“Snow-capped Slioch” — Trees frame the snow-dusted summit of Slioch.
This photograph is an example of my policy of not knowing too much when I travel. It drives some people (hi, Patty!) crazy, but it does mean that I get to “discover” things before knowing that they are iconic. Almost two months after photographing this “random” impressive Scottish mountain I learned that it is well-known. The peak is Slioch — or “The Shield” — and a “munro,”* one of the peaks reaching over 3000′. I read that there is a well-known climbing route to its summit. Apparently, photographs of the peak have been used to represent this area of northern Scotland.
“Trail, Highlands Valley” — A path leads into a highlands valley as rain falls on distant hills.
Somewhere in northwest Scotland, between Shieldag and Applecross, we paused on our drive through this broad valley. It was surprisingly cold — there was new snow on peaks on either side — and rain showers passed across the landscape. Nearby was what appeared to be an old road, now marked as a foot trail, heading off into the valley — the sort of trail that makes you aware that there are places more remote than where you stand.
“Mountains and Cascade” — A stream cascades down from a mountain valley in far northern Scotland.
Most of our May visit to Scotland consisted of a big loop from Inverness out to the Isle of Skye, north (often on the NC500 route), eastward along the North Sea coast, and then down the eastern coast to return to Inverness. This took us through lots of highlands country, but on this day, as we drove across the north towards John O’Groats, the mountains were receding more and more into the distance. Driving east and looking south (the North Sea was to our left) we saw this spectacular ridge.
“Below Applecross Pass” — The road from Applecross Pass winds through a deep canyon toward Kishorn and Ardarroch.
We were surprised by this spectacular canyon soon after we began our return drive towards Ullapool from Applecross, on the western Scottish coast. The road climbed steadily from Applecross, passed through barren alpine country, and offered great views to the west toward Skye and other islands. The road leveled off near the high point as it arrived at the pass.
Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.
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