Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023

Scotland is a wonderful place to always visit and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a weekend on Loch Lomond in February with Sandy.  Having flown up on the Friday morning, we picked up our hire car and made our way to Duck Bay on the bonny shores of the Loch.  A magnificent rainbow greeted us set against the backdrop of Ben Lomond.  I knew then that it was going to be a lucky weekend.  

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
A rainbow at Duck Bay with Ben Lomond in the background.

So much to see around the shores and following Duck Bay, we headed over to the east side of the Loch. When we arrived at Balmaha, the low sun was reflecting off the water creating beautiful light reflections.  I love visiting such places out of season as the places are quiet and you have the place to yourselves.  Balmaha houses the Loch Lomond coffee house and the pub serves a tasty bowl of soup. After a stroll around the Lochside we drove back to Balloch.

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
The lovely view over Balmaha on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.

Our destination for the end of the day was Loch Lomond shores. Whilst it is very commercial and more concrete than aesthetics, it is redeemed by the views of the Loch. Also I saw that renovation of the Maid of the Loch steamer was gathering pace and that the paint work had been stripped off and the metal was showing.

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
The Maid of the Loch under restoration.

Saturday morning threw up some colours in the sunrise and an early morning photographic stroll allowed for some interesting long exposures.  We were staying at the Cameron House hotel and the grounds gave excellent access to the loch shore.

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
Early morning view of Loch Lomond.

After breakfast, we set off for Inveraray to visit the prison museum.  This attraction was excellent and gave an insight into the past society and the harsh life people led in the Highlands especially if they broke the rules.  There was a restored black Mariah which Bill one of the staff, showed us and also provided an excellent account of life at the prison.  It was an enjoyable drive along the Loch. After every turn on the road, there was spectacular scenery just asking to be photographed.  

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
This is Bill dressed up as one of the prison guards at Inveraray Jail
Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
Bill telling us about the Black Mariah prison transport.
Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
Inverary on the Loch Fyne shore.

My favourite picture of the day was stopping at the layby “Rest and be Thankful”.  There was a glimpse of the sun which lit up the valley and highlighted the old military road and the roadworks on the side of the mountains.  I just stood there for several minutes taking in the beautiful scenery.

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
Rest and Be Thankful.

On our last morning, the weather was dull with a great deal of cloud cover.  As I wandered along Duck Bay looking for photo opportunities, I passed by many people huddled together talking in low voices. I wondered what they were doing.  Undeterred, I found a good spot on the Loch shore and set up for a long exposure.  I found an interesting stone in the water and lined it up with the island in the background.  A very peaceful scene.  As I was taking the photograph, two women in wet suits ventured into the loch and I found out that they were freshwater swimmers.  They agreed to have their photograph taken.  Whilst they were well prepared for the cold waters, a man followed soon after and he looked unprepared and a likely candidate for hypothermia from the low temperatures.  

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
A Sunday morning swim in a cold Loch Lomond.

On my way back I then realised that all the people who were standing in huddles had transformed into swimmers.  I realised that a favourite Sunday morning pastime is to venture into the cold waters around the Loch. This is not something that I would enjoy.

My final picture is from Firkin Point which I had not stopped off at before on my visits to Loch Lomond. I discovered the lone tree over the Loch. The afternoon had closed in and so the picture leant itself really well to a black and white processing.

Loch Lomond Weekend February 2023
The lone tree at Firkin Point.

I you enjoyed this account of Loch Lomond then be sure to read these as well.

Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023

The streets of Edinburgh lend themselves to street photography. The natural backdrop of old buildings and captivating views of the surrounding countryside help to frame the people as they go about their everyday life. The winter light is strong and directional. The stonework reflects the light and makes for some interesting pictures. Here is a selection for you to enjoy.

Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Light and shadows on the junction of Fleshmarket Close and Cockburn Street.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Looking up both Cockburn St and Fleshmarket Street.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
In a rush for politics.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
The view over Holyrood to Arthur’s Seat.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Waiting at the corner.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Detail from the Royal Mile
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Whose scooter is it?
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Old Infirmary Lane
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Jacob’s ladder with Waverley in the background.
Street Photography, Edinburgh, January 2023
Let us wait here forever. Calton Hill.

If you liked my take of the Streets of Edinburgh then please search for Street Photography in my blog.  Here are a selection for you to look through and enjoy.

London Streets

Back on the Streets

Walk on By


Calton Hill, Edinburgh, January, 2023

I was fortunate to visit Edinburgh for a conference and had the morning to myself. The meeting was due to start at lunchtime, leaving me free to roam around the city. It was a beautiful morning and my hotel was in the Old Town. My plan was to wander down the Royal Mile down to Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament. Then my plan was to move upwards to Carton Hill and then finally back to the Old Town. Edinburgh is full of nooks and crannies.

Old Town, Edinburgh, January, 2023
Sunrise over Calton Hill taken from the Old Town.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, January, 2023
The Greek Architecture of the National Monument. There is a man right in the centre of the base.

The City is fun to explore and as my pictures show there are many different sights. The hilly terrain allows for some scenic views of the City. Calton Hill has been a focus for many people over the years and with the sunrise over Arthur’s Seat, many of the famous buildings were caught in the beautiful light. I met Zain who wanted his picture taken and he obliged with the portrait that is featured in my blog. In the background, you can see the Dugald Stewart Monument and the Portuguese cannon with the National Monument reflected in his glasses.

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, January, 2023
I met Zain from Pakistan who wished to have his picture taken.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, January, 2023
Te impressive Nelson Monument.

There were many sun worshippers and tourists out and about in the early light. I took many photographs and then moved back down to Waverley train station and the Scott monument on Princess Street. Then I made my way back to the Old Town via the beautiful Cockburn street with its Victorian architecture and bustling coffee shops and restaurants. The long straight road of South Bridge brought me back to the Royal College of Surgeons and their hotel 10 Hill place where I was staying.

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, January, 2023
The Dugald Stewart Monument
The Scott Monument, Princess Street, Edinburgh, January 2023
A different view of the Scott Monument.
Top of Jacob's ladder over looking Waverley Station and Edinburgh, January 2023
Lines into Waverley Train station with the City as a backdrop.
Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh, 2023
The front of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. Sunrise reflected in the water feature.
The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse,  Edinburgh, 2023
Details on the door of The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

If you enjoyed this blog then be sure to take a look at Photographing Edinburgh which was about my last visit to the city in 2019.
Photographing Edinburgh