Isle of Arran
Photography Expedition

1st June - 4th June 2027

Isle of Arran Expedition
Isle of Arran Expedition
from £250.00

Join Ross Davidson and Benjamin Barendrecht for a photography expedition workshop unlike any other, exploring and capturing the spectacular landscapes of the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

This is a multi-day expedition workshop - involving five days and four nights camping and hiking.

1st June - 4th June 2027.

Click here for all of the details of this workshop.

Group size limited to four participants.

What to expect?

“Not just a photography workshop - but an unforgettable expedition that will live long in the memory.”

Discover one of Scotland’s most unique photographic locations - the Isle of Arran.

The island is known to many as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ and the rugged mountains, diverse wildlife, beautiful coastline and scenic glens make it very deserving of this title. This immersive photography expedition offers the perfect blend of adventure and learning. This promises to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of Arran.

Unfrequented by photographers, you shall experience rare opportunities to capture truly unique imagery of some of the finest landscape photography scenery that there is anywhere in Scotland country - at sunrise, sunset and everything in between.

You shall be led and taught by two highly experienced mountaineers and photographers: Benjamin Barendrecht and Ross Davidson (Qualified Mountain Leader). During the trip, we shall aim to camp on the summits of the majestic granite peaks, visiting mountains such as Goatfell, Cir Mhòr and Caisteal Abhail. Together, we shall create lasting memories and images to treasure.

The trip is suitable for everyone – wether you are an enthusiastic outdoor photographer hoping to improve your craft; or an adventure seeker that simply wants to experience a memorable expedition on the Isle of Arran.

The expedition shall be 4 days and 3 nights camping in total.

Key Information

Date: 1st June - 4th June 2027
Duration: 4 days hiking, 3 nights wild camping

Accommodation: Tents
Starting at: North Glen Sannox car park
Physicality: Challenging

Group Size: 5 clients maximum
Pricing: £750 (£250 deposit)

Itinerary

The itinerary for this trip will remain flexible to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions and the suitability to the group. However, you may expect to visit and photograph vistas from, and en route to mountain summits such as: Goatfell, Cir Mhòr and Caisteal Abhail.

We will aim to camp in the hills for at least two of the three nights, aiming to be in prime locations for sunsets and sunrises, although this will remain flexible to allow the workshop leaders to select suitable photography locations for the prevailing conditions.

There will be photography opportunities in the glens as well as from the mountain summits.

What you will learn

Technical Photography Skills

Tailored specifically to you, whether you are a beginner or advanced. Ross and Ben shall always be available to provide you with hands-on and practical coaching with all of the technical aspects of image creation, including: exposure, composition, focus and much more.

Expressive Photography Skills:

We will teach you how to identify interesting elements within the landscape that will combine to create compelling and evocative imagery, that tells the story of both the landscape and our personal experience within it.

Mountaineering & Adventure Skills:

If desired, we can teach you how to be independent in the mountain environment, to allow you to plan your own photography expeditions in the future. Including: mountain navigation and expedition planning; personal safety and risk management; campcraft; and rope work

  • Black outline drawing of a house with tree and grass in the background

    Small Groups

    Maximum of 5 participants.

  • Black background with white text that reads, 'Welcome to the cool kids club.'

    Duration

    Duration: 4 days hiking and 3 days camping

  • Black and white silhouette of Santa Claus with a bag of gifts, standing next to a decorated Christmas tree.

    Locations

    Explore the incredible geology and mountains of the Isle of Arran

  • Black and white drawing of a person with short hair, wearing a hat, glasses, a jacket, and pants, standing and holding a cane.

    Workshop Guides

    Ross Davidson & Benjamin Barendrecht

  • A space scene featuring planets, clouds, and celestial bodies in outer space.

    Photography Experience

    Learn to see visual stories of the complex landscape

Fitness and Experience

Hill-walking experience:

It is not essential for you to have prior hill-walking and backpacking experience, although we do advise it. You need to be capable of hiking with a 15-25kg backpack for between 5-10km and 300-800 metres of ascent per day (it shall vary depending upon our route). We will constantly be monitoring the group to ensure that our pace is appropriate for all group members ro feel comfortable and confident.

Backpacking experience:

A mandatory kit list shall be sent to you well in advance of the workshop to allow you to prepare for the trip.

Photography Experience:

You do not HAVE to be a photographer to join this expedition! Everyone is welcome and shall benefit from the experience. Additionally, photographers of all abilities are welcome, from beginners through to advanced.

Responsible Outdoor Access

Our Approach to the Environment

As part of our photography expedition on the Isle of Arran, we are committed to exploring and photographing the island while leaving as little impact as possible on its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. We will follow the principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. While ensuring our expedition has no lasting impact upon how others will experience it in the future, taking care to camp responsibly, respect wildlife and local communities, avoid damaging vegetation, and leave no trace of our stay. Our aim is to enjoy and document Arran’s natural environment while helping to protect it.

Equipment

An exhaustive kit list PDF shall be sent to you well in advance of the commencement of the workshop. In a nutshell, you will require:

Camera Equipment: we recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera with lenses covering the focal lengths between 14-300mm, although we also welcome those using simpler camera systems/camera phones. A lightweight tripod will also be useful.

Clothing: appropriate mountain-suitable activewear, including a layering system consisting of: baselayers. mid layers, waterproofs and insulation layers. Comfortable hiking boots and a large backpack (60L minimum) are also important

Camping: a sturdy tent, warm roll mat and sleeping bag are all necessary.

Price - What’s included?

Price and Payment:

  • Total price (per participant): £750.

  • Deposit amount: £250 (required upon booking).

  • Balance deadline: Final payment must be made at least 2 months before the workshop start date.

Included:

  • Qualified Mountain Leader (Mountain Training Association) to guide you on the expedition.

  • Uninterrupted, personalised photography tuition so you achieve the best photographic results.

  • High end camping equipment, if required (small rental fee applies).

Excluded:

  • Transportation to the starting point: North Glen Sannox car park. However, Ben and I may be able to support with a lift if necessary. Please enquire if required.

  • Travel and personal health and belongings insurance.

  • Camera equipment.

  • Expedition food and drinks - this should be included in your personal kit.

Example Images

Why choose us ?

Ross is a Qualified Mountain Leader (Mountain Training Association) and semi-professional mountain photographer. An experienced teacher of eight years - Ross also holds qualified teacher status (QTS) with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

Ross specialises in capturing the mountainous regions of the UK, specifically the Scottish Highlands and Lake District National Park. Ross aims to create unique and expressive imagery that is representative of the remarkable beauty of the landscape that surrounds us.

Ross has hiked extensively in the most remote areas of Scotland, developing a deep affinity with the mountain landscape and aims to portray this through his work.

Accolades:

Mountains Category Winner - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Top 10 (1%) Combined Portfolio - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Highly Commended Portfolio - Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.

Contributor: ON Landscape, Outdoor Photography Magazine, Landscape Photography Magazine

Photographer of the Year - Fourth Place - Natural Landscape Awards 2026.

Ben is a freelance mountain photographer, filmmaker and ambassador for OM System (Olympus) and Mountaineering Scotland since 2022.

Ben’s love for the mountains started from a young age whilst travelling the world. Exploring the wonderful geology of the mountains is something that spoke to him. Translating the stories and feeling of the landscape within a single photograph that expresses the emotion the complex world.

Ben has spent over 12 years hiking in various mountain regions in the world, from Norway, the Alps, Scotland and many other places in the world. Ben’s passion for the mountains is all about finding a deeper connection and understanding of the geology.


Accolades:

Ambassador OM System / Olympus 2022 - Present

Ambassador Mountaineering Scotland 2022 - Present

Front Cover - OM System Camera Launch 2025

Publications: Outdoor Photography Magazine, Mountaineering Scotland Magazine, The Great Outdoors Magazine, BBC Scotland.

Ross and Ben’s Portfolios

  • Ross Davidson - Assynt

  • Benjamin Barendrecht - Isle of Rum

  • Ross Davidson - Torridon

  • Benjamin Barendrecht - Assynt

  • Ross Davidson - Mamores

  • Benjamin Barendrecht - Mamores

  • Benjamin Barendrecht - Kintail

  • Andrew R | 1-2-1 Tuition | Apr 2025

    “From the off, Ross made me feel relaxed and at ease. Once we got to the location Ross put me at was as I chose my first compositions. With minimal fuss he talked about how I might improve them and it was small, simple points that made a world of difference. On to our main location to set up for sunset, again I chose my compositions and we discussed them. During the golden hour, Ross was always on hand with tips to maximise the moment and it paid dividends with stunning images. The day was everything I had hoped for, expert tuition, amazing scenery and fantastic company. I hope to book again next year! Thank you Ross for your knowledge, company and patience on the hills.”

  • Gary U | Mountain Photography Workshop | May 2025

    “Ben was incredible to work with and genuinely helped me fall in love with photography again. He not only guided me with the right camera settings but, more importantly, showed me how visual storytelling and thoughtful composition create a deeper connection with the landscape. Throughout the entire weekend, he was inspirational—always available with advice, encouragement, and insights that brought out the best in my work. Ben’s teaching style is patient, engaging, and filled with a wealth of knowledge about both photography and the mountains of the Scottish Highlands itself. It was an honour and a pleasure to spend the weekend learning from him, and he has truly set me back on the path of my photography journey.”

  • Richard N | 1-2-1 Tuition | May 2025

    “I recently had the pleasure of attending a 1-2-1 mountain photography workshop with Ross Davidson in the Lake District, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Ross combines his photographic talent with the clarity and patience of a skilled teacher.

    What really stood out was is ability to tailor the day to my experience level and goals. Rather than simply telling me what to do, Ross encouraged me to think critically about composition, lighting and technique - making the learning both meaningful and memorable.

    Ross’ rare combination of award-winning photography and professional teaching makes his workshops truly exceptional. I left the day feeling inspired, more confident and equipped with new skills I’ll carry forward.”

  • Andrew M | 1-2-1 Tuition | Oct 2024

    “I joined Ben on a multiple day workshop in Glen Coe in October 2024 and he thought me so much over the days. The best part of the workshop is too reconnect the meaning of the relationship between me and the landscape. Ben’s approach is very thoughtful and has a slow and patience based approach to photography and was really knowledgable about the mountains and we used that to create a visual story together. Thank you Ben for the incredible experience and fun company.”

  • David M | Summer Summits in the Lakes | Sep 2025

    I joined Ross on a workshop in the Lake District in September 2025 and would thoroughly recommend it. Ross is extremely knowledgeable of both the local area and his craft - as well as being able to apply this to the workshop. I really appreciated his hands-on approach but also knowing when to step back and challenge me to put what I had learned into practice. I’ve come away from the workshop with a better understanding of how to compose compelling images in addition to a new awareness and set of skills I’ll be able to use in the future. Credit also to Ross and his mountain leader knowledge as we had to rearrange plans on safety grounds due to the weather. This was done with no trouble and the whole experience was expertly managed by Ross.

  • Matthew T | 1-2-1 Tuition | Jun 2025

    “ It was great to meet you Ben, thank you for a really enjoyable and informative workshop. My main focus was on story telling of the landscape. Prior to the workshop Ben made me study the weather chart and mountain map for the day to see how we can use that in our favour in the mountains this was very informative. I learned a lot from Ben as we talked through visual story telling and compositions. Ben didn’t just tell me what to photograph but inspired me to see more and gave constructive feedback during the day on the mountain. “

Frequently Asked Questions


  • We shall be constantly monitoring the weather forecasts in the lead up to the workshop and during the workshop itself.

    The workshop shall be postponed if there is seriously inclement weather forecast that would pose a risk to the health and safety of all in the group.

    We will communicate this with you as soon as possible. However, accurate mountain weather forecasts are only available a few days - one week in advance.


  • No problem. We are here to help photographers that are beginners or advanced-level. We will tailor the learning experience for your specific requirements. Please note that we will aim to provide equal tuition time to each participant.

  • We are sailing to the Isle of Rùm from Mallaig Ferry Terminal, PH41 4QD.

    Approximately 43 miles (1 hour drive) to the west of Fort William.

    We are able to collect up to three participants from Fort William, or meet in Mallaig.

  • Refunds are only granted in the event that both Ben and Ross are unable to lead the workshop due to personal circumstances. We will communicate this with you as soon as possible, in this eventuality.

    A non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. If a participant decides to cancel their booking prior to two months before commencement of the workshop, then the remaining fee shall be refunded.

    This is to ensure that we have adequate time to fill the vacated participation place.

  • Yes. Even if you have little or no backpacking experience, you are still capable of attending this trip and we are here to support you with the logistics of this. Please contact us if you have any hesitations or specific questions.

  • Woman in a light green jacket, gray beanie, and black gloves holding a camera in a rocky outdoor landscape with mountains in the background.
  • Silhouette of a person adjusting a camera on a tripod during sunset on a mountain overlook with a sky of orange and yellow hues and distant islands below.
  • A man crouching on a mountain trail overlooking a lake and mountain landscape during sunset.