The last time I was in the Scottish Highlands about ten years ago, it rained every day for a fortnight except for one. It was such a novelty to see the sun that we actually photographed a sliver of sunlight breaking through the heavy, grey clouds. When I headed up for a trip at the end of September I was expecting much of a muchness, but wasn’t the case at all.
Not only did it not rain, but it was it was bright blue skies and hot. That’s right, hot. In Scotland. At the end of September. I was shocked.
On one hike through Glen Etive the heat got too much and we had to cool down in a river. Not that this was a hardship mind you. It was so wonderful to feel like we were extending summer just minus all of the midges and crowds.
I thoroughly fell for Glen Coe and Glen Etive for their sheer awe-inspiring scenery. There is something about large, looming mountains that I just adore.
Oban too now holds a special place in my heart as I actually got engaged on the beach where I had been swimming in the sea earlier in the day!
Now from a photography perspective it did make things a little trickier, as I had planned on getting some dark and atmospheric shots - not so much bright, sunny, predominantly blue shots. This did mean however that I got to put my camera away, enjoy being present and thoroughly absorb the absolute wonder of my surroundings. That being said, I am now planning a return trip early next year. This trip has reignited my love for the Highlands and I am determined to explore as much of it as I can.