I have just returned from a fantastic weeklong commission to Scotland for Secret Advenures. The challenge was to photograph and film a canoe trip, taking in the full length of the Caledonian Canal from Fort William on the West Coast of Scotland to Inverness on the East Coast. Capturing photographs and filming at the same time is never easy, but as Madoc was only after a very simple 1 minute montage, I took the challenge on…and I am so pleased I did because it was a seriously amazing trip!
Canoeing on Loch Lochy, part of the Caledonian Canal
The Caledonian Canal was completed in 1822 in order that boats could travel across the country without needing to navigate the northern coast of Scotland. The manmade sections comprise 1/3 of the full length and run between the natural Loch’s along the length; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy.
Loch Ness, seen from our overnight camping spot
Canoeing on Loch Lochy
Canoeing on Loch Lochy
Portaging through a beautiful forest
Canoeing Loch Oich, along the Caledonian Canal
It was such a fantastic way to see Scotland. 5 days of paddling flew past with each day offering something completely different. While the landscape would shift from canal to loch, the conditions would switch between sun-drenched glassy waters and rain-lashed choppy waves. This was what made it so exciting. On Loch Ness, we used the winds power to propel us most of the length, hooking our oars up to a sail.
We had our sails up for a lot of the Loch Ness section of the Caledonian Canal
We were only rained on a couple of times…not bad for Scotland!
Each night we wild camped in some beautiful spots along the shores of the lochs. Woodland one night and a pebble beach on the shores of Loch Ness the next. Our camping locations made for some beautiful landscape photography opportunities too.
Camping at Loch Ness at night
Camping by Loch Ness
Camping on Loch Ness
Camping by Loch Ness, near Inverness
Camping by Loch Ness, near Inverness
Canoeing the Caledonian Canal, near Fort William
I love commissions such as this, where my brief is simply to ‘go and do your thing’! Madoc from Secret Adventures just wanted a few specific photos and a short montage style video to give an idea of what happens on the trip. Beyond that, it was up to me.
This is my second trip to the Scottish highlands and I am certain I will be back! You can see my favourite images from Scotland in the Scotland Photography Highlights gallery, and here is the video from the trip.