Sgurr an Fhidhleir (‘The Fiddler’s Nose’)

COIGACH

Despite being largely ignored by photographers (in favour of the nearby Stac Pollaidh), Sgurr an Fhidhleir is home to one of the most impressive pieces of rock architecture in Scotland. The north-east ridge (above, centre), affectionately known as ‘The Fiddler’s Nose’, is an immense prow of sandstone which takes your breath away when you first lay eyes on it. For years, I wanted to photograph the Fiddler’s Nose by moonlight on a snowy winter night. However, it required a very specific set of conditions to work. I needed a combination of a deep freeze, a full moon, a cloudless sky, and a thick covering of snow. Entire winters often go by without this ever happening in this particular location, and it wasn’t until quite recently that my chance came. On a bitterly cold January night, everything came together as I had hoped. I spent an hour photographing one of the most perfect winter landscapes I had ever seen, all by the light of the moon. It was worth the wait.

WALK IT

Sgurr an Fhidhleir is easily combined with an ascent of Ben Mor Coigach. Make sure you save it for a day of fine weather, as the views are easily some of the best in the Highlands.