Trip Reports: Winter Wonderland
Snow conditions can be variable in Assynt due to its proximity to the coast and the Gulf Stream, which keeps it relatively mild. On this occasion however a good covering of snow helped show off the mountains to their best. Sunshine was on strict ration throughout the trip, but the varying cloud cover did provide a good mixture of lighting effects. On this morning the sky was, if anything too clear. The few clouds that had been present at the dawn quickly dispersed leaving blue sky, which although not ideal, did contrast well with the snow. These clear conditions did not last and within a couple of hours, the skies became heavy with thick, dark cloud cover robing the mountains of their precious light.
One of the challenges of winter landscape photography is keeping your hands warm as you take photos. My new, thick gloves had kept my fingers toasty warm on the climb up, perhaps a bit too warm. The inside lining was now soaked in perspiration, which was rapidly freezing. I had to resort to a thin backup pair, which meant an uncomfortable day ahead. At least the snow covered mountain view warmed my heart.
The first rays of sunlight were just peeking from behind the Assynt mountains to illuminate the snow covered peak of Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly) when I made this image. This view hides the crumbling ridge of weathered Torridonian sandstone, which can provide some interesting scrambling.
The heart of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve was laid bare on this glorious winter's day. The bright sunshine and blue sky masked the fact that it was bitterly cold and with the freezing air clawing at my lungs, I found this scene literally breathtaking. The low angled light glancing the landscape helps to convey the precipitous nature of the mountains, which, due to their isolation and character create a splendid panorama. Snow blanketing a landscape strips away the distractions of colour, creating a reduced palette which concentrates the attention on the remaining textures.