Melanie Grandidge May 20 2024

“Photography isn’t about just pushing that button. It’s about the experience of being there.”
– Don McCullin

For the past 20 years, we’ve been crafting award-winning self-drive holidays in the British Isles. In that time, our intrepid clients have been kind enough to send us some sensational snaps from their adventures.

We’ve searched through our archive to uncover some of our all-time favourite client photos. Here are 12 inspiring shots from your road trips in Scotland.

 

Tobermory, Isle of Mull by Piikea Miller

Let’s kick this off with an absolute classic Scottish destination that never fails to delight.

Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is famous for its bright, colourful buildings and picturesque harbour. This photo excellently captures the essence of the village, showcasing its vibrant beauty in all its glory.

Taken by Piikea Miller from Hawaii in 2015, it’s heartwarming to see that Tobermory’s charm hasn’t faded in almost a decade.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull by Piikea Miller

 

Highland Cow by Chris Hatton

Have you even been on holiday in Scotland if you don’t return with a ‘Heilan coo’ snap?

This close-up by our client, Chris Hatton, is one of a kind! With so much personality, this fantastic shot won our photo competition in 2021.

Fancy meeting a friendly Highland cow for yourself? Submit an enquiry and one of our Travel Specialists will be happy to suggest some of the best locations to see some coos for yourself. Our Escape to the Highlands itinerary is a great place to start.

Highland Cow Close-up by Chris Hatton

 

Hebridean Standing Stones by George & Valerie Kelsey

There’s something incredibly satisfying about this shot by George and Valerie Kelsey. Perhaps it’s the crisp detail, the deep greens and blues, the perfectly centred standing stone, or the amount of space that’s been given to the fluffy cloud.

Whatever the reason, this little part of the Outer Hebrides is truly stunning. If this small aspect is so breathtaking, just imagine how incredible it would be to explore the entire archipelago.

Hebridean Standing Stones by George & Valerie Kelsey

 

Faraid Head by Peter Wade

Picture yourself strolling along the serene sandy shores and windswept dunes of Faraid Head, just a stone’s throw from Durness in north-west Scotland. We love seeing our clients explore the destinations we recommend, so we were delighted to receive this photo from Peter Wade.

The North Coast 500 road trip promises an adventure through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, creating memories you’ll cherish long after you return home.

Exploring Faraid Head by Peter Wade

 

Rush hour traffic on the Isle of Barra by Gordon Adamson

This brilliant shot looks like a still from a film! Gordon Adamson sent so many stunning photos from his trip around the Outer Hebrides but this one in particular caught our eye. The vivid colours and the way the driver’s hair matches the sheep’s fleece give it a witty, cinematic quality.

This photo is a great example of how photography is not just the practice of creating visually appealing pictures but is also about telling stories. What do you think the narrative behind this photo is?

Rush hour traffic on the Isle of Barra by Gordon Adamson

 

Flora on the Isle of Skye by Joey Huddleston

The Isle of Skye is undoubtedly a special place. However, when the sunlight hits the island like this, it takes its beauty to a whole new level.

The way the light illuminates each blade of grass and makes the purple flowers glow, with the mountains faded into the background, creates such a serene atmosphere in this photo captured by Joey Huddleston in 2014.

Flora on the Isle of Skye by Joey Huddleston

 

Piper at Eilean Donan Castle by Steve and Jane Gow

You don’t get much more Scottish than this! This perfectly-composed shot captures a perfect moment at Eilean Donan. This famous castle is strategically located on its little island on the road to the Isle of Skye. It is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world.

Our regular clients, Steve and Jane Gow from Australia, captured this joyful scene in 2016.

Piper at Eilean Donan Castle by Steve and Jane Gow

 

Orkney sunset by Mike Pountney

How about this for a sunset?

We love how lines of cloud run horizontally over the sun’s rays, with the colours blending into the water’s reflection against the distinct silhouettes of the village below.

This dreamlike scene echoes the serenity of Orkney – one of our favourite places in Scotland. This rugged archipelago sure knows how to put on a good sunset, and this beautiful shot by Mike Pountney couldn’t prove that any better.

Orkney Sunset by Mike Pountney

 

Three Sisters, Glencoe by Craig Rose 

The towering peaks, dramatic clouds, and rugged valleys make Glencoe a popular location for photography. This moody panorama captures the unique shapes and distinct ridges of one of Glencoe’s most iconic sites – The Three Sisters.

You can witness dramatic landscapes like our client, Craig Rose, on our Grand Road Trip of Scotland.

Three Sisters, Glencoe by Craig Rose

 

Dunrobin Castle by Des & Lynn Watkins

Could there be a more fitting backdrop for a peregrine falcon than the magnificent Dunrobin Castle?

Des and Lynn Watkin’s perfectly framed shot not only captures the personality of this impressive bird but also the imposing presence of this grand Highland castle.

It’s no wonder this image earned its place as a well-deserved finalist in our 2021 photo competition. You can discover this enchanting fairytale destination near Golspie on the North Coast 500.

Dunrobin Castle by Des and Lynn Watkins

 

Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris by Andrew Harrison

Hebridean beaches hold a special place in our hearts, never failing to leave us in awe. Andrew Harrison’s enchanting shot of Seilebost Beach from his 2018 holiday perfectly encapsulates the exquisite textures and serene colours.

Seilebost Beach sits on the southern side of its renowned neighbour, Luskentyre, and could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise. With endless stretches of pristine white sand and green-blue waters, this corner of the Isle of Harris is truly mesmerising.

Eager to experience this stunning place? Look no further than our Hebridean Island Hopping holiday.

View of Seilebost Beach looking towards Luskentyre Beach by Andrew Harrison

 

Puffin in Shetland by Wendy Carlyle

They say that timing is everything, and that’s certainly true in this captivating photo from Wendy Carlyle. Wendy had the joy of witnessing the playful antics of puffins while exploring Shetland and Orkney.

Find out the best time to see puffins in our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shetland & Orkney, or get in touch with our friendly Travel Specialists who will be delighted to give you their recommendations.

Puffin in Shetland by Wendy Carlyle

 

Capture Your Own Memories with Absolute Escapes

If you’d like to experience beautiful scenes like these across Scotland, England and Wales, we would be delighted to assist you in planning an unforgettable journey.

We have a wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge and can create a perfect self-drive holiday which is built around you.

We love to see our client’s holiday snaps, and all photos we receive are entered into our annual photo competition where you can win a holiday gift voucher. We also showcase our favourite client photos on Facebook, Instagram and X. Why not follow us for regular travel inspiration?

Melanie Grandidge

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