Isle of Skye
Island of Mist
Friday 24th - 27th February 2023
4days £980 (€1,150)
With its epic scenery, dramatic weather and magical light, the Isle of Skye has become the latest playground de jour for social media users and a firm favourite for landscape photography.
It’s not hard to see why. Desolate, wind-blasted moors of heather dotted with sheep sweep down to moody silver lochs. Gnarled peninsulas with fearsome basalt sea cliffs defiantly jut out into the restless Atlantic Ocean, and great saw-toothed mountains, geological lairds of the island, lift their sublime craggy heads to greet oft cloudy skies.
The volcanically derived landscape feels as vast and barren as Iceland’s, and its terrain is blanketed in a verdure reminiscent of the Faroe Islands. It gets very similar weather too, sitting in the firing line of the low pressure systems sweeping across the north Atlantic. Indeed, local people call their island Eilean a’Cheo, ‘Isle of Mist’, and the Vikings named it Sky-a ‘cloud island’.
The Isle of Skye’s most dramatic geological feature is undoubtedly the Trotternish Ridge escarpment, formed during a series of landslips, which runs for almost the full length of the 30 km Trotternish peninsula. It contains the Isle of Skye's most famous landmark - the Old Man of Storr - an isolated gnarly basalt pinnacle which featured in the opening scenes of Ridley Scott’s blockbuster movie, Prometheus, and the Quiraing, an equally stunning group of rocky pinnacles. Places such as the Fairy Pools, a series of turquoise pools and silver waterfalls, seem to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fantasy book. Read our blog Highlands and Islands: A Scottish Photographic Odyssey for more details.
We have timed our visit to coincide with a new moon which will give higher tides at sunrise/sunset and also the opportunity to practice some astrophotography, weather permitting. Our precise itinerary will be fluid and based on prevailing weather conditions, but we will take in prime locations including:
- The Old Man of Storr
- The Quiraing
- Talisker Beach
- The Cuillin Mountains from Elgol Beach
- The Fairy Pools
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- The Sligachan Bridge and River
As we will be arriving and departing from Glasgow International Airport, we will have the opportunity to shoot photographs en-route to Skye in some iconic locations of the Scottish Highlands, including the Glencoe area and at Eilean Donan Castle.
All levels of photography are catered for, from beginners looking for photography tuition, to advanced photographers wanting to be guided to the best locations.
Our base will be the town of Portree where we will be staying in a hotel. Single room occupancy is guaranteed.
The photo tour is limited to only four participants to allow for freedom of movement and sufficient space per person at each location.
What’s included?
What’s not included?
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All flights to and from Glasgow International Airport
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All food and drinks (except the hotel breakfast which is included in the price)
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Travel and equipment insurance
What level of photography is required?
Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your photography skills, or an advanced photographer wanting to be taken to prime locations, our photo tour is open to all. Our only criteria is that you have a great passion for landscape photography, don't mind braving the elements, and have the energy and motivation to be constantly ‘on the go'!
Fitness
The trip will include a steep 350 metre 2km climb up to the Old Man of Storr, and a 40 minute gentle climb up the River Brittle to the Fairy Pools, as well as hikes to the Quiraing and Talisker Beach, so a good level of fitness is essential.
What camera equipment do I need to bring?
- DSLR camera with full manual mode
- Sturdy tripod
- A wide angle lens
- A neutral density filter
- A polarising filter
- Hard and soft graduated filters
- Laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop installed (optional but recommended)
What clothing/footwear do I need to bring?
The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream gives Skye a mild oceanic climate. Temperatures are generally cool in February, with an average range of 2-7 °C, but westerly weather fronts can sweep in off the Atlantic bringing stormy, unsettled weather, and our previous visits have even coincided with snow. You must be well-equipped for various weather conditions, including mist and rain, so we recommend you bring the following:
- Sturdy walking boots
- Wellies or waders for beach photography
- Umbrella
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Down jacket or similar
- Warm hat and gloves
- Ice grips (in case of very cold conditions)
Book this trip
The cost is £980 (€1,150) per person. A non-refundable deposit of £200 (€250) is required to secure your place. Stage payments of balance by arrangement.
We will commence this tour at Glasgow International Airport. Participants from Scotland, other parts of Britain, and further afield, can rendezvous at Glasgow International Airport or at our accommodation in Portree.
Recommended flights from Ireland:
Outbound
Ryan Air flies from Dublin early in the day
Return
Ryan Air return late evening
In the event of the tour being cancelled, we will refund deposits in full. However, we will not be liable for any flight costs incurred by you.
Book your tour now using PayPal
Book your tour now using PayPal
