A Day Around the Trossachs in Scotland

Been trying to get around a bit to capture some of the lovely autumn colours.

A combination of not being at my best, and the mixed weather, has delayed this little venture of mine and I've been hoping I don't miss the best of it.

Getting up this morning I decided I'd give it a go even though the forecast was mixed.

Having walked Maya and done my other bits and pieces I headed off a bit later than I would have liked.

It's at times like this you really realise how few hours of daylight we get at this time of year as my head buzzes with where to go first, and where to go next.

So, started at Loch Ard and went up further than I have previously. I met two fellow photographers from Ayrshire who were on the same mission as I was.

After Loch Ard I headed to 'David Marshall Lodge' but it was so busy there that I just parked and brewed a coffee and ate my sandwich. The gas stove is a godsend on away days like this.

Carrying on over to Loch Achray the rain decided to put in an appearance - nice for rainbows - bad for cameras.

Decided to give Loch Katrine a miss and headed for Callander with a stop at Loch Venachar where I had a chat with a windsurfer before he started his sail on the loch.

Before Callander I popped in to see 'Hamish' the famous Highland Cow. He was close to the wire so got a photo of his friend - nice to see a black one for a change.

On to Callander but didn't stop as the rain was back on.

Headed back to Aberfoyle in an effort to get a sunset over the Lake of Menteith.

It didn't happen as planned but I went to the jetty where the boats are moored for taking the trip to Inchmahome Priory.

The two 'Historic Scotland' girls were mooring the boats for the night so we exchanged pleasantries as I got my final photos of the day.

Their season ends this Thursday so I've promised I'll make a point of going across again next year.

Then off home and the nightmare of the traffic queues at Erskine Bridge due to road works.

Still, it didn't take the shine of the wonderful day in mostly good weather.


Start of Loch Ard in the Trossachs


Loch Ard in the Trossachs

Rich Autumnal Colours 

The Trossachs Hotel in Autumn Sunshine

 Autumn Rainbow in the Trossachs


Rainbow Over the Trossachs 

Windsurfer in Loch Venachar

The Beauty of Autumn

 Loch Venachar

Highland Cow Near Callander

Sun Sets Over the Lake of Menteith in the Trossachs

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Western Ferries on a Blustery Day

A wet and blustery day today but managed out for a while.

Braved the winds to get a few images of Western ferries at McInroys Point in Gourock before heading home.

 Sound of Soay Off McInroy's Point

Sound of Soay Bound for Hunters Quay

Sound of ShunaApproaching McInroy's Point

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

West Highland Railway Line

Today saw the return of the steam locomotives utilised on the Jacobite Train Tours on the award winning Fort William to Mallaig Railway line.

The season having been completed they returned to their respective homes for some TLC.

As there would be three steam locomotives coming down the day was planned.

A visit to Garelochhead to catch the first one - 62005 - as she would have quite a long stop there.

Then a run up to the line past Tyndrum to catch the double header that was headed for Crianlarich.

Quite a tight schedule made worse with the traffic lights for road improvements and slow cars on the A82.

Just after they passed the stretch we headed back down to Crianlarich station where they were taking on water. Again this was a long stop so time on my side.

Arrived to the usual circus of enthusiast vying to get their photographs.

The rain didn't stay away too long and back to car for a brew and a sandwich. Then - in the rain - back up to the platform in the hope that the crowds had died away.

Still a few held on for their photos but a lot quieter than earlier.

Finally up to the bridge across the tracks outside Crianlarich to get them as they pulled up the incline.

With the very heavy rain and poor light it was a challenge but glad I stayed.

Then down the road to home to dry out and recharge the batteries.

 Double Header Arriving at Garelochhead

Double Header Arriving at Garelochhead

Diesel Locomotive Class 37 (37518) at Garelochhead

 Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead

 Diesel Locomotive Class 37 (37518) at Garelochhead

 Donnie Chats with the Train Crew at Garelochhead

Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead 

 Double Header at Garelochhead

Steam Locomotive 62005 at Garelochhead

Double Header at Garelochhead

Double Header Approaching Tyndrum


Heading to Crianlarich Station

Double Header at Crianlarich Station

Steam Locomotive (45407) in the Rain at Crianlarich Station

 Steam Locomotive (45407) at Crianlarich Station

Steam Locomotive (45407) Leaving Crianlarich in Torrential Rain

West Highland Railway Line in 2013

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

MV Bute - Dry Dock for Winter Maintenance

The CalMac ferry 'MV Bute' went in to the Garvel dry dock late this morning for her winter maintenance.

I was a little late in arriving as I'd expected her to wait for a bit more tide, but managed to get a few images just the same.

'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' entering Garvel Dry Dock

 'MV Bute' in the Garvel Dry Dock

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Zombie Night Run in Helensburgh

Helensburgh was the location for a Zombie Night Run tonight.

For personal reasons I've decided not to publish any images.

However if I photographed you or your team - and you wish a copy for personal use only - then please contact me direct - Click Here

Knapps Loch - Near Kilmacolm

An early start again this morning to try and catch a worthwhile sunrise at Knapps Loch near Kilmacolm.

Carefully walked across the field dodging the areas where the cows had been I arrived at the edge of the loch. Cold of course but not yet in to the bitter frosty mornings.

The Loch is artificial and was created in the early 20th century by the local angling club.

 It has a number of small islands and a small boathouse with landing stage - all kept in very good and neat condition.

After my initial shots I walked around the side looking for a variation of potential images.

There were numerous spider webs adorning the gorse bushes but what little wind that was blowing was enough to make sharp images difficult in the early light.

I feel rewarded with the morning light and hope my images reflect this.

 Knapps Loch at Sunrise - Near Kilmacolm

 Knapps Loch

 Spiders' Webs

Sun Rising at Knapps Loch

Trees at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Morning at Knapps Loch Near Kilmacolm

Early Autumn Sun at Knapps Loch

Knapps Loch

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Sunday's Adventures

A noon start as I headed across to Garelochhead safe in the knowledge that a Diesel locomotive was due to go through the station.

A little early on her arrival but fortunately so was I, so that worked out well.

Then up to Glasgow for a visit to the Riverside Museum and to the Glennlee Tall Ship exhibit.

A nice - fairly priced - bowl of soup aboard was very welcome and the service was friendly and efficient.

All in all, not a bad afternoon and now plenty of images to edit.

West Coast Railways Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) at Garelochhead Station 

 Class 47 Diesel Locomotive (47760) Climbs Uphill from Garelochhead

Eastern Scottish Vintage Bus at Riverside Museum

 Bowsprit of the Glenlee Tall Ship

 Cargo Hold

 Poop Deck Accommodation

Riverside Museum

Reflections

High Cycles

Old Street Scene

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.