The Highlands of Scotland offer access to mountain scenery in such a way that makes them unique throughout Europe. Where else are you able to park a car literally a few feet from an excellent stalkers path or track and within minutes enter a remote mountain wilderness. It is this accessabilty along with their majestical form combined with powerful light influenced by the Gulf Stream which make the Scottish Highlands so beautiful. In the deep throws of winter, these mountains become truly wild, offering a very serious undertaking for those prepared to climb their summits.

It is during this period of winter wildness that I spent a week in the Northwest Highlands, based in Annat just outside the village of Torridon. This location resides in the heart of mountain scenery offering superb views of the trio of Munro’s (mountains over 3000ft) known as Beinn Eighe, Liathach and Beinn Alligin. Having climbed Lithach and Beinn Alligin previously, my aim this time was to capture a photograph of Liathach at dawn from Beinn Eighe.

Mountain climbing in winter with a large format camera, tripod, crampons and ice axe require a different approach to normal photography. Its not just about the weight of equipment and the gradient of the hill. There are times when you might need to take a pack off and haul it with rope for a section that requires scrambling, or the weight of a poorly positioned tripod can push you off balance when negotiating a tricky descent. There’s also the additional need to carry food and extra clothing as standing around on a summit waiting for the light can be an extremely chilly business.

Its these instances where a traditional camera rucksack isn’t suitable. The back systems don’t allow enough movement and the weight and overall design of the pack aren’t geared up to this type of activity. In these circumstances I favour an alpine style mountaineering pack (Macpac Ascent) which is both lighter and more comfortable than traditional photo backpacks.

They say, ‘with the right equipment the job is easy’. Well climbing up Coire an Laoigh in snow certainly wasn’t easy, but I reached the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach shortly after dawn. Descending back down on to the shoulder of the ridge, the views to Liathach were stunning and I made my images in glorious morning light with the lightest winds.

In photography, timing is everything and my week in Torridon at the end of February certainly proved to be one of the most fruitful ever.

Until the next time.

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