August. This is also when the midges are at their worst.
And both of those factors make photographing Scotland that little more difficult.
Many people say that May September and October are best as the midges are not at their most prolific, the days are longer and it tends to be a little drier.
Driving in Scotland
Scotland has a reputation much like parts of Wales for being difficult to drive around but we did not find this to be the case.
The roads are well paved and maintained and despite many being single-track lanes, there are plenty of passing places to pull in when you see a car coming the opposite way.
Given that Scotland offers some of the most breathtaking drives and stunning scenery in the world we recommend you take your car or hire a car as a way of exploring the highlands.
There is no better way to discover the many photography locations in Scotland.
If you are flying in to travel to Scotland then you can hire a car easily and quickly via booking.com. They have rental car partners in all of the main towns, cities and airports.
We have booked via them a few times during our travels in Asia and have always found the process to be quick and stress-free.
Where to stay in Scotland?
Scotland has so many epic destinations and where you stay depends on where you choose to base yourself and also how much time you have.
We spent a month road-tripping this gorgeous country and we highly recommend you choose several locations to visit and explore as part of your trip.
However, if you only want to base yourself in one spot then we would have to recommend the Isle of Skye, as it is home to some of the most breathtaking photography locations in Scotland.
We hope that this guide helps you plan out your own Scotland landscape photography trip and you enjoy exploring and capturing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world!
Other places to visit in the UK with epic landscapes!
- Snowdonia National Park and the expanse of North Wales are some of our favourite places for photography as they are full of mountain vistas and gorgeous viewpoints
- Northern Ireland is jam-packed with gorgeous coastlines, stunning photography viewpoints and some of the best cuisine you will find! It’s still very high on our bucket list but be sure to check how you can spend 72 Hours in Northern Ireland Here
- The English coastlines including sunny Cornwall and Dorset, are home to the rugged Jurassic coast
- Pembrokeshire in South Wales is famous for its golden sandy beaches, medieval castles and varied wildlife. It also has some amazing coastal views not be missed!
