Hills & Mountains
Glen Coe & Glen Etive
*I am in the process of redesigning this section to include notes and many more high-res shots*
Glencoe is known throughout the world for its outstanding scenery as well as its dark historical past. It`s magnificent rocky peaks and ridges make this glen one of the most popular recreational destinations in the UK for mountaineers and walkers. It`s not just the Munros here that warrant attention although Bidean nam Bian, Buachaille Etive Mor and, for the slightly more adventurous, the Aonach Eagach Ridge, are very high on most hillwalkers` to do` lists`.
Glen Coe and adjacent Glen Etive ideally illustrate how lower hills in the vicinity of larger neighbours can be equally dramatic. Take Beinn a` Chrulaiste, a Corbett that lies behind the Kingshouse Hotel for instance. From the south it has the appearance of an uninteresting lump, however, its summit is one of the best places from which to appreciate the rugged grandeur of Buachaille Etive More, especially when climbers are making their way up the face.
Glencoe has an unfair reputation for being a permanently gloomy and foreboding place, although it does seem to receive more than its fair share of wild weather. The parallel-lines of jagged peaks that hem-in the road often hold onto cloud and billowing mist long after it has cleared from the surrounding countryside. Buachaille Etive Mor (above), the Great Herdsman of Etive, never fails to grab the attention of northbound travellers when it springs into view as they approach the west end of the glen. The rocky peak at the mountain`s north end, so often photographed for calendars, is Stob Dearg - `Red pointed peak` in Gaelic, the Buachaille`s highest point.
I`ve spent a fair bit of time in Glencoe over the years, climbing its peaks and taking numerous photographs. The glen is a photographer`s paradise, always capable of producing awe-inspiring scenes and I never tire of repeated visits. Although most of the images from my earlier excursions here have been lost, I still have plenty to choose from so this Glen Coe and Glen Etive had been divided into three parts - Links above.
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Glencoe village info*
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Glen Coe Massacre info*
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Lagangarbh Cottage on the edge of Rannoch Moor.