An Lochan Uaine, Ryvoan Pass, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

It had been a while coming: getting an acceptable photo of An Lochan Uaine; the one here may explain how it got called the green lochan, even if turquoise might make a more correct name for the colour that is on show. The Mayday Bank Holiday in 2023 brought the sunshine to make it happen as I sauntered passed on my way from Nethy Bridge to Aviemore. Previous occasions had been beset by cloudy skies, so it was good to get past all of those, and there had been a few.

The experience shows that you can be made to wait for a photographic opportunity, especially if you are just passing through all the while. There is something to be said for deliberately planned photographic vigils; focussed patience may yield more than a longer term game of chance.