Scotland’s remotest regions recorded on Google map

EVER fancied hiking up Ben Nevis - well now you can from the comfort of your own home.
By EMMA O’NEILL
Published 19th Oct 2015, 18:00 BST

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Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trekSimon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek
Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek

The National Trust for Scotland’s wildlife filming editor Simon Goodall has braved blizzards, rain and wind to capture the remote views of the Trust’s countryside properties.

Using the Google Street View Trekker, Mr Goodall was able to capture 360 degree stunning views which are now viewable on the website.

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Street View cameras are more often associated with urban roads and streets, mounted onto cars to record but Simon used a Street View trekker, supplied by Google, to capture his unique footage.

Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trekSimon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek
Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek

Carrying an 18kg camera, mounted on a rucksack style harness, Mr Goodall was able to remain relatively agile, giving him the ability to tackle wild paths, with the company of rangers from the Trust for added safety.

The result is an captivating perspective of some of Scotland’s best known wild destinations, allowing online viewers to trace paths along mountain ridges or scan the landscape from island cliffs or high waterfalls.

Mr Goodall said: “We had the loan of the camera for two months and deciding which properties to feature was difficult given the extent of the Trust’s countryside properties, but we have captured mountains, waterfalls, islands and sealife.

“Like a normal camera, a spot of rain on the lens can completely ruin a shot, so using a camera like the Google Trekker with several lenses at 360 degrees in a notoriously wet country like Scotland – all while struggling to the top of a Munro - was a challenge.

Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trekSimon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek
Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek

“We were caught in a blizzard near the summit of Beinn a Bhuird at Mar Lodge, and I relied on the Trust property guide’s mountain knowledge to continue, despite the fierce wind. But the results are breath-taking.”

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Laurian Clemence of Google UK, said: “The Google Trekker is a backpack camera with 360 degree views, that captures imagery of some of the world’s most remote places so that anyone with an Internet connection can enjoy and experience nature’s best. We are delighted to have worked with the National Trust of Scotland to bring Street View to their pristine areas of beauty.”

The National Trust for Scotland properties captured using Street map technology are:

Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire

Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trekSimon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek
Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek

Grey Mare’s Tail, Dumfries & Galloway

Glenfinnan Monument, Inverness-shire

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Glencoe - Coire Gabhail & Buachaille Etive Beag, Highlands

Mar Lodge - Beinn A’ Bhuird, Salmon Ladder & Lairig Ghru, Aberdeenshire

Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trekSimon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek
Simon Goodall captured breathtaking 360 degree views on his trek

Isle of Mull – Burg, Argyll

Staffa - Island Walk & Boat Trip, Hebrides

Iona, Hebrides

Inverewe Estate and Garden, Wester Ross

Falls of Glomach, Ross-shire

Kintail and West Affric Estate - Loch a’ Bhealaich & The Five Sisters of Kintail, Highlands

Linn of Tummel, Perthshire

Related topics:ScotlandGoogleNational Trust for Scotland