Duncansby Stacks

When I plan a photo trip, I draw on the experience of earlier visits, use apps like PhotoPills and keep a close eye on the tides. During the planning stage I always picture myself arriving at the location in perfect light, knowing full well that this is precisely the parameter that is hardest to plan for in countries like Scotland. So I am all the more amazed when a plan actually works out one hundred percent. That is exactly what happened on my most recent visit to Duncansby Head.

Anyone in search of unspoilt Scottish landscapes will sooner or later find themselves at this spectacular coastline in the northern Highlands. The scenery is dominated above all by two enormous sea stacks, the Stacks of Duncansby, which rise some 60 metres out of the North Sea. The ensemble also features a natural rock arch and several smaller stacks, which complete the panorama perfectly.

The Duncansby Stacks are a photo spot that requires a bit of an effort to reach. From the car park at Duncansby Head Lighthouse, the walk takes you cross-country over a grassy ridge. Once you have crossed this hill, the full panorama of the cliffs unfolds before you in all its glory. A muddy path winds down to the cliff edge, from where you get the best view of the rocky coast stretching away to the horizon. If you fancy it, you can follow this cliff path southwards to get really close to the stacks.

o photograph the full cliff panorama, an early start is essential. In the morning hours the cliffs are in their best light, whereas by midday large sections fall into shadow. If, on the other hand, you plan to walk the cliff path and shoot the stacks from the south, late morning to early afternoon is the better time. You can therefore easily spend several hours exploring the Duncansby Stacks.