Fort William Holiday Lodge
photograph the highlands
Fort William Photography GuideNestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, Fort William and the surrounding Lochaber region offer a wealth of breathtaking photographic opportunities.
This photography guide aims to provide you with some excellent starting points for your photographic adventures. For more in-depth information and an even wider array of stunning locations to photograph in Scotland, we recommend consulting the comprehensive guide ‘Photographing Scotland‘ (a copy is available for your perusal in our sitting room).
Capturing the Dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis North Face from CMD
For photographers seeking a powerful and iconic shot, the imposing North Face of Ben Nevis offers a truly spectacular subject. The viewpoint showcased in the accompanying images is accessible directly from Highwinds and does not involve any scrambling or technical climbing.
However, please be aware that reaching this vantage point requires a reasonable level of fitness and involves a section of walking through boggy terrain. View the route here
Timing is Key: To maximize your chances of capturing stunning light on the North Face, it’s crucial to plan your visit around favorable weather conditions, particularly for sunrise or sunset.
Before heading out, we strongly recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) forecast to get a clear understanding of potential cloud cover and visibility on Ben Nevis. There’s little point in undertaking the walk if the mountain is shrouded in cloud!
Compositional Opportunities: The photographs included here were taken along the initial part of the route towards Càrn Mòr Dearg (CMD). From the slopes leading up to CMD, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent, sweeping view of the dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis.
This perspective also offers a fantastic vantage point to capture the impressive CMD Arête as it curves towards the summit of Ben Nevis, providing a compelling element of scale and drama in your photographs.
Avoiding the Steep Bog: Another option for capturing the North Face is to carry on up the trail to the CIC Hut.
However, please be aware that reaching this vantage point requires a reasonable level of fitness and involves a section of walking through boggy terrain. View the route here
Timing is Key: To maximize your chances of capturing stunning light on the North Face, it’s crucial to plan your visit around favorable weather conditions, particularly for sunrise or sunset.
Before heading out, we strongly recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) forecast to get a clear understanding of potential cloud cover and visibility on Ben Nevis. There’s little point in undertaking the walk if the mountain is shrouded in cloud!
Compositional Opportunities: The photographs included here were taken along the initial part of the route towards Càrn Mòr Dearg (CMD). From the slopes leading up to CMD, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent, sweeping view of the dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis.
This perspective also offers a fantastic vantage point to capture the impressive CMD Arête as it curves towards the summit of Ben Nevis, providing a compelling element of scale and drama in your photographs.
Avoiding the Steep Bog: Another option for capturing the North Face is to carry on up the trail to the CIC Hut.
Loch linnhe
Old Boat of Caol
For a unique and evocative photographic opportunity combining maritime history with the grandeur of Ben Nevis, head to the area near the train station in Corpach.
From the parking area, you’ll see a series of canal locks. Cross over these locks and make your way onto the beach. As you walk along the shoreline in the direction of Fort William, you’ll soon encounter the intriguing wreck of a boat, often partially submerged and providing a compelling foreground element.
This location offers a fantastic composition with the imposing bulk of Ben Nevis rising majestically in the background, creating a striking contrast between the weathered vessel and the towering mountain.
Additionally, this vantage point provides excellent panoramic views across the expansive waters of Loch Linnhe towards the town of Fort William and also down towards the scenic Corran Narrows, offering further opportunities for capturing the wider landscape.
Consider visiting at different times of day to capture varying light conditions on both the wreck and Ben Nevis. Low tide can reveal more of the boat’s structure, while sunrise or sunset can bathe the scene in golden or dramatic light.
From the parking area, you’ll see a series of canal locks. Cross over these locks and make your way onto the beach. As you walk along the shoreline in the direction of Fort William, you’ll soon encounter the intriguing wreck of a boat, often partially submerged and providing a compelling foreground element.
This location offers a fantastic composition with the imposing bulk of Ben Nevis rising majestically in the background, creating a striking contrast between the weathered vessel and the towering mountain.
Additionally, this vantage point provides excellent panoramic views across the expansive waters of Loch Linnhe towards the town of Fort William and also down towards the scenic Corran Narrows, offering further opportunities for capturing the wider landscape.
Consider visiting at different times of day to capture varying light conditions on both the wreck and Ben Nevis. Low tide can reveal more of the boat’s structure, while sunrise or sunset can bathe the scene in golden or dramatic light.
hogwarts express
Neptune’s Staircase & Jacobite Steam Train
For photographers seeking an impressive man-made structure, Neptune’s Staircase in Banavie/Caol is easily accessible with a dedicated car park right beside it, requiring minimal walking to reach prime vantage points.
This remarkable series of eight canal locks offers strong architectural lines and the visual interest of passing boats.
Adding another layer of photographic potential, a railway bridge spans the canal at the bottom of the staircase. It’s highly recommended to check the departure times of the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William.
Timing your visit to coincide with the steam train’s passage over the bridge can result in a truly iconic shot, with the vintage train framed against the majestic presence of Ben Nevis in the distance.
Extending Your Shoot: You can easily combine a visit to Neptune’s Staircase with capturing the Old Boat of Caol (mentioned in the previous section) by taking a pleasant loop walk around the canal.
This remarkable series of eight canal locks offers strong architectural lines and the visual interest of passing boats.
Adding another layer of photographic potential, a railway bridge spans the canal at the bottom of the staircase. It’s highly recommended to check the departure times of the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William.
Timing your visit to coincide with the steam train’s passage over the bridge can result in a truly iconic shot, with the vintage train framed against the majestic presence of Ben Nevis in the distance.
Extending Your Shoot: You can easily combine a visit to Neptune’s Staircase with capturing the Old Boat of Caol (mentioned in the previous section) by taking a pleasant loop walk around the canal.
waterfall
Steall Falls
A short and scenic drive (approximately 20 minutes) from Highwinds, at the end of the stunning Glen Nevis, lies the trailhead for the walk to Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s most impressive waterfalls.
The relatively easy trek to the falls itself offers numerous opportunities for capturing the dramatic landscapes of the glen, with towering mountains framing your views.
As you approach the falls, the cascading water plunging down the mountainside creates a powerful and visually striking subject. For the more adventurous photographer, a wire rope bridge near the falls offers a unique perspective and a thrilling element to your compositions.
Photographic Tips: Consider using a slower shutter speed to capture the silky smooth motion of the water as it falls. The surrounding rocky terrain and lush vegetation also provide interesting foreground elements. The light in the glen can change quickly, so be prepared to adapt your settings. For more detailed information about the walk itself, including route details and safety advice, please visit our dedicated walking page. Remember to check weather conditions before heading out, as the path can be slippery when wet.
The relatively easy trek to the falls itself offers numerous opportunities for capturing the dramatic landscapes of the glen, with towering mountains framing your views.
As you approach the falls, the cascading water plunging down the mountainside creates a powerful and visually striking subject. For the more adventurous photographer, a wire rope bridge near the falls offers a unique perspective and a thrilling element to your compositions.
Photographic Tips: Consider using a slower shutter speed to capture the silky smooth motion of the water as it falls. The surrounding rocky terrain and lush vegetation also provide interesting foreground elements. The light in the glen can change quickly, so be prepared to adapt your settings. For more detailed information about the walk itself, including route details and safety advice, please visit our dedicated walking page. Remember to check weather conditions before heading out, as the path can be slippery when wet.
north face
Ben Nevis from Highwinds
One of the unique photographic advantages of your stay at Highwinds is the spectacular and ever-changing view of the majestic North Face of Ben Nevis directly from the house.
You can literally spend hours observing the dynamic interplay of weather patterns as clouds drift and swirl across the mountain, dramatically altering its appearance throughout the day.
For your comfort and convenience, we’ve set up a cozy chair positioned perfectly in front of a window that frames this iconic vista. This provides an ideal and warm vantage point where you can relax and patiently await those fleeting moments of perfect light – whether it’s the soft glow of sunrise, the dramatic shadows of midday, or the warm hues of sunset painting the rugged slopes.
Capturing the Moment: Keep your camera close by! You never know when a particularly striking cloud formation, a shaft of sunlight breaking through, or a dusting of snow will create a truly memorable photographic opportunity right outside your window.
This unique perspective allows for intimate study of Ben Nevis and the chance to capture its grandeur in a variety of moods and conditions without even stepping outside.
You can literally spend hours observing the dynamic interplay of weather patterns as clouds drift and swirl across the mountain, dramatically altering its appearance throughout the day.
For your comfort and convenience, we’ve set up a cozy chair positioned perfectly in front of a window that frames this iconic vista. This provides an ideal and warm vantage point where you can relax and patiently await those fleeting moments of perfect light – whether it’s the soft glow of sunrise, the dramatic shadows of midday, or the warm hues of sunset painting the rugged slopes.
Capturing the Moment: Keep your camera close by! You never know when a particularly striking cloud formation, a shaft of sunlight breaking through, or a dusting of snow will create a truly memorable photographic opportunity right outside your window.
This unique perspective allows for intimate study of Ben Nevis and the chance to capture its grandeur in a variety of moods and conditions without even stepping outside.
hogwarts
Glenfinnan
A scenic drive of approximately 20 minutes from Highwinds will bring you to Glenfinnan, a location brimming with fantastic photographic potential, most notably the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and the picturesque Loch Shiel.
It’s truly a location where capturing a beautiful image is almost effortless.
Elevated Perspectives: While the classic views from the area around the visitor centre are stunning, consider venturing slightly off the beaten path for a unique perspective.
As you enter Glenfinnan, look for a forestry track heading uphill to your right. Following this track will lead you to an elevated vantage point offering a magnificent and less common view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with the serene waters of Loch Shiel stretching out behind it. This perspective can add a sense of depth and scale to your photographs.
Photographic Tips: Arriving in time to capture the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct is a must for many photographers. (10:45am, 1:15pm, 2:50pm and 5:40pm in summer months). Check the train’s timetable in advance to plan your shot.
The surrounding hills and the loch itself offer beautiful landscape opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light bathes the scene in warm hues. The Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel also provides an interesting historical and visual focal point.
It’s truly a location where capturing a beautiful image is almost effortless.
Elevated Perspectives: While the classic views from the area around the visitor centre are stunning, consider venturing slightly off the beaten path for a unique perspective.
As you enter Glenfinnan, look for a forestry track heading uphill to your right. Following this track will lead you to an elevated vantage point offering a magnificent and less common view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with the serene waters of Loch Shiel stretching out behind it. This perspective can add a sense of depth and scale to your photographs.
Photographic Tips: Arriving in time to capture the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct is a must for many photographers. (10:45am, 1:15pm, 2:50pm and 5:40pm in summer months). Check the train’s timetable in advance to plan your shot.
The surrounding hills and the loch itself offer beautiful landscape opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light bathes the scene in warm hues. The Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel also provides an interesting historical and visual focal point.
woodland walk
Blar Meanbh
Just a short distance from Highwinds, across the bridge at the end of our road, a small left turn will lead you onto a trail that winds its way into the captivating Blar Meanbh woods.
These woods offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility perfect for photographers seeking unique and intimate scenes.
The woods are crisscrossed with numerous small, often unmarked trails, inviting exploration and discovery. The natural character of the woods is ever-changing, with fallen trees frequently creating interesting obstacles and visual elements, adding a touch of wildness to your photographs.
Be prepared for a bit of an adventurous spirit as you navigate these charming and somewhat untamed woodlands.
Photographic Opportunities: The Blar Meanbh woods offer a wealth of photographic possibilities, from the interplay of light and shadow filtering through the canopy to the textures of moss-covered trees and the delicate details of woodland flora.
The fallen trees themselves can provide striking foreground elements or lead the eye through your compositions.
The sense of seclusion and the variety of paths encourage a more contemplative and artistic approach to your photography.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear for potentially uneven and muddy terrain, and be mindful of the weather, as conditions within the woods can be quite different from the open landscape.
These woods offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility perfect for photographers seeking unique and intimate scenes.
The woods are crisscrossed with numerous small, often unmarked trails, inviting exploration and discovery. The natural character of the woods is ever-changing, with fallen trees frequently creating interesting obstacles and visual elements, adding a touch of wildness to your photographs.
Be prepared for a bit of an adventurous spirit as you navigate these charming and somewhat untamed woodlands.
Photographic Opportunities: The Blar Meanbh woods offer a wealth of photographic possibilities, from the interplay of light and shadow filtering through the canopy to the textures of moss-covered trees and the delicate details of woodland flora.
The fallen trees themselves can provide striking foreground elements or lead the eye through your compositions.
The sense of seclusion and the variety of paths encourage a more contemplative and artistic approach to your photography.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear for potentially uneven and muddy terrain, and be mindful of the weather, as conditions within the woods can be quite different from the open landscape.
For more information on these woods please visit our Blar Meanbh page.
white sands
Beaches at Morar
A scenic drive of approximately one hour from Fort William will transport you to an absolutely stunning stretch of coastline in the Arisaig area.
This region is a true photographer’s dream, boasting pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters that rival tropical destinations, and magnificent panoramic views out towards the islands of Mull, Eigg, and Skye.
With such natural beauty at every turn, it’s genuinely a challenge to capture a bad photograph here.
Prime Photography Locations & Parking: For the best access to these incredible coastal scenes, consider parking at either the Camusdarach Beach car park or the Traigh Beaches car park. If these are full, the village of Arisaig itself offers further parking options and is a charming location to explore in its own right.
Photographic Opportunities: The Arisaig coastline presents a diverse range of subjects for your lens.
Capture the vibrant contrast between the white sands and the turquoise sea, frame the distant silhouettes of the islands against the horizon, and explore the textures of the rocky outcrops and tidal pools.
The changing light throughout the day will dramatically alter the colors and mood of the landscape.
Consider visiting at sunrise or sunset for particularly magical golden hour shots. This area offers endless possibilities for landscape and seascape photography.
This region is a true photographer’s dream, boasting pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters that rival tropical destinations, and magnificent panoramic views out towards the islands of Mull, Eigg, and Skye.
With such natural beauty at every turn, it’s genuinely a challenge to capture a bad photograph here.
Prime Photography Locations & Parking: For the best access to these incredible coastal scenes, consider parking at either the Camusdarach Beach car park or the Traigh Beaches car park. If these are full, the village of Arisaig itself offers further parking options and is a charming location to explore in its own right.
Photographic Opportunities: The Arisaig coastline presents a diverse range of subjects for your lens.
Capture the vibrant contrast between the white sands and the turquoise sea, frame the distant silhouettes of the islands against the horizon, and explore the textures of the rocky outcrops and tidal pools.
The changing light throughout the day will dramatically alter the colors and mood of the landscape.
Consider visiting at sunrise or sunset for particularly magical golden hour shots. This area offers endless possibilities for landscape and seascape photography.
wildlife
Fields Around Highwinds
We’re lucky to have fields to the front and back of Highwinds which are full of Horses, Cows, Sheep, Goats and Birds see what you can spot on your visit to Highwinds
views of aonach mor, cmd & ben nevis
Cruim Leacainn
This is the hill out the back of Highwinds, it offers fantastic views of Aonach Mor, Carn Mor Dearg & Ben Nevis. You start along the road then take a right and follow a track up, through some fields and a forest before a bit of a boggy slog for the final accent.
Some careful route finding is needed as there isnt a clear path and there be a gate or two that needs to be hopped. Here’s the route I took when I did it.
