Ossianic Landscapes and Photography

For children and adults!

‘Rise, winds of autumn, rise; blow upon the dark heath! Streams of the mountains, roar!’

Join us on an autumn walk into the Glen and experience Ossian’s bardic tales in their natural environment of the Highlands. Listen to Ossianic poetry, while looking at the scenery that surrounded the bard and understand, how the Ossianic stories generated a fascination with our Highland landscapes far beyond the Scottish borders. Learn about the importance of nature in these stories and hear of their important link to Highland tourism.

On this walk, you will be encouraged to participate in a dialogue, not only about Ossian, but also about the modern understanding of landscape, culture, and belonging. We invite you to express your understanding of these in creative photography.

A selection of these photographs will be displayed in the special exhibition of 2023 at the Clan Macpherson Museum.

Meeting point is the end of the minor road up Glen Banchor, the coordinates are 57°04’13.8″N 4°09’27.4″W and the start point can be accessed through Google Maps, it is the end of Glen Road.

Once parked at the end of the minor road leading from Newtonmore into Glen Banchor, we will continue on foot along Allt a’ Chaorainn, to reach the foothills of the Monadhliath and enjoy the views of two glens merging together. We will have plenty of time to talk about Ossian, exchange stories and take photographs along the way. After a break and some snacks, we will retrace our steps back to the car.

The walk is approximately 4km long and we will cover an elevation of 100meters. Our highest point will be approximately 400m. It is best suited for all fitness levels, but please be aware that you need sturdy footing.

At an average fitness level, this walk will take 2 hours, however, we plan to take 3 hours in total to have enough time for breaks and photographs along the way.

In case of severe weather conditions, we reserve the right to change the route of the walk.

Please bring waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy shoes, and be aware that sections of the path can be rather boggy. We recommend some additional layers, as the weather in the Highlands can change very quickly and be unpredictable at times.

Please also bring a protective cover for your camera, if needed and some snacks/lunch.

Picnic blankets will be provided. Additional portable seating can also be provided. If required, please leave a note upon signing up for this event.