Frequently Asked Questions

Once you arrive at Alladale all costs are covered minus your bar bill and any spending money. Takings from the bar go to support our partner charity, Trees for Life and their mission to re-wild the highlands. Last year we raised more than £600 and more than 80 native trees were planted as a result of our donations.

No, you won’t lose your deposit. At Photo Journey our aim us that you feel relaxed when you book with us. If it is clear from Government advice or restrictions that your Photo Journey adventure is not possible, you will be refunded your deposit and any monies paid towards the balance. We also offer a fully exchangeable deposit that will allow you to switch your deposit to any other holiday with us at any time, provided it is at least 6 weeks before the holiday takes place (which is when the final balance is required).

We offer you every possible assurance, including membership of ABTOT (Association of British Tour Operators Trust). This means that even in the event of insolvency any monies of yours held by us are effectively insured and paid back to you.

The will be a maximum of 12 guests.

We maintain a 1:6 instructor:guest ratio as an absolute minimum. It is often 1:4.

You will be able to spend time with all of our talented instructors and guides.

Every level of photographer is welcome. The experience is designed to meet the expectations of a broad photographic church. We have experience catering for complete beginners right through to professionals. Everyone has a place and has something to offer.

We offer bespoke pre-course coaching for anyone who wants to improve their skills ahead of time. Please enquire to find out more.

You need to have a good level of mobility to get the most from this experience.

The landscape is big and although we do use 4×4 to reduce some of the walk-lengths there is no getting away from the fact that in most cases, in order to gain height and access the best views, you need to walk.

The valley floor is around 300m above sea level. To feel like you are on top of anything you need to climb at least 300m up steep valley sides. This gets you access to the wide open spaces of the highlands.

We may climb to 850m.

It is a pity not to be able to make the most of the experience and it’s always worth training for it, not to mention that there are a multitude of benefits that spin off from getting out and walking more!

We do accommodate couples although due to the constraints of the accommodation we cannot guarantee you your own room.

If you are concerned about this and would like to know more please call us.

Arranging travel is very simple.

We offer picks up from Ardgay railway station and take everyone from Alladale Lodge to Deanich Lodge by 4×4.

Of course, in exceptional circumstances such as strikes, we will do whatever we can to help.

We are also link people who are amenable to car sharing.

In many respects, all you really need is a camera with ability to recharge, and enough memory to hold the images.

Phone cameras are a valid option although they do have their limitations.

For those looking for help with their bigger camera systems, we will email a recommended kit list to all participants well in advance of the departure date.

See the kit list on the Advice page. It’s not exhaustive but it gives a good baseline. And of course, if you still have questions, just ask.

There are so many places to see in Scotland that it would be impossible to list them here. We know the area well, so please get in touch through this site or via telephone or email and we would be delighted to talk through the possibilities with you.