A winter break on the west coast over Christmas and New Year was just what the doctor ordered. Having spent most of October, November and December suffering struggling with sickness and tiredness (I’m nearly 6 months pregnant with my second child), I was grateful for the chance to recharge my batteries in Argyll. Being wrapped in a winter palette of soft blues, pinks and greys and bathed in coastal, mountain and loch scenery did wonders for my spirit.
Some of my highlights from the trip were: the Oban Chocolate Company Cafe (I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the area, the hot chocolate was divine); the area around Loch Linnhe, particularly picturesque Port Appin and the wonderful Pierhouse Restaurant; the walk up Beinn Lora, with stunning views across to Mull (I kicked myself for leaving my camera card at home that day); and exploring the shores of Loch Etive from Taynuilt.
For two days frost refused to relinquish its icy grip on the land, turning the landscape into a sparkling Narnia state. It was absolutely beautiful, a glittering frozen world.
For truly outstanding landscapes, head to Glencoe. I was mesmerised during a drive from Oban to Glencoe and along the A82. Driving through this breathtaking mountain landscape in the late afternoon was just gorgeous, with the sun beginning to dip behind the mountains and throwing patterns of light across the peaks. Picture-perfect winter scenery that just radiated with beauty.
Of course, it wasn’t blue skies and snowy landscapes the whole time. We had a week of rain and high winds, and during the ‘weather bomb’ thunder and lightning and a snowstorm arrived hand in hand. While thunder bellowed and winds whistled around the house, I curled up in front of the fire. Thankfully the weather changed just in time for us to enjoy a spectacular journey home to the east coast.
Yes, winter means numb fingers, scraping ice off the car windscreen and bitterly cold winds, but a trip like this reminds me just how achingly beautiful Scotland is in the winter.
Emma, you have made me want to pack up our life in London and move here right away. Or, at least, go on holiday. What an absolutely beautiful place for a winter break. Your photos, as always, are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing this part of the world with us. It’s now on my list xxx
Thank you for the lovely comment, Kiran! It is beautiful, I particularly loved Glencoe and would love to go back and spend more time there. I do love Scotland in winter and we were lucky to have so many lovely days 🙂 xxx
I was enjoying your photos on IG while you were away and these are just gorgeous!! I love that drive through Glencoe but haven’t braved it in winter yet. Beautiful!!
PS Congrats on the upcoming arrival of a new little one! 🙂
Thank you Alison, it was my first time to Glencoe – just breathtaking. We drove that route just after Christmas before all the heavy snow so it wasn’t too bad. Thanks again for taking the time to comment, glad you liked the photos 🙂
Beautiful photos! I live in Taynuilt – we’ve certainly had our fair share of wind and snow lately. So lovely to have discovered your blog. And congratulations on your pregnancy! 🙂
Thank you Adele! Lovely of you to comment. We loved the scenery around Taynuilt, Ben Cruachan was looking magnificent in its winter cloak :). We left last weekend just as the sunshine was returning, hope it’s been a better week weather-wise there – during our last few days it was very stormy. Glad we had some beautiful days too! Thanks again, I really appreciate all comments.
I love your blog for reminding me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful country – and for reminding me I need to make more of an effort to explore it this year!
I hope you don’t mind me sharing your blog on Twitter – I just had to share these beautiful photographs.
x
Thank you very much, Charlene – that’s really kind of you. It’s so lovely to hear you enjoy the blog, your comments are very much appreciated. And thank you for sharing 🙂
Wow, what truly spectacular photos, Emma, and some of my very favourite places! Thank you for posting them.
Thank you, Jo! I really appreciate that, thank you for taking the time to comment. We were lucky to have some beautiful weather, the frosty days were spectacular. 🙂