This past week we have been embracing artic air that has brought with it a fair amount of snow and plunging temperatures. Looking ahead to the weekend I was hoping the weather would be compliant for a road trip north to capture some of the snow capped mountain scenery for the first time this winter.
Waking up Saturday morning to see it raining and the reduction of the thin layer of snow on our lawns dampened my optimism for the trip being worthwhile, along with the weather apps showing rain in most locations north of here as well. The view out from the kitchen window didn’t help things!
However there was a glimmer of hope with my phone apps showing the afternoon with clear skies up around Ullapool. So a change of plans meant that we headed off on a road trip around noon, instead of the original early morning plans.
Leaving home with low clouds, rain and the views to Ben Wyvis completely obscured by mist and cloud did make me realise how much we depend on our weather apps at times!
But it wasn’t long once we were north of Dingwall that the weather brightened up and we were treated to the superb views of the landscape, with loads of atmosphere from the snow clouds overshadowing a number of the mountain ranges.
Plenty of opportunities for panoramas.
As we rapidly approach the shortest day of the year the sun remains very low in the sky up here in north Scotland. As such, the lighting was great as we arrived at the area around Stac Polaidh which was our destination of choice.
Our first view of the Stac made me so glad that we had made the effort, rather than succumb to the weather at home. The views back towards Ullapool were also super atmospheric due to the haze from the low sun.
As we passed the junction for Stac Pollaidh I took the opportunity for another panoramic before heading further up the main road to try and get another distant shot across a loch that I was familiar with from previous visits:
Then it was time to head back and along the lane that leads up to Stac Pollaidh itself
The lighting was just superb with the warm light from the setting sun …. what more can I say,
We continued past Stac Pollaidh and then up the Lochinver road that gives a great view from height across the mountain ranges - the light just continuing to improve as the sun apprached setting time.
With the light levels dropping rapidly - it was time to head home but some treats continued to lay in store with the last colours of the sunset and reflections in the lochs.
The grand finale of the trip was passing this loch on the way to Ullapool where I had stopped on the inbound journey with very marginal reflections at the time. On the return it was like a mill pond!
Here’s a comparison photo from approximately the same spot taken on the inbound and then outbound journey, demonstrating the significant difference lighting (as well as reflections!) can make on a photo.
All in all a very worthwhile trip and way to spend the Saturday afternoon. Back home in time for an early tea.