Where
Shieldaig,
Wester Ross,
Scotland
When
30th November – 7th December
2025
How Much
£2,800
Torridon; the very name has a mystical air amongst landscape photographers. More exotic destinations for photography might beckon but we should never forget that Scotland is blessed with some truly world-class scenery. The mountain and coastline landscapes of the far northwest are amongst the finest that Scotland has to offer. Every mountain sounds like a character from a Norse myth: the long ridge of Liathach snakes above Glen Torridon and Loch Clair; Beinn Alligin presides over the wild coast; massive Beinn Eighe rears up above a beautiful Caledonian pine forest and Slioch dominates the wild open water and islands of Loch Maree.
We will be based in two nearby properties just outside Shieldaig, right in the heart of this landscape. From here the journey times are relatively short. Inland is the narrow and imposing Glen Torridon, overshadowed to the north by the main bulk of the Torridon Hills. At this time of year we can hope for white caps on the mountains and perhaps even a fresh fall of snow.
Loch Maree lies at the eastern end of Glen Torridon in a beautiful wide valley. The water reflects the weather’s moods; one moment tranquil, the next whipped into white horses by a passing squall. Panoramas are bound to encompass Slioch but intimate images can be found too amidst the ancient Scots pines and along the meandering shoreline. The landscape here has changed little in centuries and large stands of Caledonian forest remain. The forest floor and tumbling brooks provide many opportunities for beautiful still lifes.
The sea forms the western boundary of Torridon. A predominantly rocky coast is occasionally interrupted by stretches of sand. At Red Point, for instance, the remains of a salmon fishing station straggle along the shore and the beach is punctuated by the flukes of abandoned anchors - an eerie monument to a lost way of life.
People might seem scarce but the landscape has been shaped by their management. The rich, russet moorland that we love to photograph is testament to overgrazing by sheep and red deer. There are so many secrets to uncover, so many images to find.
I want to make the most of the photographic opportunities amidst this wild mountain scenery by leading the group off the road and into the mountains. Of course, this means that there will be some walking across rough and wet ground. Participants will therefore need to be reasonably fit and suitably clothed for days out on the hills.
What's Included
What's Not
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All transport during workshop
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Full board, en-suite accommodation
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Photo tuition from David Ward
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Transport to venue
(Free transfer from Inverness by arrangement)
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Travel insurance
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Alcoholic beverages
£2,800 for single occupancy
£500 fee payable at time of booking