Winter has arrived…..
Spindrift blowing through the Coire with Maol Chean Dearg behind
One huge benefit of living in the highlands is proximity to the mountains when the temperature drops and the snow arrives. I remember well the years I spent sat in an office, studying the weather forecast and daydreaming I was on a snowy mountainside 450 miles away. On a number of occasions I’d see a photo of perfect winter conditions in the highlands and immediately book some last minute leave to make the journey North, only to witness the last remnants of the snow melt away and the jet stream deliver wind and rain in it’s place. Scottish winter is very fickle, particularly on the west coast.
This will be our 4th Winter in Lochcarron. The first year we were still finding our feet in the village, I was still working a full time job and we were in the process of transforming the old Butchers shop into a coffee shop and gallery space. There was no time or motivation for mountain adventures and we were so excited about what lay ahead that it didn’t really matter.
The years since have delivered plenty of amazing opportunities and winter conditions. I’ve certainly had more epic winter adventures in the last 3 years than I managed in the entire decade previously, and whilst I couldn’t necessarily get out into the high mountains every time the temperature dropped, I have captured lot’s of winter images I am very happy with. I’ve also had a lot of fun whilst building up my skills and experience and getting a much deeper knowledge of my local hills and glen’s.
The winter conditions we all dream of! Predawn light on An Teallach, February 2024
However, even though I now live in the heart of the highlands, winter still presents it’s fair share of challenges and frustrations. Conditions are unpredictable and fleeting. I’ve missed plenty of opportunities to get out into the snow simply because life has a habit of getting in the way. I still find myself looking at pictures online and wishing I could have experienced the same conditions someone else has hundreds of miles away. I have still found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time on a number of occasions.
This winter has started off slowly - the weather in November and December was mostly wet, windy and mild. We had a brief cold spell in late November, and I managed a very challenging day on the slopes of Beinn na h-Eaglaise in very deep, wet snow. My objective was a panoramic image of the Coulin Hills from the flank of Beinn na h-Eaglaise. I knew from an attempt the previous winter that I wanted to be away from the main summit, looking over Loch An Eoin and creating some nice separation between the main hills. I was a little late in getting to the location, stopping along the way to take some pictures of a pair of Ptarmigan in their winter plumage.
The late afternoon light was lovely and soft and bathing the mountains from the west. I stayed up high until well after sunset, capturing the same panoramic scene in soft blur hour light and making my favourite image of the day. One for the portfolio, and I look forward to printing it for the gallery. It was a long walk back in the dark, but I was very please that my Winter season had got off to a good start.
From left to right - Beinn Liath Mor, Sgorr Ruadh, Fuar Tholl, Maol Chean Dearg and An Ruadh Stach
My favourite image of the day - a Stitched panoramic of the Coulin hills under the soft glow of blue hour.
The positive start to the season was short lived. The snow melted as quickly as it had arrived, and December was very wet and very windy. Typically, I was busy with Christmas Markets on the few good days we had. In desperation and believing I was due one last good day in the hills in 2025, I headed up high at the first sign of a half positive forecast. I spent a wet and miserable day on Beinn Liath Mor, convinced if I waited on the hill just a little longer that the promised break in the weather would materialise. I had 5 minutes of amazing light on the way to the summit and frantically tried to make the best of the fleeting conditions. At the time I couldn’t help think it was my worst day in the mountains for many years - All of my equipment was sodden, I’d gone through 3 pairs of gloves and I returned home well after dark both freezing cold and completely exhausted. However, the next day I woke up reflecting that it had been a learning experience, that I'd stolen a final day in the hills when I could have just as easily stayed at home, and I’d managed to capture an image of Coir Lair that I felt was unique and told a story of the day.
We returned to Yorkshire for Christmas, just as a period of settled weather hit the highlands. Whilst there wasn’t any snow, I was frustrated to miss out on day after day of cold, frosty and calm conditions. A nice reminder that it’s impossible to always be in the right place at the right time.
As we got closer to January, the forecast signals were clear that a period of cold and snowy conditions were on the way. It was clear from the mixed forecasts that no-one could predict with any certainty the day to day detail, and we returned home a day earlier than planned. The snow had already arrived, and the last 60 miles of the drive back to Lochcarron was in blizzard conditions. Nevertheless, a plan was made to head out first thing the next day.
It’s true that Landscape Photographers are never happy, and despite now being in the right place at the right time, the frustrations continue. We have too much Snow! Many routes have been blocked over the last few days, and passing places and car parks have too much snow in them to be of any use. Cars have been abandoned and many roads completely cut off. Despite having a 4x4 vehicle, access out of the village has been limited. Nevertheless, my friend Iain and I did manage 2 very tiring days out in the wild weather, and I’m very pleased to have kickstarted 2026 with some adventure in some amazing conditions.
A taste of the condtions over the last few days - Thanks to Iain Mcleod for the video
Getting into the high mountains has proved impossible, with more than 15 inches of snow in the valley and windslab deposits lying on sheltered slopes and hiding burns and rivers. Best laid plans were quickly shelved, and we have spent the days exploring some Coire’s and Lochans lower down. It’s been great fun, and I’m pleased to have come away with some images that I like.
As I write this, the temperature has increased a few degrees and it’s been raining for most of the day. Snow is still piled up outside, and I can hear the melting snow slowly sliding off the roof. Conditions look cold at elevation for the next few days at least, so hopefully I’ll have chance to get back into the mountains for more adventures over the next week. It’s been a good start to 2026.