Join Colin Prior, in association with Sigma, to discover the incredible natural landscape of the Small Isles, one of the wildest and most beautiful areas of the UK. Staying at the Gallanach Lodge on the Isle of Muck for a seven night photography experience.
During the week, the group will visit the islands of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Coll aboard the privately charted MV Lochan. With the exception of Eigg, we will land by dingy onto sandy and rocky shorelines which give access to undisturbed locations, rich in photographic opportunities and bird life. On Muck and on Coll, we will enjoy walks over dunes and moorland to some high points with little in the way of elevation.
The remaining days will be spent photographing on Muck, which not only has varied landscapes but superb views out to Rum, Eigg and beyond to Skye, where sunrise and sunset opportunities are possible. Please note that our excursions to the other islands are dependent on suitable wind and sea conditions and should we experience adverse weather, it may not be possible to venture offshore.
During the week, the group will visit the islands of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Coll aboard the privately charted MV Lochan. With the exception of Eigg, we will land by dingy onto sandy and rocky shorelines which give access to undisturbed locations, rich in photographic opportunities and bird life. On Muck and on Coll, we will enjoy walks over dunes and moorland to some high points with little in the way of elevation.
The remaining days will be spent photographing on Muck, which not only has varied landscapes but superb views out to Rum, Eigg and beyond to Skye, where sunrise and sunset opportunities are possible. Please note that our excursions to the other islands are dependent on suitable wind and sea conditions and should we experience adverse weather, it may not be possible to venture offshore.
Day 1
Meet in Mallaig and take the Calmac Ferry to Muck. After checking in at Gallanch Lodge, we will explore Gallanach Bay where coral sands are backed by rocky terraces on which a large colony of common seals reside.
Day 2
A short sea journey aboard the MV Lochan will take us to the Island of Eigg where we’ll visit the Bay of Laig. It is a spectacular location with a coral sand beach, set against the backdrop of the Rum Cuillin.
Day 3
Today we head out towards Canna’s north cliffs, which are home to thousands of breeding seabirds. If conditions permit, we will land at Langanish and explore the headland where hexagonal basalt columns rise from the sea. After lunch, we head to Sanday to capture the basalt stack of Dùn Mòr and its puffin colony.
Day 4
After breakfast, we head to Camus Mor bay where Valtos Sandstone has been overlain by lava flows that erupted during the Palaeogene period. After lunch, we make the easy climb to the top of Ben Airean (138m) where the whole island reveals itself – with the Sgurr of Eigg and Rum as a backdrop.
Day 5
We head to Rum, where towering sandstone cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and diverse wildlife will make for beautiful images. Red-throated divers, hen harriers and golden eagles can all be seen at Bagh Rubha a’ Mhoil Ruaidh, a secluded beach formed by rounded Torridonian sandstone boulders. Following lunch, we will visit Kinloch and the castle.
Day 6
Our journey today will take us up Glen Martin and out to the most westerly point of Muck to Gallanach Bay, with a beautiful stretch of shell-sand beach Two long reefs form the east side of Gallanach Bay and between them is the tiny Port Chreadhain with a small jetty.
Day 7
Isle of Coll. Today we will head to the island of Coll which has a rich variety of habitats from coral sand beaches with wildflower-carpeted machair to rolling dunes and grassland and remains one of the UK strongholds of the rare and secretive corncrake. We then head to the crystal clear waters of Eilean Mör, hoping to spot stunning Basking sharks and Minke whales.
Day 8
Following breakfast, we will check out of Gallanach
Lodge and continue to explore Muck at our leisure until our departure on the ferry.
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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