Rannoch Dawn

The very first tints of pink light on Rannoch Moor and The Blackmount herald the arrival of dawn

Rannoch Moor is a great expanse of boggy moorland occupying an area of approximately fifty square miles extending from the western end of Loch Rannoch towards Glencoe and the eastern boundaries of Lochaber. Several tributary streams whose sources lie on the Rannoch Moor come together at the Kings House Hotel at the head of Glen Coe to form the infant River Etive. From here the river descends through Glen Etive, tumbling over a series of fine pools and rapids, to reach the sea at Loch Etive.

This image of the peaks of the Blackmount across Rannoch Moor almost took itself, but care was necessary when choosing the extent and content of the fore and middle ground. In its frozen condition the loch provided more interest and the patterns in the ice provided the perfect vehicle to add depth to the image and draw the viewer’s eye through it.