First Light on An Teallach

An Teallach, 1,058 metres (3,473 ft), is one of Scotland’s most striking and popular mountains and lies to the south and west of Dundonnell, overlooking Little Loch Broom on the northern edge of an area known by many as “The Great Wilderness”. An Teallach means ‘The Forge’ a name which is entirely appropriate when the rocks of its eastern flanks are perfectly illuminated at sunrise. An Teallach's height and location - on Scotland's north-western seaboard - mean that it is always prone to cloud cover even when nearby higher landward summits are clear. What is more, because the mountain is particularly exposed to west and north-westerly winds, it is more likely to attract cloud when the air is of a direction and clarity which especially suits photography. On this autumn morning I once again ascended the moor to my chosen viewpoint in the pre-dawn; as the sun started to rise, not only did the cliffs of An Teallach turn a fiery red, but a colourful spectacle unfolded above as the clouds put on a show to equal that of their earthly rival.