NT328256

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At the east end of St Mary’s Loch, Altrieve Rig is another location, which tends only to suit TTA traffic. At that, there is always a risk of aircraft being slightly high on the corner, resulting in ‘air shots’. To get there, park by the A708 in the lay-by near Dryhope. Walk back along the road onto the Southern Upland Way, leading westwards to Bowerhope. Cross the Yarrow Water then walk up the side of the forest to the left onto the lowest of the ridgelines. This hill looks much too low but be assured, aircraft, including C-130’s do pass by below eye level – quite frequently! The sun is behind the camera for the majority of daylight hours. A 300mm lens should be ideal.

Bowerhope Law 

Not for the fainthearted or those who may be slightly unfit, Bowerhope Law on a good day will nevertheless deliver some of the most spectacular images possible! Situated on the south bank of St Mary’s Loch, the hillside can be reached by walking approximately 1½ miles to the east, on the Southern Upland Way (signposted). Park your car at the picnic area near the Glen Café and walk past Tibbie Shiells Inn, the hotel on the opposite side of the Loch. Continue towards St Mary’s Loch Sailing Club and along the shore, until you reach two wooden sculptures by the waterside. To your right, you should see a firebreak in the forest. Climb upwards through that and aim for a viewpoint about 250ft or so up the hillside. 

A 300mm lens, with 1.4 extender is the combination to use if possible. Hawks and Tucano’s can be somewhat distant here, but front line types such as Tornado’s, Harrier’s and Jaguar’s will frequently stay close to the hillside. Your background should consist solely of water!

Caution: The hillside at this location is steep and dangerous. Conditions underfoot are not predictable as they consist of scree with overgrown vegetation. This can give way at any time so good quality outdoor equipment is fundamental.  

Peat Hill 

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Access is from the same car park as Bowerhope Law. Peat Hill is that which overlooks the Loch of the Lowes, on its southern shore. A well-defined public footpath leads over a footbridge then westwards along the side of the loch. The path continues in diagonal fashion up the hillside to the left. Aim for the ridgeline and continue to walk left until arriving at the edge of the forest - almost opposite the Glen Café. This location will deliver good shots during the earlier part of the day although aircraft do tend to be slightly ‘belly up’ as they adjust prior to the narrowest part of the valley. A 300mm with 1.4 extender is the combination to use here.

Oxcleuch Rig

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The hillside on the north side of the valley, directly overlooking the Glen Café and Tibbie Shiells Inn.  Oxcleuch Rig is always dependable although only on dull days or during afternoons. The sun is directly behind the camera from around 1400 hrs onwards. Again reached from the picnic area at the Glen Café, walk up the track behind that establishment then along to the left. At this location it is always best to have the ridgeline on the opposite side (Peat Hill) at eye level. The ideal viewpoint is just above the scrubby Hawthorn trees. A 300mm with 1.4 extender is the best combination.

14sqn GR4 at Oxcleuch. Cropped slightly from a 400mm image. Photo Ron Richardson

East Muchra Hill 

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Over the years, some fine images have been obtained here, particularly of aircraft using the TTA. East Muchra Hill is situated on the south side of the valley at the entrance to the right/left combination at Paper Hill. To reach the desired viewpoint, more effort is required but this can be worthwhile. The hillside is only of use during earlier parts of the day, until around 1400 hrs. By then, the sun will have moved too far round, requiring a change to either Paper Hill or Oxcleuch Rig.  Park on the side of the A708 at Chapelhope, using the public footpath leading to Riskinhope. Passing the latter, walk through the second field gate and you will see a stream to your right. Cross that and head diagonally up to your right onto the crest of East Muchra Hill. You should aim to be below the fence line atop the hill. A 300mm lens with 1.4 extender is ideal. Without that combination, the majority of shots will be of the ‘belly up’ variety, not images that I tend to favour. The view of approaching aircraft is unrestricted.

The shepherd at this location indicates that he is not in favour of low flying and as such he tends to be something of an unknown quantity!  The impression gained is that he is largely tolerant of photographers although best advice is to avoid the area during lambing and obey any instructions given during any other.

Paper Hill

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A huge favourite and with good reason! If ‘cockpit shots’ are your preference then this is surely the viewpoint to use? Paper Hill has been discussed in various publications and on the Internet for many years. It is the place to which the majority of photographers are directed on their inaugural visits to Selkirk to Moffat. However, as it faces south, the hillside is only of use during afternoons, from around 1400 hrs onward. Ideal conditions here are on summer’s days when conditions are bright, slightly overcast and humid. This is the recipe for spectacular photo opportunities, arising when aircraft enter the narrowest part of the valley in a turn to starboard. Huge vortices can be generated and frequently upper surfaces appear to ‘boil’! Due to its narrowness, this in my opinion is the ideal place at which to take Hawk and Tucano shots. A 300mm lens is usually sufficient. The view to the east is also good providing adequate warning of aircraft approaching. This is not a location, which is of any benefit during winter months. The valley is narrow and steep sided, a combination, which results in rapid loss of light, particularly during November, December and January. To cope with these conditions, an f2.8 lens really is a necessity. Park on the rough ground opposite Quaveburn Cottage, the derelict building by the side of the road.

Paper Hill is perhaps best avoided during April and early May when those in the valley are hard at work lambing. The shepherd is by nature quite friendly and has in the past shown great interest in the work of photographers. He has however indicated a preference for restriction of movement during lambing time.

Herman Law 

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On the south side, virtually opposite Paper Hill.  The valley at this point is still narrow, and aircraft have levelled following their entry to the right/left combination. They then commence a hard left turn prior on reaching the top of the pass. There are endless possibilities here. Park the car in one of the lay-by’s near Birkhill, the first settlement in Dumfries and Galloway. Walk back to the farm buildings before making use of the public footpath that leads directly up the hill. Continuing left, you will see reach a forest (directly ahead). I would tend to stay aim for the easternmost corner of that plantation, as on occasions, aircraft can be high. This viewpoint minimises the chance of air shots. I much prefer however, to stay closer to Birkhill, capturing aircraft exiting the narrow part of the valley. For some strange reason, this is not a location, which has been used much! Given the angle of the sun, it should be possible to begin the day near to Birkhill before moving eastwards as the hour’s progress. Any requirement to change sides will be alleviated. 300mm with 1.4 extender is my choice here. Warning of aircraft approaching is not as good as at other locations therefore a great deal of attention is required. That said, one can hear the likes of Tornado’s as they enter the combination at Paper Hill. This is not a location I would choose during winter months as the sun seldom rises above the hilltops. Consequently, virtually the whole valley is cast in shadow! 

Trowgrain Middle 

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The first of three hillsides on the south side of the valley as one enters Dumfries and Galloway. Popularly known as The Grey Mares Tail, this place can be very frustrating but equally rewarding! I have lost count of the number of movements, which over the years have escaped the attentions of the camera through going too high! This is probably the narrowest part of any valley I have seen and when used to its full potential, it is stunning! To avoid disappointment, the best solution is to climb high enough, thereby ensuring the summit or ridge on the north side (Bran Law) is always at eye level. Park in the single rough lay-by on the steep downhill part of the A708 and climb directly above. The farm at Birkhill is visible to your right. 300mm is the lens to use. Be on your toes! Approaching fast jets come around the corner at Herman Law with little warning although their sound does usually carry. The sun at this location is in the camera’s favour until around 1400 hrs of an afternoon, thereafter requiring a change of sides. 

Mid Rig 

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Nearer the car park at the Grey Mares Tail Waterfall, comments are similar to those for Trowgrain Middle. Park instead in the National Trust Car park at the Grey Mares Tail and walk back over the bridge before climbing directly above.

The slope here is very steep - almost vertical in places. It requires considerable care. Good quality outdoor equipment is fundamental.

Andrewhinney Hill 

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Comments as for Mid Rig except a diagonal climb to the right is required. The course of an old track can be seen leading along the hill to the west. This should be an adequate viewpoint from which to capture TTA movements however, as has been mentioned, aircraft frequently pass the camera above eye level.

Bran Law 

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Located on the north side of the valley at the Grey Mares Tail. Bran Law is best reached via a climb up a ravine known as ‘Dob’s Linn’ (opposite Trowgrain Middle). Once reached, walk back to the west along the ridgeline. 300mm with 1.4 extender maximises potential here, particularly in view of the difficult and rather daunting terrain. Park in the same lay by as would be used at Trowgrain Middle. Bran Law is only of use during afternoons and on dull days due to the angle of the sun.

Ravines and some parts of the hillside at this location are virtually vertical and as such are considered dangerous.

Upper Tarnberry

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To the west of the Grey Mares Tail, there are a series of earthworks at the edge of the forest on the north side of the valley. There is an adequate parking space by the side of the A708, which provides ready access to the hillside. Simply walk above until a satisfactory viewpoint is reached. Upper Tarnberry is an ideal option following any visit to Trowgrain Middle, Mid Rig or Andrewhinney Hill. 300mm with 1.4 extender is the best lens combination.

This area is one of outstanding natural beauty. It is also one where the local economy is fragile. Many residents make their living from Agriculture or Field Sports and life can be hard. Throughout many years of frequenting the area, I have never had occasion to differ with anybody. It is particularly important that this good relationship continues. Therefore please defer at all times to the requests of landowners and/or their agents.

Although the Scottish Parliament has recently introduced a Right to Roam Policy, several important points should be born in mind. During April and May, it is wise to stay off hillsides on which sheep may be present with lambs. Invariably there will be others yet to give birth and disturbing them can have severe consequences. Do not cause them to run at any time! Take care also when entering fields in which there are cows and calves. These Bovine Mothers are fiercely protective of their young and almost certainly, a Bull will be present! The nature of these animals of course, cannot be predicted!

As already indicted, Crook Hill is on a Sporting Estate which, to any country dweller, is obviously prime shooting territory. The woods and hillsides are used to raise and feed pheasants - Crook Hill being but one example. Irrespective of ones views on field sports, the fact remains, the Rural Economy depends on shooting to a large extent. Your presence on the hill will without doubt scatter pheasants to all points of the countryside! You may well stray unwittingly on a shoot day or even on that before. Either way, your presence will not be welcomed.

The best advice is to take note and understand what is going on. Ask any Landowner of Agent for advice. You will gain respect.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands, the geographical area, which lies within LFA 14, is vast! Stretching north into Scotland from the Firth’s of Clyde and Forth, remote Glens and Valleys proliferate, many being well off the beaten track! As can be imagined, the majority of this territory remains ‘uncharted’. However, given some effort, many excellent opportunities are available. In addition, the scenery can best be described as stunning! To date, several good locations have been identified.

Birnam Hill, Dunkeld

Immediately west of the A9 Perth to Inverness road, overlooking Dunkeld and its neighbouring village, Birnam. This stands guard to the southern entrance (or exit) of the so-called ‘Star Wars Valley’. A challenge if ever there was one, the majority of Birnam Hill is ‘treed in’. However, its northern and eastern slopes do afford opportunities to photograph aircraft routing north to south (or vice versa) following the route of the A9. Those entering (or exiting) Strathbraan to the west are photographable. Access is via the ‘Birnam Hill Walk’, a public footpath (well signposted). This leads both over and around the hill. Park in Birnam Village and walk beneath the underpass to the south of Dunkeld Railway Station. Follow the footpath until clearer parts of the hillside (overlooking the A9) become visible. Then climb as high as you dare! Be warned however, some of the slopes here are steep and dangerous. On arrival, the severities of the drops become most apparent. These crags are best avoided! Compounding the problem, bracken (waist high), presents an almost impenetrable obstacle from around June onwards. This part of the hill is better used therefore, during the earlier part of the year. The view to the south (along the route of the A9) is excellent, providing more than adequate warning of approaching aircraft. However, little or no time is available to compose shots of those routing north to south! In addition, the angle of the sun is awkward prior to lunchtimes.  From mid day onwards however, conditions are virtually perfect.  Alternatively, the Birnam Hill Walk, if undertaken from north of Dunkeld Railway Station, affords the opportunity of using a crag, situated in a forest clearing, slightly below the summit of the hill. This allows some superb opportunities using the built up areas of Dunkeld and Birnam, in addition to deciduous woodland, as backdrops. The valley at this location is not flowed; therefore aircraft can approach from any direction. On a good day, there can be no more rewarding. The scenery is simply breathtaking!  The most suitable lens if using the first location described is 300mm. If using the second, 300mm with 1.4 extender is much the preferred option.    

400mm has filled the frame perfectly with this GR4. Photo Ron Richardson

Cammoch Hill, Pitlochry

A location, which has become ‘tried and trusted’ although according to some, ‘too wide’ (an assumption with which this author would tend to disagree)! It is true that aircraft keeping to the more northerly side of the valley can be somewhat distant. However on numerous other occasions, images where the subject fills at least ¾ frame can (and will) be obtained as aircraft present themselves on the corner, turning towards (or coming from) Pitlochry. Cammoch Hill is located at the junction between the Pass of Killiecrankie and the Tummel Valley. One of the busiest locations in Scotland, the latter extends from Pitlochry in the east, westwards to Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. Exit the A9 at Pitlochry, slightly to the south of the road bridge, which crosses Loch Faskally. Take the junction with the unclassified road, leading to the village of Foss and drive westwards, passing the Falls of Tummel. After approximately ½ mile, the road climbs through a clearing in which is situated a large grassy area, effectively a small field without a fence. Park here and climb above, until the tree line is reached. The top of a crag, slightly above and to the left is then visible. This is directly opposite Bonskied House, on the opposite bank of the River Tummel. The best lens combination here is 300mm with 1.4 extender. Normally, there is adequate warning of traffic approaching from the west however, as the viewpoint can be well above the action; aircraft can be difficult to see initially. The view to the north is also excellent. On many occasions, approach will be from that direction, from the Pass of Killiecrankie. More of a challenge is presented when looking towards the south and Pitlochry, the view in that direction being partially obscured by the topography. The background to shots is varied. Deciduous woodland, beautifully coloured during each autumn, predominates. There are also large crags on the north side, adding to the atmosphere along with mountain scenery.

Glen Ogle

Steep, narrow, dangerous but absolutely spectacular! Glen Ogle connects the valleys of Loch Tay and Loch Earn at their western extremities and is frequently used.

12 Sqdn Tornado taken from Sgorrach Nuadh, Glen Ogle. Photo Ron Richardson

Sgorrach Nuadh

Approximately 1 mile north of Lochearnhead, this location (which remains unpronounceable), on the west side of the Glen, is accessed via the A85 road leading to Crianlarich.  Park in the lay by on the shores of Lochan Lairig Cheile (at the summit). Walk on the disused railway line, back down the Pass towards Lochearnhead until reaching the first bridge crossing the railway. Then climb diagonally to the right, aiming for the top of the ridge above. The ideal viewpoint is actually above the Railway Viaduct, affording excellent views in both directions. No more than a 300mm lens is required. The best time to visit is during afternoons when the sun has moved around sufficiently, the quality of light being stunning. Huge vertical slabs of rock form the background to photographs. Although there do appear to be distinct possibilities on the opposite side of the glen, It has not been visited to date. Changing sides at midday (as at Dunmail Raise for instance) is not an option.

Note: Although the author has used this place alone (perhaps foolishly) on several occasions, this is not recommended. Glen Ogle is a dangerous place with vertical drops throughout. There is no mobile phone reception. It is not a place in which one should find oneself alone, injured and without communication!  Do not visit before at least April each year. Prior to this, hillsides are saturated due to the high level of rainfall experienced. If in doubt, do not venture!

Glen Coe

Probably the most spectacular location anyone could visit, Glen Coe can be described as a cavern! On first visiting, the sheer scale of the place is magnificent with massive bastions of rock towering above the valley floor! Access throughout is made comparatively easy by proximity of the A82 Tyndrum to Inverness Road, aligned from east to west. Despite being relatively narrow, the valley is not flowed. Two photo locations have recently been used – and with splendid effect. Gaelic pronunciations (where known) are shown in brackets

Beinn Fhada (by-an-at-a)

Meaning Long Ridge Mountain, Bein Fhada is the first of the Three Sisters of Glencoe, first seen when entering the Glen from the east. The Three Sisters (Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach (gear-oe-nokh) and  Aonach Dubh  (oe-nokh-doo) are all located on the south side of the Glen near the summit of the Pass. Prominent landmarks, they have been subjects over the years for thousands of photographers. Bein Fhada is relatively easily to reach. Park in the first car park on the summit at the Pass of Glencoe and take the footpath leading into the Lairig Eilde (la-rik-ay-de). Immediately after the footpath crosses the burn (Allt Lairig Eilde), climb to the right, up onto one of the prominent ridges. This is the summit of the Pass of Glencoe and provides excellent views to both east and west. The valley is not flowed. At this point, the awesome knife-edge ridge known as the Aonach Eagach (oe-nokh-ee-gokh, meaning notched ridge) is virtually opposite. The lower parts of this make up the background – rock, rock and more rock!

A 300mm lens is more than adequate. Although the location is relatively easy to reach, there are some terrifying drops in the vicinity. Great care should therefore be taken.   

Gearr Aonach (gear-oe-nokh)

Meaning short ridge mountain, the second (or middle) of the Three Sisters, Gearr Aonach is more of a challenge. Park at the helipad, to the west of the cottage known as Alt na Reigh. Use the footpath leading down to the riverside and across the footbridge. This involves traversing the side of a gorge using a pathway, some three feet in width. Be warned, the drop over ones right shoulder into the gorge at this location is not for the faint of heart! Climb above using the footpath until a deer fence is reached, then diagonally to the right, onto the first crag - directly above. The crag is situated at the base of the buttress, or nose of the mountain. It is also possible to continue beyond the fence, on the footpath, which itself provides access to what is known as ’The Lost Valley’. Be warned however, this introduces the experience of staring at some horrifying drops into the ravine below! The first option is therefore the most sensible. 300mm with 1.4 extender is preferable. There is no mobile phone reception.

Aonach Dubh (oe-nokh-doo)

Meaning Black Ridge. Aonach Dubh is the westernmost of The Three Sisters and is also reached by using the footpath from the helipad at the Pass of Glencoe. On reaching the River Coe, turn right and use the footpath leading into the Coire nan Lochan. Climb diagonally to the right. This location has not as yet been used

Glen Clunie

Aligned north south, this valley runs from Glenshee Ski Centre in the south to Baemar in the north. Basically following the routes of the A93 Blairgowrie to Braemar road and the Clunie Water, Glen Clunie is a dependable place, seeing many aircraft movements. It is easily accessed and is relatively safe. There are several possibilities, from Glenshee Ski Centre to Braemar although to date, only two have been tried;

A 2sqn GR4 passing through Sron nan Gabhar, Glen Clunie. Photo Ron Richardson

Sron nan Gabhar

Located on the east side of the Glen, there is a lay-by on that side of the road, slightly to the north of the derelict cottage known as Newbigging. Park in the lay by and climb directly above! Use a 300mm with 1.4 extender if possible.

Coir na Meanneasg

Glen Clunie being similar in alignment to Dunmail Raise, it is advisable to change sides at around midday. To do this, drive north for about 300 yards, turn left onto the minor road leading to Braemar, cross the hump backed bridge and park in the first available space. A dry stone wall leads off up the hill to the left. Climb directly above onto the first available ridge (clearly visible). The same lens combination will apply.

111sqn F3 in Coir na Meanneasg Glen Clunie. Photo Ron Richardson

Gleann Beag

That part of the valley located to the south of Glenshee Ski Centre, Gleann Beag extends from there to the Spittal of Glenshee. It does present opportunities although to date, only one location has been visited, this being at the ‘Devil’s Elbow’. Access is easy. There are numerous car-parking opportunities by the roadside. Prior to the mid 1970’s, this carriageway featured a series of terrifying hairpin bends over the side of which were horrifying drops into the gorge below! 300mm should be ideal here.

Tornado GR4 at full frame with a 300mm lens. Photo Neil Fraser

Pass of Drumochter 

The Pass of Drumochter, at the northerly end of the so-called ‘Star Wars Valley, ’extends from Dalnaspidal Lodge in the south to Dalwhinnie in the north. A steep mountain pass, intersected by the   A9 Perth to Inverness road, the best locations appear to be on the east side of the A9, around Drumochter Summit. The valley at this location is narrow; steep sided and is frequently used. For some strange reason this is not a place, which has been visited with regularity. Aligned from north to south, the pass bends gradually from northwest to northerly. Contrary to popular belief, Drumochter is not flowed and so aircraft fly in both directions along the valley.

43sqn F3 through the Pass of Drumochter - Photo Neil Fraser

Creagan Doire Dhonaich

The steep slope on the east side of the valley, near Drumochter Summit. For access, park in the lay-by on the west side of the A9 (near the signal mast which lies on the valley floor). Cross the road before climbing directly above. Topside shots are the order of the day. A 300mm lens with 1.4 extender would appear to be the best option. The sun is behind the camera during the earlier part of the day. Access onto the west side appears to be more of a problem as the Perth to Inverness Railway Line and River both require to be crossed.

It should be noted that throughout this pass, one additional obstacle (requiring considerable thought), presents itself – deerstalking! In this regard, the local gamekeeper (with good reason) has advised against people venturing onto the hillsides without permission. For those unfamiliar with the pastime, high calibre rifles are used. These can seriously damage your health!  It has been confirmed that shooting is carried out (albeit with considerable care) in the vicinity of the A9. Therefore, the best advice if visiting Drumochter is to call first at Dalnaspidal Lodge, where Estate Staff will advise accordingly

The Lecht

A high, mountain pass on the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road. The Lecht Ski Centre is situated at the summit, some 2006 ft above sea level. A V shaped valley running roughly north to south with hilltops roughly 400 to 600 ft above the valley floor, the shallowest part is at the ski centre itself. The valley then deepens as it extends northwards. There is adequate car parking space at The Lecht Ski Centre. From the car park, a track leads up onto the west side slope. Once on top of the ridge, the best option is to walk in a northerly direction. Head for the signal mast located at the north end. This gives an excellent view of the Conglass Valley and towards Tomintoul.

Traffic can approach at any angle therefore attention is required. They will enter the valley low at its northern end, pulling up over the top of the ski centre.

Tornado GR4 caught at The Lecht. A 400mm lens will fill the frame from this location. Photo Neil Fraser