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Favourite places of our guides, part 1

We asked our guides who are also stuck at home due to Covid-19 to send us a photo of their favourite place in Scotland. Here is the first series.

Alastair Ewen, guide About Argyll Walking HolidaysAlastair Ewen

In a normal year I'd be spending almost all of my time in the Outdoors just now, guiding, wild camping, exploring Scotland's wonderful landscape. One of many places I've missed visiting is Skye. I was due to be there now, guiding a client. The Trotternish Ridge and the Quiraing offers some of the best views in Scotland. To the west you can see Lewis and Harris; to the North Applecross and Torridon and to the East Raasay and the Black Cuillin. When I guide clients on the Quiraing we take a circular route, following the trail at the base of the cliffs, by the Castle and the Needle all the way to the end of the ridge and an amazing viewpoint. After that we head back south walking along the ridge where we can look down at the 'table' and the dramatic cliff scenery of the Quiraing.

Quiraing, Skye
The 'table', Quiraing, Skye

Stewart Richardson, guide About Argyll Walking HolidaysStewart Richardson

One of my favourite places in all of Scotland with stunning views in every direction. The whole day spent on Hoy is a pleasure with a chance of white tailed Eagles and having just fledged when we are normally there. The Puffins, Fulmars and other sea birds are a pleasure to watch as they fly up and down the cliff edges and if you are lucky you may get a glimpse of Red deer on the hills towards the east of the cliffs.

Old Man of Hoy
Old Man of Hoy, Orkney

Lesley Bryce, guide About Argyll Walking HolidaysLesley Bryce

It's almost impossible to pinpoint a favourite place in Scotland as there is so much variety of landscape, light and memories to choose from.
What is special for me, however, is that awe inspiring combination of mountains and ocean, and the heart stopping beauty of the west and north west highlands and islands.
Ancient mountains, lonely lochans, fantastic wildlife, rocky coast and deserted white beaches never fail to take my breath away no matter how often I visit.
  • Suilven, Assynt

    Suilven rising in splendid isolation from the boggy moorland of Glen Canisp. A spectacular 'Inselberg' first climbed by me 20 years ago!

  • Beinn Alligin from the Shieldaig

    Beinn Alligin from the Shieldaig road across Upper Loch Torridon. Formed of ancient Torridonian sandstone, this beautiful mountain is one of my favourites.

  • Holy Isle from Whiting Bay

    Holy Isle from Whiting Bay on Arran which has to be my favourite place if such a thing exists.

Richard Kermode, guide About Argyll Walking HolidaysRichard Kermode

My guiding work usually takes me all over the Scottish Highlands and Islands, but this year I won't get to visit many of the islands. One of my favourite places is Islay with it's coastal scenery, wildlife, geology and beaches. Exploring Ardnave Point is always a fantastic walk with the Choughs and seabirds for company. I'm also partial to dram of whisky and Islay is home to nine distilleries so is hard to beat!

Ardnave, Islay
Ardnave Point, Islay

Alasdair Henderson, guide About Argyll Walking HolidaysAlasdair Henderson

One of my favourite places in Scotland, Loch Scavaig in Skye. One of the most dramatic anchorages in Europe, with its isolation, drama, and absolute tranquility.
The Cuillin Mountains make a perfect backdrop, and the walk up the valley behind to Loch Coruisk is itself a wondrous thing, on rough volcanic rock, smoothed off by powerful glaciers. I've been here many times, in bright sun and glowering rainclouds, each time a revelation.

Loch Scavaig, Skye
Loch Scavaig, Skye