A popular stopping off point on the side of Loch Duich near the village of Dornie. Eilean Donan castle is perhaps one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
On Location: 21st April 2024
Introduction: Travelers along the A87 heading towards Kyle of Lochalsh can hardly fail to miss the imposing sight of this fine Scottish castle. Located on it’s own island surrounded by the waters of Loch Duich and connected to the mainland by a narrow multi-arched stone bridge. With a backdrop of impressive hills it is the subject for countless photographs. This short blog shows just a few images that Andy took as he returned from a visit to the Isle of Skye. A quick stop-off at the car park near Ardelve was too good an opportunity to miss with the camera. Given more time he would have explored more but this post will hopefully give inspiration and information about a visit to the area.
Parking and refreshments: Most of the images here were taken from near the car park at Ardelve GR: NG 8791 2634 What Three Words ///magazines.pastime.confusion It is a pay and display car park with toilets. There is also a café there which has seasonal opening times. All The Goodness, check website for opening times. At the southern end of the bridge, near the castle is a more substantial car park, visitor centre and café which is more suited if you are planning to actually visit the castle. GR: NG 8828 2591 What Three Words ///alpha.purple.pampered
As mentioned earlier, this was just a very quick stop off, just a break in our journey after leaving Skye. It was about 6.30 in the evening with some nice sunshine.
At the car park it is just a very short walk to the water’s edge. I liked the foreground interest with the variety of rocks and grass.
Zooming in from the same point the castle has a backdrop of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, a mountain of 779m.
There is a small slipway at the car park area which can make a pleasing composition, especially if there is a boat moored up.
There are other options for good images in the area. By moving south over the bridge towards the village of Dornie there are interesting angles of the old bridge and castle.
We didn’t have time to explore more on this visit but even this brief stop gave me inspiration for new work of this ever popular subject. As with most places, a different time of day and season will provide some great opportunities to capture Eilean Donan castle.
I hope that you have found this short blog useful if you are going to visit the region. Perhaps you have already been? Let me know if you can add any more interesting information on the subject.
Thanks for reading.
