Photographing Argyll – Too Much of a Good Thing?

Your Argyll, Scotland Photography Overview

• Spectacular mountains, hills and valleys
• Over 3,000 miles of dramatic heavily indented coastline on the mainland and islands
• Twenty-three inhabited islands and hundreds of smaller islands
• Seven National Nature Reserves and many more parks, gardens and wild spaces
• Many towns and villages with visible history dating back to the 9th century
• Castles by the dozen – some inhabited, others a ruined skeleton of their former glory
• Miles of hiking trails – bring your boots, layers of clothes and rain gear
• Birds and wildlife including eagles, kites, ospreys, puffins, deer, otters, red squirrels, sharks, orcas, whales and dolphins
• The world’s finest single malt whiskeys as a reward for your hiking and picture taking

My Top Locations to Photograph in Argyll

Glencoe – There are so many locations around Glencoe, you could easily spend days just here. Aside from the “standard locations” you’ll find on Instagram, I suggest you go along the road of the A82 and specifically Loch Ba. Mountains, watery landscapes, reeds and wildlife.

Castle Stalker – This is a privately owned castle on an island, quite close to shore, and an ideal subject. If you walk along the road to Port Appin, you can get a ferry to the Island of Lismore. Along the way and on the island, you’ll find many subjects to fill your memory cards.

Glen Creran – Dozens of compositions here – mountainous landscape, trees, wildlife, rivers and streams. It’s a very scenic loop walk around the head of the Loch.

Kilmartin – Make sure you have plenty of battery life. Here you’ll find standing stones, ancient churches, castles and a valley surrounded by nature. You’re also not far from Crinan where you’ll find a canal that allows boats to pass through the west coast.

Loch Morar and Morar Sands – a beautiful beach, a peaceful loch and the nearby sea for stunning seascapes.

The Main Towns in Argyll

Best Time to Visit Argyll

Both autumn and winter can be sweet times to visit Argyll. No midges (mosquitos), fewer tourists, reasonable weather and crystal clear light.

If you’re coming in the summer, I’d suggest you spend more time in the towns and villages. In the hinterlands, you’ll be eaten alive by midges.

Bring Rain Gear

There are also days of light mist and drizzle. With the right clothing, and some protection for your camera and gear, it can be quite enjoyable.

Looking for moody shots? Argyll delivers the big clouds drifting through the mountains for you.

Make Sure You Have Comfortable Hiking Boots

Transportation to Argyll

Regarding car rentals, you’re best off renting in the major towns and cities. Don’t count on car rental services in the small Argyll villages. If you fly into Glasgow, there are numerous rental agencies within the airport.

With so many islands, you’ll likely be using the many ferry services. Get started with an overview of the ferry services here.

For information about Scotland’s transportation systems including trains, buses, ferries and the Glasgow subway, go to this Visit Scotland transportation page.

Travel Argyll By Train

The region has very good train service, even to smaller towns and villages. It’s a relaxing and easy way to see Argyll. Learn more about the train service, get schedules and tickets here.

In the Summer, Take the “Harry Potter” Steam Train

Here’s a great blog post about photographing the famous viaducts on this route from the ground or inside the train. Another detailed blog post on photographing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.