walkhighlands

Our pick: 16 shots of Festive Scotland

Need to get into that festive frame of mind? We’ve put together a gallery of wintry scenes from across Scotland to inspire you to venture out and explore before settling down by the fireside on these long evenings.

whooper

A ballet is one of the collective nouns used for a group of swans, well-suited to this group of Whoopers alighting from the River Spey near Grantown.

gorms

With a white-out on the summits, there’s still sometimes the chance of a stunning winter walk on the lower slopes and foothills.

snowshoes

Winter also gives the chance to try out other ways of getting around – such as snow-shoes shown here on Craig Ranich near Ullapool. Remember that ice-axes and crampons are still essential equipment for the winter mountains though.

skye

Snow is less common out on the Hebrides; Staffin Bay is shown here on the Isle of Skye in truly baltic conditions.

shadows

The short days of winter are blessed with low light, which can be perfect for photography.

oldaber

The footpath along the Bridge of Don on the edge of Aberdeen, on a snowy morning.

edinburgh

Landscapes often take on an almost monochrome quality – a contrast to the cities with the bright Christmas lights and markets; here’s our ancient capital, Edinburgh, photographed last week.

glasgow

Glasgow Green, photographed on a day with a very heavy frost.

ptarmigan

The ptarmigan changes his plumage from mottled brown to white on the winter hills – seen here part way through his transformation.

burma

There can be few better experiences than taking a walk as the sun sparkles on the snow.

snowing

Heavy snow in Rothiemurchus Forest; when the wind does drop, snow muffles sounds and can bring a complete silence.

forvie

On some winters, the snows can even reach the coast; skiers had been out on this day at Forvie Sands in Aberdeenshire.

deerlake

A roe deer runs across the frozen lake at Drummuir Estate in Moray.

chubba

We couldn’t resist including this fluffed-up red squirrel once more; these are still busy in the woods burying food and building up their stores for the winter months.

braeriach

Up on the summits, huge cornices build on the rim of the coire adjacent to the summit of Braeriach.

inverness

We’d like to wish a Merry Christmas to all Walkhighlands’ users. Don’t forget we’re here to help you plan all your Scottish holidays and trips to enjoy some fantastic walking in 2015!

Enjoyed this article or find Walkhighlands useful?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.




Share on 

Share  

You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is every walker's responsibility to check it and to navigate safely.