The Isle of Skye and Glencoe are iconic. They are areas of incredible beauty and limitless possibilities for the landscape photographer. There are a myriad of breathtaking views and no matter the weather, you’ll have beauty to enjoy.
The camera really loves both these locations. The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, it’s an island which boasts some of the most breathtaking Highland landscapes imaginable. Across Skye you’ll find precarious peaks, jutting ridges, imposing pinnacles and sweeping glens which are nothing short of majestic.
From our base at the wonderful Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, we have easy accessible access to all of the islands iconic photography locations.
We will visit the Quiraing at the northern end of the Trotternish Peninsula. Raw nature at it’s very best and a must see for any landscape photographer. The Quiraing provides spectacular views in nearly every direction and to experience a sunrise here should be on everyones bucket list.
In Glencoe, we will be based right in the heart of it at the legendary Kingshouse Hotel.
Dramatic mountains, rare beauty and haunting history in the heart of the Highlands.
No description can re-create the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of the most famous places in Scotland, known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past.
With more history, drama and sheer natural ability to entertain than really seems fair, Glencoe is without doubt one of the world’s scenic highlights. But the famous pass is only the beginning and there are wonders to discover around every corner in the whole area. It’s easy to see why seasoned visitors would keep this wonderful place a secret if they could.
Glencoe is just so stunning. A landscape I consider to be amongst the top 5 to photograph. We will be photographing the impressive Three Sisters Mountain Range, the wild and beautiful Rannich Moor, the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor, explore the gorgeous Glen Etive Road, the Lochan Urr and still have time to step out of Glencoe to photograph Castle Stalker.
One thing is for sure, no matter where you shoot or whatever the weather is thrown our way, Glencoe is one of the top locations in the UK for landscape photography.
Let us simply say that these two locations of Scotland have beauty, peace, and a sense of living on the edge of Europe.
These workshops are very relaxed which I hope will leave you feeling fulfilled and rewarded.
Complimentary travel in my 8 seater Ford Tourneo to such locations as:
Isle of Skye
- The Fairy Pools
- The Old Man of Storr
- The Quiraing
- Elgol
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Eilean Donan Castle (not on the Isle of Skye, but is a must see whilst we are there)
Glencoe
- Buachaille Etive Mor
- Rannoch Moor
- Glen Etive
- Lochan na h-Achlaise
- Glencoe Lochan
- Castle Stalker
- Black Rock Cottage
- Waterfalls of the River Coupall and Cauldron Falls
Moderate
A moderate to good level of physical fitness is required to participate fully in this tour. While many photography locations are accessible with minimal walking, others may involve uneven terrain, rocky paths, steep inclines, or longer hikes. Participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods, sometimes over uneven ground or in variable weather conditions.
Good mobility is essential, especially for reaching more remote or elevated shooting spots that offer the most rewarding views. If you have any concerns about your physical ability or specific health conditions, please contact us in advance to discuss whether this tour is suitable for you.
Your safety and enjoyment are our priority, and being well-prepared physically will help ensure you get the most from the experience.
Isle of Skye
For the Isle of Skye leg of this trip we will be based at the gorgeous 4 star Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.
We will spend 5 nights here.
In a stunning location this hotel is set within fifteen acres of mature private grounds with a fantastic view over Portree Bay towards the majestic Cuillin Mountain Range. With plenty of free customer parking available and only a 10 minute walk from Portree town centre.
Tripadvisor has just placed the Cuillin Hills Hotel in their list of the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
Our entry-level rooms are the Standard Collection – wonderful & comfortable, with everything that you would expect from a 4 Star hotel, but with a heightened sense of luxury.
Your room will look out over the grounds of the hotel towards our gardens and offer all the amenities you would expect in a hotel of quality. Standard rooms are quality bedrooms at a level you would expect to be classed as Superior, without a superior cost ~ we don’t add the enhanced price tag, just the quality.
Your room will be a double bedroom with en-suite with a garden view.
For further details of our hotel, please click on the link below:
Cuillin Hills Hotel
Glencoe
For the second leg of this trip we will based at the beautiful Kingshouse Hotel.
We will spend 4 nights here.
The legendary Kingshouse is situated in the heart of Glencoe.
Standard Double Room. No single occupancy supplement.
Room Amenities
Bright and airy with lots of natural light, you’ll find our feature rooms at the front of the hotel, guaranteeing excellent views. Feature Rooms have a Kingsize or twin beds and a pull-out double sofa bed. The en-suite bathroom comes with a showerover the bath with fluffy towels, robes, and slippers. You’ll find a few extra special touches in your room too including a welcome 1881 G&T and nibbles along with still and sparkling water.
110/220 Volt Adapters Bath with Shower Direct Dial Telephone Hairdryer Heated Towel Rails Robe and Slippers Tea / Coffee Facilities Television Toiletries USB Charging Points Vanity Unit.
Includes Full Scottish Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi and fantastic views of Glencoe.
For further details of our Glencoe Hotel, please click on the link below:
Kingshouse Hotel
This information is provided as a helpful guide to ensure you get the most enjoyment from your trip.
All camera and lens brands ultimately serve the same purpose: capturing what’s in front of them using different types of sensors. What truly makes the difference is the person behind the camera. To get the most out of this trip, it’s crucial that you’re familiar with your own camera—its layout, menus, and capabilities. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials available to help you learn, and it’s essential that you understand your camera’s features and how to control them effectively.
Lens selection is a personal preference. Many landscape photographers opt for zoom lenses such as a 16–35mm, 24–70mm, and 70–200mm. Zooms are a practical choice because they reduce the need to carry multiple prime lenses—particularly useful when not travelling by car to the destination.
Filters are indispensable for many landscape photographers. As a Kase Filters Ambassador, I carry a Polariser, a 3 stop ND, a 6 stop ND and a 10 stop ND filter. All of my filters are circular and magnetic. I will bring some demonstration kits with me, which you are welcome to use. If you are interested in purchasing any Kase Filters, prior, during or after the trip, I will be able to provide a discount code to use on the Kase Website.
Camera bags come in a number of different shapes and sizes. It is important that your bag is comfortable on your back, holds the necessary amount of equipment for your trip and is of the correct size for those travelling by air. I personally use the Shimoda bags which I find to be the most comfortable when carrying my bag on long hikes.
A strong sturdy tripod is hugely beneficial when photographing in the Scottish Highlands. The weather conditions, particularly strong winds make the addition of tripod spikes essential. More often than not, we will be photographing on soft ground or sand in windy conditions. Although the emphasis tends to be on lightweight models you must make sure they reach “eye level” and are able to resist the strong winds. Carbon Fibre makes are more lightweight than aluminium and do the same job. I personally use the Kingjoy C86 tripod, which if you are interested in purchasing, I have a discount code for the Kingjoy range of tripods.
I would recommend that you bring a lap top (where possible) together with a external hard drive so that you can back up your images during the trip.
Wet weather is always a possibility and although the modern day cameras are better at coping with moisture, it is always advisable to take precautions during inclement weather. Either consider a specific rain cover for your camera equipment or at the very least bring a selection of shower caps to protect your camera during passing rain showers. These are easily purchased on Amazon.
Please also bring along lens cloths, a blower, spare batteries and spare SD cards.
Below is a suggested list of Recommended Clothing to consider bringing along:
1. Outerwear
Waterproof Jacket (with a hood): Breathable and fully waterproof (e.g., Gore-Tex or similar). Essential for rain and wind protection.
Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and packable over-trousers to keep you dry during hikes or sudden downpours.
Insulated Jacket or Fleece Layer: For warmth—consider a down or synthetic insulated jacket that packs down easily.
2. Base Layers
Moisture-Wicking Base Layer (top and bottom): Merino wool or synthetic—keeps sweat away and retains warmth even when damp.
Thermal Leggings (for colder months): Can be layered under trousers for added warmth.
3. Mid Layers
Fleece or Softshell Jacket: Versatile for layering and warmth.
Lightweight Windproof Layer (optional): Useful on blustery summits if your main jacket is too heavy for mild wind.
4. Trousers
Quick-Drying Hiking Trousers: Avoid jeans; go for synthetic or softshell hiking pants that move well and dry fast.
5. Footwear
Waterproof Hiking Boots (with good ankle support): Essential for rugged terrain, boggy areas, and wet conditions.
Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks: Bring multiple pairs; wool blends help prevent blisters and keep feet warm when wet.
Gaiters (optional): Useful for keeping mud, water, and debris out of your boots.
6. Accessories
Hat/Beanie: To retain heat in colder or windy conditions.
Gloves: Waterproof and warm gloves with decent dexterity for handling your camera.
Neck Gaiter or Buff: Versatile for warmth, wind protection, or even sun shielding.
Cap or Sunhat (summer): Protection from the sun on clearer days.
Sunglasses: Glare off water or snow can be intense, especially in spring/summer.
7. Other Tips
Layering is key: Weather changes quickly; being able to add/remove layers will keep you comfortable.
Pack spares: Always carry an extra pair of socks and base layers in case you get soaked.
- Head Torch
- Re-Usable Water Bottle
Complimentary transport during the trip in my 8 seater Ford Tourneo with ample room in the rear cab for all the photographic equipment.
Maximum of 5 Participants
8 Days & 9 Nights.
We will arrive at the hotel on the afternoon of the 4th January 2026.
Meet at the Cuillin Hills Hotel on the afternoon of the 4th January 2026. We will check out on the morning of Friday the 9th January 2026 before making our way to Glencoe for the second leg of this trip.
By Road
From the Skye Bridge turn right at the roundabout and follow the A87 to Portree.
Transport to the hotel, Travel Insurance, Cancellation Insurance, Alcoholic Drinks & other Expenses
Insurance
All participants are required to take out cancellation insurance AND travel insurance. There is a big difference between these two insurances and what they cover.
Travel insurance: this insurance intends to cover medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while travelling, either within one’s own country, or internationally. Temporary travel insurance can be arranged at any time before departure on your trip, to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a “multi-trip” policy can cover an unlimited number of trips within a set time frame. Please check which amount your insurance covers when it comes to damage or theft of you camera equipment / laptop. In case it is not enough, we recommend taking out additional insurance to cover your valuables.
Cancellation insurance: this insurance covers the damage you suffer by circumstances beyond your control, resulting in you having to cancel the trip beforehand or having to break if off before it ended. The circumstances for cancelling a trip are never good. Having cancellation insurance at least avoids you having a financial loss on top of this.
Third parties – During our travels, we use the services from various suppliers. Dean Allan Photography Limited is not an owner of these companies nor do we operate them or are they our employees. This means that Dean Allan Photography Limited cannot be held responsible for any negligent or wilful act or failure to act of any supplier or of any third party. This includes guides and drivers employed by the suppliers. By utilising the travel services of the suppliers, you agree that you will look to such suppliers for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss to you or to those travelling with you, and that Dean Allan Photography Limited shall not be liable.
Dean Allan Photography Ltd Terms & Conditions
This workshop caters for photographers of all skill levels and experience but, to get the most out of the week, you will ideally be comfortable with the technical use of your camera.
You will learn…
How to choose the right settings for each shot.
How to Shoot in Manual
How to meter and expose correctly
How to use your Histogram
How to focus properly
How to compose your shot
How to use fast and slow shutter speeds to be creative
How to use Filters
Although some of the shoots will only be a short walk from the car, having a good level of fitness will be an advantage on this workshop. We may be walking for up to 1 hour from the car, off the beaten path and sometimes on uneven terrain where the ground could be loose, boggy and steep. This is very much an outdoor workshop in an environment that can be unforgiving. If you are of ill health or suffer any physical ailments, this is probably not the right workshop for you. If in doubt, please get in touch.
Dean Allan is currently the Scottish Seascape Photographer of the Year and a multi award winning Professional Photographer of over 35 years.
My workshops fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the workshop you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form
To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour price is required. Once this deposit has been received, a binding contract will be in place between us.
Following confirmation, you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance along with the payment due date.
All prices listed on the website are in UK Sterling (GBP).
Payment can be made by direct bank transfer at no additional cost. Alternatively, credit card payments are processed via Stripe and will incur a 3% transaction fee, added by Dean Allan Photography Ltd to cover the processing charges incurred by the company.
