This is a fantastic opportunity to photograph mountain hares in their white winter coats at the best location within Scotland under Kevin's tutelage he will guide you to the best spots where you'll be able to capture a wide range of amazing images.

The hares are distributed over a wide range in an upland environment and you can expect to see a number of hares over the course of the day, although this does vary from day to day depending on the weather conditions. There are also times when it is advantageous to remain with an individual hare for long periods, waiting for some specific behavior to unfold or to capture the perfect shot.

The approach to the site is on foot and it is possible to locate hares on the lower ground after a 20-minute. Depending on conditions and fitness levels the aim will be to move uphill looking for hares before reaching the higher plateau where hares are most numerous. This involves a walk of around 1 mile and an elevation gain of around 250-300m. The ground is moderately steep in places, uneven, and can be slippery in snowy or icy conditions. Snow cover is very variable during the winter and they may be none at all or there could be more than 0.5m.

Walking in snow in this kind of terrain is tiring and requires a good level of fitness and stamina, especially considering that you will be carrying heavy photographic equipment, although the pace will be slow and breaks can be taken!

Mountain hares are mostly white in winter and are perfectly camouflaged in the snowy terrain making them difficult to spot but they have favored areas where they rest up during the day. Once a hare has been spotted a slow and careful approach will be made to hopefully get within photographic range. Although some hares flee at the first sign of humans many others rely on their camouflage and stay partially hidden allowing for a much closer approach.

The approach can take some time and it’s important that the hare remains relaxed and comfortable. Hares will often sit in the same position for hours if undisturbed and so it may be a waiting game hoping the hare will become more active, and start to groom or stretch. If pushed, then most hares will eventually flee running off away from the camera so we want to avoid this by being patient and waiting for things to happen naturally.

Kevin will be on hand to offer advice on how to best approach the hares, as well as help with camera settings, exposure etc.

We will be spending the whole day outdoors. Meaning we are exposed to everything a cold Scottish day can throw at us. The weather can be difficult to predict at this time of year and can change so quickly.

• Warm and weatherproof clothing

• Strong waterproof walking boots

• Waterproof overtrousers

Layering is the best way to keep warm: I would highly recommend

• Thermal baselayer top/bottoms

• Thin Jumper

• Fleece

• Warm waterproof coat

• Gaiters

• Thermal Flask (Not essential but nice)

• Warm hat

• Thick socks

• Comfortable hiking trousers

• Gloves (a few pairs waterproof outer)

• Snood/neck warmer

Just be sensible and prepare for a cold day in Scotland Note that you may well be sitting, kneeling or even lying on wet cold ground for long periods of time so you should wear adequate clothing and be prepared for this.