A cloudy day today, I’m getting more confident flying the drone lately so went for a look along the coast between Laig Bay and Singing Sands. Not the best of conditions so will have to try this again later in the week if the weather’s kind. This is the furtherest away I flown the Drone, over 2km. It’s quite daunting with the waves splashing below and the signal dropping on the remote control so you can’t see anything. At first I thought I’d lost control of the drone itself but it seems the live video stream is all I lost. Hopefully later in the week I’ll push the boundaries a little further and get some awesome footage of this fascinating coast. The Lava Tubes are amazing. Gullies and tubes in the rocks where molten lava once ran.

Waves at Laig Bay shot with my 100-400mm lens

Laig Bay waves.

With no real plan for today and the weather being a little overcast and dull we decided to head out for a walk up along the Beach and up to Cleadale for a look about. Here’s how we got on in this video I shot along the way.

A weathered Post Box at Cleadale. Collection time is 1 hour before the ferry departs.

We shall be forever indebted to you for your Bravery and Sacrifice.

A variety of vehicles on the Island. This is the only Taxi, driven by a nice chap Charlie. £10 for a 3 mile journey to the Pier…

An informative Taxi ride later and we’re down at the Pier where the locals are very friendly. From here I decided it was worth a walk up towards An Sgùrr. At least to see how far we could get.

 Past the Community Hall

 First sighting of An Sgùrr. What a sight. An Sgùrr is the highest point on Eigg. It was formed almost 60 million years ago, the result of one of the last eruptions of a volcano, the core of which now forms the Isle of Rùm. (wikipedia facts)

 Glorious colours on the hillsides around here.

It was a flat and grey day. The Midges were horrendous. We were simply not prepared for this today and the weather wasn’t looking too promising for a great photographic opportunity from the summit if we indeed get that far. However minor details like that aren’t going to stop me today. I have energy and I want this. More than anything today. It’s happening. It was at this point Thomas turned around and started walking home.

He eventually came back…

 While Lewis bagged my new Midge net.

 I can’t turn back now. Once you can see your goal insight you can’t give up. Never.

 A couple of Buzzards were soaring around us.

 Looking back towards the Pier. Lewis looking back to Thomas. Still not happy at all.

  The view over towards Cleadale and Laig Bay with the Isle of Skye in the distance.

The mainland as we ascend.

 Traversing the Sgùrr to pick up the path leading to the summit, great echo’s here. Kept the kids interested, better than…

Falling into Bogs.

 Poor Thomas, he was not at all happy. A life lesson for him today in many respects.

 More of Cleadale now visible.

 Rùm visible now too.

Heading up on to the Rocks.

The small Isle of Muck from between the Rocks.

 The Red Dots mark the way to the summit. Note the rock formations. Like boiling Lava.

 Muck.

 Maybe that’s the Summit. Spot the red dot…

 Muck. I hope the cloud holds off so there’s a view from the Summit.

  Rum. Looks like the cloud is coming. Amazing rock formations underfoot.

 There it is. The Summit of An Sgùrr. Apologies for the blurred image.

 A great view of Cleadale and Laig Bay now. What an achievement getting up here.

 Back to the Pier where we started walking from. Really proud of getting up here today.

Rùm, now almost lost in cloud.

We’re not alone.  A couple of nice German ladies on the Summit too. The rocks around here are amazing. Boiling Lava solidified.

 The mainland. The visibility is closing in every second.

 Cleadale and Laig Bay become lost in the approaching Rain.

 Amanda, Thomas and Lewis on the Summt of An Sgùrr. A great achievement for Thomas after almost quitting. We literally had 2 minutes on the summit then headed back down as the rain started. There was a tricky scramble over steep rocks on the way up and I didn’t fancy tackling that in reverse and in the wet so we made a move.

 The fine looking An Sgùrr. For a moment we were the highest people on Eigg.

 Amazing

 Back to the start of the climb and what an achievement for everyone. Good on Thomas for not giving up.

Rowan Trees.

The disused Post Box marks the spot where our route meets the main road. Call the Taxi Dad…

 Dragging one another along the road.

 Back to An Sgùrr.

 George’s Land Rover. George is the Farmer that owns the house we’re staying in. He Farms one side of Eigg his Father the other.

 Another Bost Box.

 Back to Sgurr.

 The boy is literally broken today. A huge lesson for him in life and as I’ve always said Fell Walking is very much like life. You have to tackle what’s in front of you and you simply can’t quit, while sometimes things appear impossible as a whole, taking little steps eventually leads you to your destination. Over 3 years ago I got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or M.E. after a really bad spell of Glandular Fever which hospitalised me, at times I’ve not had the energy to get out off bed, some weeks/months I don’t leave the house. I’ve fought with depression, anxiety, loneliness and hopelessness for my old life, the life where I had energy to do the things I love, like my job, my hobbies, riding my motorbike to basic things like playing with my children. Today marks a truly monumental day for my recovery. To head out for a simple little walk and walk 10 miles up to the highest point on the Island is a real achievement for me. 8 months ago I could not walk a mile without breaks and I put on 22kg of weight since getting ill. This year I’ve been doing graded exercise therapy everyday and am much more accepting of my condition, its limitations and my abilities to stay within the boundaries of my ability without crashing and burning on a weekly basis. So while your tears are for tiredness Thomas mine are tears of joy for being able to do this and to do this with you and Lewis after so many years of saying sorry, I’m too tired.

 Back to the beautiful Laig Bay

 Think I’ll give the beach a miss tonight. An early night is in order.

 Rum from the front door. That’s as far as I got tonight.

As much as possible I try and capture video from my Landscape Photography shoots nowadays, last Autumn I started taking videos to document my shoots specifically, I haven’t done that at all this year however I am still keen to capture these amazing places. As such I captured this video below of our walk up An Sgùrr. A great compliment to the photographs and a family day out to remember forever.

You can see tomorrows photos from Eigg here and my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery.

With this view out of the lounge window it’s easy to stay in all day. That is ultimately why I wanted to book this place. If I had no energy to get out I can still see this…

 Rùm in cloud

Using my 400mm lens you can really get close to the details several miles away…

My third sighting of the amazing White Tailed Sea Eagle. Very lucky to see another Pair of these magnificent birds. My first sighting was form the Coral Beach on Sky and the last sighting was at Elgo on Skye. To see these on Eigg was a real treat.

Very graceful.

A little stroll down the beach and George’s Cows are putting a new spin on Free Range…

Might it rain or is this sunbathing.

 A lone figure at the shore.

 At the far end of Laig Bay is a small cliff with various rock formations, a cave and plenty of foreground interest. I’d like to make it here when the tides out for sunset. It looks like the tide will be just right for my last night on the Island.

This is a great spot, I shall return here Friday when the suns setting and hopefully capture something interesting.

Checking out the rocks while the tides out. This one looks buried in the surrounding Rock. A giant button.

The rock formations make for great lead in lines.

Great rock formations all around this part of the beach.

The rocks contrast great against the Basalt Black and White sand.

I love these textures on the sand. A mixture of Basalt Black and White Sand. Temporary Textures.

Thomas testing the water…

Its cold enough for a swim. They loved it.

Lewis running back to the house for a shower.

 Cows.

 A boat arrives in Laig Bay.

Looking over towards Cleadale.

A quick flight over Laig Bay before heading out

Time to head out as the sun has a window in the cloud.

Same view different exposure. The longer shutter blurring the water.

A large rope that washed ashore.

A series of images with some tangled ropes that have been washed ashore.

Rùm afterglow.

Rum and the subtle colours after sunset.

Another fantastic Day on the Isle of Eigg.

You can see tomorrows photos from Eigg here and my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery.

I was particular interested in Laig Bay. Pronounced Lag by Islanders. Laig Bay is a slightly curved 1km stretch of white and Basalt black sand and turquoise waters that lead out to the picturesque profile of the Isle of Rùm.

Here’s how I got on travelling up through Glencoe to catch the ferry to Eigg.

Rannoch Moor. One day I hope to spend more time here rather than just passing by.

Thomas’ capturing his view of one of the finest roads in the UK perhaps.

The Bothy below Buachaille Etive Mor

The Three Sisters of Glencoe. This time in Summer colours. Need to press on now to make the Ferry at Mallaig.

All aboard. With a minute to spare.

Thomas enjoying the ferry from Mallaig to Eigg.

Lewis not so sure.

There we are, the Isle of Eigg with An Sgurr the highest point on the left side.

Lewis a little more settled now.

Approaching the Pier and we see the first details of Eigg up close.

The Pier and An Sgurr. What an amazing sight.

On Eigg. The Ferry unloading and loading essential supplies.

White sand and turquoise waters. Scotland. From here we are met by the owner of the accommodation I have booked. Visitors aren’t allowed to bring vehicles to the Island without a permit from the council. It’s quite daunting to be without a car, especially as we’re staying 4 miles from the nearest shop and given my Chronic Fatigue. George and Saira, the owners, have been extremely generous in collecting us and offering to run us over to the shop when needed.

After a short Defender ride over the Island here we are, Laig Bay Bothy, what a fine looking place. Home for 7 nights.

Laig Bay Bothy and Laig Bay.

Here’s a short video I captured from Day one on the Isle of Eigg. Try and watch in 4k if you can.

 You can see more of my videos here on my YouTube Channel.

A quick walk to the beach to take in this beautiful place. The houses in the distance are known as Cleadale. Amazing Geology all over the Island.

Here is one of the main reasons for my visit, that amazing silhouette of Rùm. I hope the weather is kind this week.

Seeking out foreground interest along the 1km of sand.

Lewis found some shells…

A rare shot of myself, glad to be here. Thanks Lewis.

As regular readers of my blog and followers of my photography will know, my favourite time of day to take landscape photographs is the last hour or so before sunset. Golden Hour as it is known. Tonight before heading down to the beach with my camera, I took a quick drone flight as the light was getting towards its best.

So my first evening on Eigg and this happens. Amazing Sunset. Just a short walk to the beach to see how things develop.

Fantastic conditions for day 1. Reacquainting myself with tidal photography.

A slight slip of the tripod as the Sea comes in a little further than I expected. Quite a nice effect.

Ropes tangled on Laig Bay.

Intentional movement of the Camera to experiment with this effect.

Quite a unique looking image from intentionally moving the camera on a long exposure.

As the light fades I head back up to the house. What an amazing start to the trip and such a good feeling to be taking images again. It seems this summer has slipped me by this year. I hope to be able to enjoy photography each day this week and what a place to photograph.

Back at the house and the light just seems to hang around for ages. A good 20-30 minutes later than at home.

It would have been too good to be true to capture the Milky Way over Rùm. A clear night however. Very pleased with day one, getting here and the accommodation. It’s going to be a great week. This location is outstanding. I am genuinely excited to see what tomorrow brings.

You can see tomorrows photos from Eigg here and my collection of Isle of Eigg Prints available to purchase here in my gallery.

Day 2 was a rest day as I needed to recover from the journey on Day 1.

Day 3 was spent locally around Elgol, not wanting to over-do things I stayed close to the house and reacquainted myself with this amazing place. The reason I chose to stay in Elgol and specifically this house was due the fact that on days where I can’t go out or venture far I can still enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Here’s what I captured around Elgol on Day 3

Details on the Cuillin as the morning light cast across these magnificent rocks.

I use this handy App called PeakFinder which uses GPS to highlight the names of the Mountains your looking at.

A short drive from Elgol on the road back to Bradford is Loch Slapin and one of the most magnificent mountain vistas anywhere in the UK. Bly Bheinn is the fine Peak to dominate this fine view.

Bly Bheinn to Belig one of my favourite scenes on Skye.

Note the White house in the foreground and the telegraph poles that follow the road for scale.

Back at the house for a rest and with views like this form the windows it’s not so painful to stay in.

Rùm from the balcony.

Rum and Eigg. I am hopefully visiting Egg next spring all being well.

As the day draws to an end changeable conditions over the Cuillin present a dramatic scene.

Sunset out at Sea as Rain hits Rùm.

Something different everyday.

Rum and a great display of colour as the sun disappears behind cloud.

Another great day on Skye and already I am feeling very lucky to be here and even more so to be photographing scenes like this. It is truly a pleasure to photograph scenes like this.