Glen Etive
People who visit Glen Coe for the first time will invariably miss a small turning opposite the Kingshouse Hotel, and even if they knew it was there would probably give it a miss anyway, because this narrow single track road comes to a dead end after 14 miles, which means that you have to turn around and come all the way back – so why bother?
The answer is simple – the breathtaking scenery makes it, in my humble opinion, one of the best short scenic drives in Scotland.
As with all scenic drives, it’s best done outside of the peak holiday season. Fans of James Bond come here to see where some of ‘Skyfall’ was filmed, and it’s also popular with kayakers – and of course, climbers and hillwalkers.
Fortunately, when I drove down here one winter’s day, apart from one notable exception, we never saw a soul.
Several streams provide the River Etive with its source on Rannoch Moor, but for most people their acquaintance with it starts at Buachaille Etive Mor, the pyramid shaped mountain at the top of the glen.
The road follows the river down through the valley, at first underneath Buachaille Etive Mor, and then Stob Dubh before widening out as it flows into the head of Loch Etive.
In inclement weather the glen must be quite dramatic, but this morning was crispy, cold and clear – in other words perfect – and to add to the occasion there was a herd of deer on the side of the road who seemed extremely tame. We didn’t disturb them, but instead carried on down to the loch where we were left undisturbed as well. Occasions like this are quite sublime, and all too rare in this frenetic world we live in today.
One good thing about going back the way you came is that you see everything from a different perspective, and the drive back is even more impressive than the drive down. The twin mountain ridges of Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag come into full view – and those deer were still hanging around to enhance the photo opportunities – but there was a fly in the ointment.
Earlier I said that we didn’t meet a soul apart from one notable exception, and this was where we came across a car full of people that gave us both consternation and laughter in equal measure.
Bear in mind that we hadn’t seen a soul for hours, I stopped the car well short of the deer and stealthily walked towards them hoping to get some decent pictures with the mountains behind – and then this bloody car turned up.
To be fair to them they didn’t park too close and one of the occupants was an elderly gentleman who slipped quietly out of the car and started creeping towards the deer with his camera. Suddenly peace was shattered – “Move the fucking car, you’re on my fucking foot” he bellowed. Christ! How am I going to get some decent shots now?
To be honest I was more concerned about the old boy because sure enough the back wheel of the car was firmly planted on his foot, and his son, who was the driver, didn’t seem to be grasping the situation.
As you can imagine, there was quite a commotion going on, but the best of it all was, that instead of scarpering, the deer just looked on in amazement and never batted an eyelid: Quite why we were walking on eggshells to photograph them I’ll never know. I wouldn’t be surprised if the deer wished they’d had a camera themselves.
Anyway, it seemed like the poor chap was ok because he took a few quick snaps and jumped back in the car – and the glen returned to peace and quiet, although I could still hear a few choice words being uttered as the car pulled away.
Luckily, we were going in the opposite direction and the incident was just a brief interlude in what was otherwise a perfect outing, and I really can’t recommend this wonderfully scenic drive highly enough – careful drivers permitting of course.
Those are truly beautiful photos – especially love the 2 trees on the lake shore.
I once parked on my Dad’s foot – he very calmly asked me to move the car. I asked why and he said; “because you’re parked on my foot!”
The view of the Buachailles on the way back up the glen is superb – I’m afraid I call it ‘the bums of the Buachailles’ though – I’m a bit irreverent!
Carol.
Thanks for your lovely comments Carol. I must remember to keep my feet well away from car wheels in future 🙂
I shall endeavour to catch up with some of your fantastic feats of endurance ASAP
we are off to this very spot in late January, the old schoolhouse at the bottom of loch Etive, been visiting our northerly friends since 2004, kids have grown up with the highlands, both are now keen wildlife photographers, oh and our two spaniels love it to. Mark.
Sounds like bliss. Hope the weather plays ball
Wow, stunning photos here Malcolm – especially the ones with the deer (I’m so glad the commotion didn’t frighten them off!) and the silhouetted trees by the loch
Thanks Sarah. I’m chuffed that you like the pictures, but it’s the location that is really stunning
First off – I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Malc, that’s very sad and I hope you’re bearing up well.
What a stunning place this is, and like Alli said – we alas missed it when we went to Glen Coe. Shan’t make that mistake twice though. I do hope that chaps foot has recovered, but in someways I feel more sorry for the son – I bet he copped a bit of agro afterwards!
Thanks for your condolences Stuart. We had so many good times as well as also some sadder ones, but it’s the good ones I’ll always remember.
I’m not sure how well you know Scotland, but some of the quieter glens are unbelievably beautiful, atmospheric and thought provoking – careless drivers excepted of course.
That’s probably the best thing to do Malc!
Not very well, I’ve only been once when Maddie was about 3, but we’d like to go back.
This looks like a slice of heaven, Malc. Your pictures are outstanding, and I can quite imagine how it would be a welcome break from the mad world we live in – it’d certainly do me! We have been to Glencoe, but I don’t remember taking this road. Looks like we missed a trick, so next time we’ll be sure to explore Glen Etive too. I hope the poor old chap recovered from his foot ordeal. Indeed, that must have been a bizarre interruption to your peace. Still, at least that was the only human encounter you had, so it can’t be bad. 🙂
Thanks Alli. I do love Scotland’s remote places. I never tire of them 🙂
I think anyone would be hard pushed to tire of scenery like that. 🙂
Hoping to see some more next week 🙂
I’m only very slightly jealous. 😉 I hope you have a very special time up there, and take lots more wonderful pictures to share with us.
I’ll do my best Alli 🙂 but first I have to get past today – my best mate’s funeral
Oh goodness, I’m so sorry to hear that, Malc. My thoughts will be with you. I hope it goes as well as these things can. What a dreadful loss. <3
Thanks for that Alli. It’s been a hard day today, but now that it’s over I feel honoured that we were close friends for so long. He’ll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him that’s for sure, especially as it came as quite a shock.
It’s time to raise a glass on his behalf, but it’s not going to be the same knowing that we’ll never be able to have a drink together again.
Indeed it will be a sore loss, and I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through a heartbreaking time today saying goodbye. I’ve been thinking of you all day, and sending you best wishes. Although he can’t join you in person now I’m sure he’d appreciate you raising a glass to him and his life this evening. It’s a fitting thing to do for a fine friend.
I can see now why I enjoy tour blogs so much. You have a lovely way with words Alli.Thank you so much x
Thank you, Malc. And you’re very welcome. My words come from the heart. x
Great blog and fab photos! ❤️
Thanks Nade. Glad you enjoyed it – and pleased to see you on here 🙂
Another great spot and blog Malcolm! Great photos! You really captured that special light of winter days so well.
Thanks Simone. High praise indeed coming from such a talented photographer as yourself 🙂
Nice blog, Malcolm! Your photos are fabulous too. It’s funny — when I first saw the title of this entry the song, “Oh cruel was the snow that sweeps Glencoe…” came immediately to mind but this lovely place can’t be the same site. Wow, my husband and I both love the film, “Skyfall,” but the scenery looked so much more foreboding in the film than the lovely place captured in your photos!!
Thanks Sylvia. Glen Etive has a stark beauty at the top of the glen where Rannoch Moor meets Glen Coe, but as it reaches the loch it opens out somewhat and has a different feel to it. I enjoyed that film too.