The Road To Applecross

[Brian Moore]

You can get to Applecross by boat or by road. Used to be the only road was over the mountain, and in winter it's not usually passable; at least not safely. In recent years an alternate road was built, but that takes you the long way around the peninsula. Here are a few shots from the road over the mountain,...once a footpath to herd cattle over.

These shots I took with my Superheadz "Blue Ribbon" toy camera and Kodak Gold 800 film. I traveressed this road numerous times over the past few weeks and so I have a few other shots that I took with my Canon 7D and some I took with my F1. I haven't processed the latter yet and the former are on a CD somewhere. I'll post one or two if they turn out good.

The road to Applecross starts here

Part way up. Shot from the car. It's single-track all the way, so you have to have your wits about you at all times. That's Loch Carron on the left.

A view from near the peak, looking back toward Loch Carron.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

You take the high road and I'll take.... Good choice though Brian, stunning scenery!

Looked suitable cloudy for the firs two shots, but a rather nice day for the third.

That road is something else!

Love the way you have it snaking across the stunning scenery in #3 - it's a wonderful composition with the loch at the end of the valley

Any issues with foggy film yet?

 

[Brian Moore]

You take the high road and I'll take.... Good choice though Brian, stunning scenery!

Looked suitable cloudy for the firs two shots, but a rather nice day for the third.

That road is something else!

Love the way you have it snaking across the stunning scenery in #3 - it's a wonderful composition with the loch at the end of the valley

Any issues with foggy film yet?

LOL. Nicely put, Chris!

The first two shots were taken on the same day. I soon had to stop shooting though because I entered the mist and clouds and became more concerned for my well-being than for photos. (Silly of me, I know.)

No fogging problems so far that I know of. I've had all my 800 speed color film processed now and what I have found is that the Superheadz overexposes 800 asa in sunny conditions. (It also won't tolerate movement either, as you can see from pic 2 above.)

I haven't yet gotten around to processing my B&W film. I have about a dozen rolls to dump into Rodinal. I don't expect any issues with these generally, but one roll I have I pushed to 800 so we'll see about that one. (Although I don't know why that would make a difference since I'm basically just underexposing. Nevertheless, I've read that you need to be careful with pushed film and X-ray machines.)

I also have a roll of Fuji Natura 1600 that I didn't shoot, as well as a roll of Ilford 3200 that I didn't shoot. Glad I didn't now. I will shoot them eventually, though, and we'll see what they look like.

By the way, I have written a letter of complaint to the security authorities for UK airports regarding how I was treated at Glasgow airport. It says quite clearly on the security website that the security officers have the option to hand-inspect film if they want to. That was not what the dunce supervisor at Glasgow told me. I don't really expect a response, but we'll see what happens.

Thanks for your comments, Chris.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Looks familiar...must have been thereabouts years ago. The sky looks only too familiar!

 

[Davie Hudson]

Brilliant Brian, Me and Allan drove the road a couple of months back..... it is a bit special isn't it, I hope to go back soon

 

[Brian Moore]

Brilliant Brian, Me and Allan drove the road a couple of months back..... it is a bit special isn't it, I hope to go back soon

Thanks, Davie. Yes,...its a special road right enough. I believe its the highest pass in Scotland. (Maybe Britain,...not sure about that, though.)

 

[Allan Batchelor]

Ye and the weather you had look like it was pretty much the same as we had.......cloud and dramatic

 

[Brian Moore]

Ye and the weather you had look like it was pretty much the same as we had.......cloud and dramatic

Yes, Allan. As I mentioned earlier I went over the pass numerous times. The worst was the time I took pics 1 and 2 above. Your couldn't see very far in front of you for a few miles approaching the peak and then descending. However, when the weather is good the scenery is spectacular as you know.

Thanks for the comments, Allan.

 

[Beth Carter]

now that looks like a fun drive.. love the 'not advised for learner drivers' sign, i might have to suggest that one at work!

 

[Brian Moore]

now that looks like a fun drive.. love the 'not advised for learner drivers' sign, i might have to suggest that one at work!

Thanks for the comments Beth. It is fun to drive. In good weather. But even then you have to be alert. Lots of blind curves. Lots of give and take required of the motorists on the road. The "Passing Places" are frequent and well sign posted, though, and invariably other motorists are exceptionally courteous.

Thanks again Beth!

 

[Pete Askew]

And I'm glad to see you made good use of the passing places to take photos safely!

Nice set and write up. Number two is my favourite due to its overal softness and touch of movement I think. Very evocative.

 

[Brian Moore]

And I'm glad to see you made good use of the passing places to take photos safely!

Nice set and write up. Number two is my favourite due to its overal softness and touch of movement I think. Very evocative.

The passing places were necessary also for passing on many occasions. Its an amazing drive. I'm glad you like number 2. I like its softness also. Thanks for the comments, Pete.