Cairngorm Masterclass
Course Duration: 4 days ----- £695 (Half Board single occupancy of twin/double rooms).
* Maximum group size FIVE
* Dawn - dusk field tuition
* Evening review / critique
* All transport at location included.
* Pick up/drop off to/from Inverness accommodation, bus and train Station.
Recently established the Cairngorm National Park is home to most of Britains loftiest peaks and includes Scotland's premier ski resort, permitting easy access to the hills.
The park has the highest density of charismatic ancient Scots pine forest and is the preferred home of red squirrel, (you are pretty well guaranteed to see at least one), pine marten, osprey, snow bunting , crested tit and Britains rarest "turkey" the giant capercaillie.
The Cairngorms is at its stunning best in mid-winter with honey light grazing a hoar frost or a liberal dusting of snow. Prepare yourself for sub-zero temperatures and crisp brittle, sublime landscape photography.
This is the fourth year of running this course, last year we had more frost than snow but this seemed to be every bit as productive as the winter snow of the previous two years. Beautiful reflections and crisp still conditions. Of course you never know for certain what you'll get but it is a pretty certain bet that it will be colder here than almost anywhere else in the UK. Everyone was captivated by the scenery with two or three guests already requesting "the same again next year please". The Rowan Country House hotel proved once again to be a teriffic choice in a prime location. The staff are friendly and helpful, the en-suite rooms are characterful and kept spotlessly clean and a decent size with comfortable double or twin beds. The lounges, nooks and bar have log fires on the go and above all the food is sensationally good with equally classy presentation. The Rowan Tree Country House hotel is situated two miles south of Aviemore, the gateway to the Cairngorms, so relatively easy for rail and bus connections, to / from Aviemore. As indicated above accommodation will be half board, sandwiches can be supplied by the hotel for uninterrupted dawn til dusk shooting.
Needless to say sub zero temperatures require decent winter weather gear with boots, gloves and hats and I would recommend you take insulated wellington boots. The course starts at around 1300 hours on the commencement date of the course and ends after sunset on the final day for those that wish to continue shooting. I can take guests back to Inverness later that evening for arrival there around 18.30 hours.
WiFi connectivity seems to work fine here as do most phone connections.
Grade: Easy Mostly short duration walks on relatively flat ground. Average fitness required.
A £100.00 Deposit is required to reserve a place on this course.