Mountain Hares/Ptarmigan Guiding
Available Jan-Feb
Having worked in the Cairngorm Mountains for nine years in a previous life, watching Mountain Hares and Ptarmigan was almost a daily occurrence all year round. Working in a mountain environment you soon learn two important factors, the wildlife and the weather.
I only guide to Mountain Hares in Winter during January and February when we are most likely to have snow and most of the stormy weather has passed. The days are slightly longer with much better light during these months. While it is possible to book a guide months in advance, I prefer to guide at shorter notice for a variety of reasons.
Accessing the Mountains
Over the years I have seen many photographers travel a long way at great expense only to arrive in the Highlands to find the mountains bare of snow or stormbound for days, and we all know the best images of Mountain Hares is in the snow, not boggy ground when the heather has lost its colour. I will know the exact weather/snow cover and weekly forecast. Booking in advance always runs the risk of poor hare images or the mountain being stormbound, like I say I can see the Cairngorm mountains from my house.
Fitness level
One other reason I like to guide to the Mountain Hares at short notice is that normally a good fitness level is required as well as suitable clothing to be out on the mountain, making the species difficult to photograph for many, I know I'm not getting any younger.
If we have snow to a low level I can guide to Mountain Hares from around the car without accessing the mountains making the species accessible for everyone regardless of fitness level.
Locating Mountain Hares can be challenging at times but with local knowledge, field craft and knowing the mountains, I have guided professional and amateur photographers over many years with images featuring in wildlife magazines and books.
If for any reason we are not able to access the mountain we will be able to photograph an alternative species at a lower level such as Crested Tits, Wild Red Deer Stags or Otters at my Hide.
We can arrange to collect you from your accommodation in a 4x4 vehicle.
Cost per full day
£200.00 per person for one day.
£350.00 per person for two days
£425.00 per person for three days.
Only available via e-mail or phone booking.
