Easter Special:
Northern Scotland and Orkney
£1,049 (Members price £999), Deposit £300
Forsinard, Sutherland
Duration & Dates
6 days (5 nights)
17th to 22 April 25
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If you are a group of 2 or more, please contact us for bespoke dates and itineraries.
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Included
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Full Board Accommodation
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Single occupancy rooms as standard
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Vehicle and guide
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Transfer from Inverness airport or railway station
Price
£1,049
Members price £999
Deposit £300
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Anyone can join as a member for just £25 a year
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Group Size
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3 people per holiday per 1 guide​​
Not Included
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Initial transport to lodge
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Alcoholic drinks
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Camera equipment
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Travel insurance
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Description
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Easter Special: Northern Scotland and Orkney Photography Holiday
Easter is a wonderful time to visit the far North of Scotland, and we have the perfect long weekend tour to make that possible! With 4 full days of immersive photography, this is an ideal trip for those looking to elevate their picture-taking skills while making the most of the Easter holiday. Escape the crowds and indulge in a peaceful few days of breathtaking photography amidst the wild and serene beauty of the Flow Country and beyond.
A Unique Blend of Highlands and Orkney. Arriving on Thursday, April 17th, we’ll embark on an Easter weekend filled with unforgettable photographic excursions. Our carefully curated itinerary includes a variety of stunning locations, culminating in a ferry day trip to the enchanting Orkney Islands, where you’ll explore the historic village of Stromness and capture the magic of rich island history.
Dynamic Landscapes and Captivating Light. Spring in the Highlands transforms the region into a vibrant tapestry of fresh greens, blossoming flowers, and dynamic waterways. From serene lochs to dramatic coastlines, each scene offers unique photographic opportunities. The golden light of early mornings and the ethereal atmosphere of misty days create an ideal setting for capturing the subtle beauty of spring.
Wildlife and Emerging Flora. The season brings a flourish of wildlife and flora, providing endless chances to photograph the dynamic energy of spring.
Orkney’s Timeless Beauty. A highlight of our Easter special is a trip to Orkney, where ancient history meets stunning seascapes.
Creative Techniques and Expert Guidance. Our guides are passionate about photography and eager to share their knowledge. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with creative techniques such as monochrome shooting, multiple exposures, and long exposure photography. Each session is designed to inspire and refine your artistic vision.
Tour Highlights
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Easter in the Highlands and Orkney: Experience the serene beauty and rich history of both regions during this special time.
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Dynamic Landscapes: Photograph the dramatic contrasts of spring, from flowing rivers to tranquil lochs.
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Emerging Flora and Fauna: Capture the season’s vibrant life as nature awakens from its winter slumber.
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Creative Photography: Learn and experiment with various techniques under the guidance of expert photographers.
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Cultural Heritage: Explore historic sites and ancient landmarks framed by the lush greenery of spring.
Join us for this Easter Special Photography Holiday and embark on a journey that promises to inspire and rejuvenate your photographic spirit, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and creative learning.
Creative Adventurers Welcome
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At Wild Arena, we seek guests who are eager to embrace the creative journey of photography, rather than those merely looking to replicate specific images from a checklist. Our tours are designed for those who want to delve deeper into the art of storytelling through their photos, capturing the unique essence of the Highland landscapes, its people, and the ever-changing weather. We are committed to teaching a wide range of techniques and providing the support and encouragement needed to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a passionate beginner, our goal is to help you unlock new levels of creativity and create beautiful, original images that reflect the true spirit of the Highlands. Join us if you’re ready to be inspired, to learn, and to explore the limitless possibilities of your photographic potential.
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Pre and Post-Tour Engagement
Before your holiday begins, we will arrange a Zoom call to address any questions you may have about the upcoming week. This call will also be an opportunity for you to meet your fellow guests, and you'll be invited to join a personalised WhatsApp group. On our last evening together, we encourage guests to share their favourite images from the week, fostering camaraderie and collective learning among the group. Even after you return home, you can stay connected with us and your fellow participants through WhatsApp and Facebook, continuing to engage and share your photography journey.
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What to Expect
We aim to welcome everyone as a friend and help develop their personal photography on an individual level. Small groups and all-inclusive accommodation ensure guests can relax and fully immerse themselves in their hobby.
Learning Outcomes
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Throughout the week, you'll receive guidance on a range of photographic techniques, including:
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Compositional principles and creative approaches to photography.
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Controlling movement with shutter speeds, both fast and slow.
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Capturing creative close-ups with depth-of-field control and compositions
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In-camera effects such as multiple exposures and intentional camera movement.
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Use of filters to enhance and manipulate images.
All-Inclusive Experience
Stay at Forsinard Lodge, our comfortable base in the north of Scotland, where you’ll enjoy full board accommodation. The lodge provides a perfect retreat after a day of exploration, with facilities to review your photos, and engage in creative discussions with fellow photographers.
Personalised Guidance and Small Groups
Our tours are designed for small groups, ensuring personalised attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Our experienced guides will support you in developing your photography on an individual level, helping you unlock the hidden stories in your surroundings.
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Join Us for a Creative Journey
Our goal is to provide a week of relaxation, creative stimulation, and the joy of photography. We welcome you as friends, offering an environment where you can grow your skills, find inspiration, and create beautiful, meaningful images.
Itinerary
Daily Excursions and Studio Sessions
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Your itinerary will be flexible to make the most of early and late light, seasonal changes, and weather conditions. Activities will include:
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Visits to the dramatic seascapes of the northern coasts.
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Exploring rivers and waterfalls for dynamic water photography.
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Studio sessions focusing on water droplets and detailed macro work.
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Opportunities to photograph stunning sunsets, night skies, and potentially the aurora
Arrival and Welcome Dinner (D)
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Arrival at Forsinard Lodge, nestled in the wild landscape of northern Scotland.
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Group gathering for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the week ahead.
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Daily Photography Excursions (B, L, D) Each day will be planned to make the most of the weather conditions and photographic opportunities. Expect a mix of the following activities throughout the week:
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Daily Photography Excursions (B, L, D) Each day will be planned to make the most of the weather conditions and photographic opportunities. Expect a mix of the following activities throughout the week:
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Morning Departures: On some days, we may leave early to catch the morning light, taking a packed breakfast with us. On other days, we might enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before heading out.
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Full Day Excursions: We’ll explore various locations including local sites, the wild coastline, high country to the west, and historical landscapes. Opportunities will include capturing landscapes, seascapes, waterfalls and emerging flowers
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Packed Lunches: To maximize our time in the field, we'll often take packed lunches with us.
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Evening Returns: Some evenings will see us returning to the lodge for dinner and a review of the day's photography. On other occasions, we might stay out late, enjoying a supper on location to capture sunset or night-time photography.
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Flexible Scheduling: We will adapt our schedule to include opportunities for sunrise, sunset, and possibly night-time or aurora photography, depending on weather and solar activity.
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Specific Excursions: Potential specific trips include visits to dramatic coastlines, mountainous regions, waterfalls, rivers and lowland meadows for flowers. There will also be a day trip to Stromness, Orkney with the day spent exploring this charming and historic harbour village.
Departure (B)
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Final breakfast at the lodge.
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Round-up of the week’s experiences and a final review before guests depart at 10 am.
This flexible itinerary ensures that we can adapt to the best photographic opportunities each day, providing a comprehensive and rewarding experience for all participants.
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Meals included are as shown – B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Venue Description: Forsinard Lodge and Surroundings
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Our base for this trip is the beautifully situated Forsinard Lodge in northern Scotland. Originally built in 1870 by the Duke of Sutherland as a hunting and fishing lodge at the head of Strath Halladale, the lodge boasts a rich history. The river here was highly regarded for salmon fishing, and the surrounding area was known for its exceptionally large Red Deer stags. Forsinard Lodge has spent most of its life as part of a much wider estate, but it now serves as the perfect base for Wild Arena’s photography tours in this stunning and relatively undiscovered part of the Highlands.
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Forsinard and the Flow Country
The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Flow Country, one of Europe’s most important natural landscapes. The Flow Country is an extensive area of blanket bog and wetlands, stretching across Caithness and Sutherland. This unique environment supports a remarkable variety of wildlife, including rare bird species, mammals, and plants. It is one of the largest and most intact areas of blanket bog in the world, and its conservation is crucial for both biodiversity and carbon storage.
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Sutherland's Natural Beauty
Sutherland, the wider region encompassing Forsinard, is known for its dramatic landscapes, which include rugged coastlines, sweeping moorlands, and serene lochs. The area is sparsely populated, offering a sense of wildness and tranquillity that is increasingly rare. From the rolling hills to the intricate river systems, Sutherland provides an endless array of photographic opportunities, making it an ideal location for capturing the essence of the Scottish Highlands.
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RSPB Forsinard Flows Reserve
We are fortunate to have amazing neighbours, including our good friends at the RSPB Forsinard Flows Reserve. This reserve manages a vast area of diverse upland surrounding the lodge, dedicated to the conservation of this unique habitat. The reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a chance to see species such as the Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, and Red-throated Diver in their natural habitat.
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Accommodation at Forsinard Lodge
Our guests are accommodated in recently refurbished bedrooms within the Forsinard Lodge building. Each room has its own new, en-suite bathroom and is comfortably furnished to ensure a pleasant stay. Guests will also have access to a conservatory lounge where meals can be served, and the group can gather in the evenings for relaxed conversation and camaraderie.
Culinary Delights and Hospitality
We pride ourselves on looking after everyone to the best of our ability. Adrienne ensures that guests are kept happy with delicious home-cooked food from our kitchen, providing a taste of the Highlands with every meal. The lodge is designed to be a perfect place for relaxation and learning, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and self-expression—a true 'home from home.'
Whether you are marvelling at the vast, open landscapes, exploring the intricate details of the Flow Country, or enjoying the warm hospitality of Forsinard Lodge, your stay promises to be a memorable and inspiring experience.
