The weather can be the biggest minus, but it can also be the biggest plus. There are fewer days with good photographic conditions than further South or East, but when its good, its very, very good and contrary to popular belief it does not rain every day on the West Coast.

So just how do you get to these places?

Knoydart

Although Knoydart is part of the Scottish mainland there is no road (or even off road) access. A private ferry runs 3 times a week from Mallaig to the village of Inverie (5 times a week in Summer). Visit the Knoydart Foundation website where you'll find lists of accommodation and boat hires. Alternatively try our own website at Doune. Knoydart has a post office, a pub and 2 restaurants.

Nearly all the photographs in the Knoydart gallery were taken in locations well away from even Knoydarts rough track. However, there are some paths leading out into the hills which most people would manage.

The Small Isles and Skye

The Islands of Muck, Eigg, Rum, Canna are all accessible by ferries from either Mallaig (Calmac), or Arisaig ( MV Sheerwater). However timetables do not allow much time on any of the islands, so if you want to be down on the beach for the sunset, expect to have to stay for a day or two. All the islands offer accommodation. See the links page for more contacts.

The same comments apply as for Knoydart, in that access around the islands is not easy. Good boots and a reasonable level of fitness are required. Muck, Eigg and Canna are the easiest to get about and views from all the islands onto Rum are superb. However getting about Rum to take pictures is strenuous and not for the faint hearted. The beaches, the geology and the wildlife though are all well worth the effort.

The tiny islands of Soay and Hyskeir are only for those with their own boat, or staying with someone like ourselves at Doune.

Skye is far more accessible, especially now with the completion of the free bridge crossing. A spectacular island, but the coast particularly can be very difficult to get at. Highlights have to be Trotternish, Elgol (and the boat trip into Loch Coruisg) and Neist Point. Because Skye is so much easier to visit though, expect far more people, especially at the well known sites.

The Outer Hebrides

In contrast to the Small Isles, once you are there, The Outer Hebrides are easily explored by car, with options for everyone. Ferries again operated by Calmac offer routes from Oban to Barra or South Uist, Skye to North Uist or Harris and Ullapool to Lewis. Once on the islands, a road/causeway/ferry links all but the smallest islands.

For mountains go to Harris. For the best beaches in the world go to Harris, Uist, Barra and Berneray. For flowers go in May/June. For the historical sites and more beaches go to Lewis. But at any time, take a sturdy tripod as one of the dominant features is the wind. If at all possible travel the length of 'the Long Island' - you won't be disappointed.