Join Colin Prior, in association with Sigma, to discover the beautiful landscapes of Scotland's Harris and Lewis capturing dramatic landscapes. Staying at the The Harris Hotel in Tarbet for a six night photography experience.
Harris is a place of dramatic contrasts: on the west coast, white sands stretch for miles backed by mountains, dunes and machair, while the east coast is an intricate series of bays and headlands pocked with rock and loch with small hamlets clustered in inlets that look like miniature fjords.
In Lewis, the dramatic west coast possesses some of the wildest country to be found anywhere in Scotland. During stormy weather, there is nowhere better to witness the power of the Atlantic swell as it reaches the coastline. There are sudden moments when you have to pull over to stop and stare — perhaps a rainbow appearing over a turquoise-tinged estuary after heavy rain, or the setting sun reflected in the glistening tidal flats, or the contrast between the deep purple hues of the heather and the vibrant lush greens of August.
The Harris Hotel in Tarbet is perfectly situated for access to the shell sand beaches of Seilebost and Scarasta where there will be opportunities to photograph at sunrise and sunset. We will spend a day in Lewis at the spectacular sea stacks and visit the famous and enigmatic standing stones of Callanish, Scotland’s equivalent of Stonehenge.
Harris is a place of dramatic contrasts: on the west coast, white sands stretch for miles backed by mountains, dunes and machair, while the east coast is an intricate series of bays and headlands pocked with rock and loch with small hamlets clustered in inlets that look like miniature fjords.
In Lewis, the dramatic west coast possesses some of the wildest country to be found anywhere in Scotland. During stormy weather, there is nowhere better to witness the power of the Atlantic swell as it reaches the coastline. There are sudden moments when you have to pull over to stop and stare — perhaps a rainbow appearing over a turquoise-tinged estuary after heavy rain, or the setting sun reflected in the glistening tidal flats, or the contrast between the deep purple hues of the heather and the vibrant lush greens of August.
The Harris Hotel in Tarbet is perfectly situated for access to the shell sand beaches of Seilebost and Scarasta where there will be opportunities to photograph at sunrise and sunset. We will spend a day in Lewis at the spectacular sea stacks and visit the famous and enigmatic standing stones of Callanish, Scotland’s equivalent of Stonehenge.
Day 1
One we arrive from Inverness; we will drive to Ullapool and board the ferry to Stornoway. We will continue our journey to the Harris Hotel in Tarbet where we will check-in and head out to our first location.
Day 2
If the forecast is favourable, we will drive to Luskentyre and position for sunrise on Tråigh Rosamol where the dunes and white coral sands are backed by a mountainous backdrop. After breakfast, we will head back out to explore more of Harris’s beaches and headlands.
Day 3
The road west past Amhuinnsuidhe Castle takes us to its terminus at Huishnish. From here we will follow a coastal path up and over to the remote beach of Tråigh Mheilein, the most beautiful and secluded beach in Harris. To the east, Loch Cravadale is set against a mountainous backdrop where golden and eagles are often seen.
Day 4
The day starts by exploring the rocky coastline of Lewis. Both white-tailed and golden eagles are residents in this area and can often be seen riding the thermals. On our return, we will visit the Callanish Stones which date back to 3000 BC when they were once part of a megalithic complex associated with celestial observations.
Day 5
An early start for sunrise where marram dunes give elevated views over the shell sand beaches. After breakfast, we will follow the Golden Road, south-east, through Manish to Rodel. Our return takes us to Tråigh Scarasta, where the rolling Atlantic swell breaks on the beach in clouds of white spume, against a backdrop of mountains.
Day 6
Subject to weather, we’ll head out to capture the sunrise at Tråigh Sheilebost, followed by breakfast, and then a final chance to explore the coral sand beaches and headlands, for one last time.
Day 7
After checking out, we will drive to Stornoway where there will have a couple of hours before boarding the ferry to Ullapool.
As the tour include a variety of locations and photographic disciplines, we suggest to bring a variety of focal lengths so you do not miss out on photo opportunities. Wide-angle lenses and telephotos are a must to capture the sweeping landscapes and local wildlife. Lens filters, tripods, spare memory cards, powerbanks and laptops are essential to get the most out of the tour. Read Colin’s recommended equipment list by clicking below.
Colin Prior is known as one of the world’s most respected landscape photographers. Born in Glasgow, his proximity to the Scottish Highlands shaped his passion for the outdoors and fostered his interest in photography. His photographs capture sublime moments of light and land, which are the result of meticulous planning and preparation and often take years to achieve. Prior is a photographer who seeks out patterns in the landscape and the hidden links between reality and the imagination.
Moderate Exertion – this tour involves straightforward hiking generally over good trails. Terrain underfoot is mainly on paths or hill trails which may be muddy in places. There may be a limited amount of uphill walking.
We assume no liability for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause during the course of the tour or in transit.
We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in the services to be provided.
The tour operator reserve the right to change arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the tour due to exceptional circumstances. In the event that the tour company deem it necessary to cancel the tour, they will provide a full refund which the participants acknowledge as full and final settlement.
There is always an element of risk in any outdoor activity including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, illness, loss or damage to personal property. By joining the tour participants acknowledge that they are aware of these risks and are physically capable of safely taking part in the tour. Further, they release the photographer & SIGMA UK from any liability. We will assume no liability for injury, illness or loss of personal property or expenses associated with participation in a tour.
No. Please bring whatever camera and lens system you are using, there is no obligation to use our kit.
Some basic knowledge of photography will be useful, however photographers of all skill levels are welcome on the workshop.
The minimum age to attend this workshop is 18.
To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour price. Once the deposit has been recieved, the contract between yourself and Colin Prior will become binding and covers everyone you are booking on behalf of. After this, Colin’s team will send you an invoice for the balance and advise you of the date for payment of the same. Please click here for full terms and conditions.
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