Loch Linnhe is the gateway to the great glen. It is where the gaels, called the Scoti by the Romans, created the kingdom of Dál Riata in the western highlands of Scotland, to which I feel very connected. The kingdom reached its height under the rule of my 44th grandfather Áedán mac Gabráin (r. 574–608).
This shot was taken from the remote coastal road on Morvern leading to Kingairloch as the weather started closing in over the Nevis range.
The beaches of Ardnamurchan are stunningly beautiful, quiet and thankfully out of the way. All you need is a long trip to the far north western highlands of scotland, a rare sunny day and the ability to handle very cold water.
We spent this stunning first day of winter taking unforgettable photos around where we live on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the western highlands of Scotland.
We ended off with this golden sunset, taken from where Glenborrodale Castle looks out over loch Sunart.
My wife Susan and I were walking high up on the mountain behind our house in Ardnamurchan.
It is in the western highlands of Scotland, looking out over loch Sunart.
We were checking our water supply, which is from a strong stream about half way up from the top.
Nobody comes up here except for the few people who live in this remote area, so the water is pristine.
The distillery a few miles away uses water from a similar source due to its purity.
This is one of the blessings of the wild and remote western highlands.
We had a very cold swim in this lovely natural pool under the waterfall a few hundred metres upstream.
Followed by a picnic on the grass next to the pool.
Wonderful fun.
BUT, then we found tiny ticks on our legs. Thirty or so on Susan’s bare legs.
We spent many years in Africa and are no stranger to all types of ticks.
The problem is here in this seemingly peaceful place where the red deer roam, they drop ticks.
These local little devils carry Lymes desease, which is no joke and not found in Africa to my knowledge.
They have a friend, the mighty scottish midge, who attacks in great numbers like the highland warriors of old.
So between them they keep us humans at bay and protect their mountains.
However it is all worth it.
Living here is magical, so we have come to terms with the wild.