Glens Coe, Etive & Kinglas
Richards Mountain Pages
I'm not going to go on solely about how wonderful Glen Coe is, as to my eyes it has been spoilt by the busy main road that heads
straight through it. Glencoe does has wonderful mountains such as the majestic Buachailles and
the complex Bidean Nam Bian (which can be
reached by the links below)...
...and the fearsome Aonach Eagach (seen from the North below), a ridge whose very mention can leave
a tremble in the legs of the more nervous Munro bagger. Beyond these lie some quieter peaks such as the Ballachulish Horseshoe
seen below from the East, which is separated from the rest of Glencoe by a cluster of grassy peaks. Then there is
always the Corbett behind the Aonach Eagach (from where the picture above came from)
However these attractions are well known. what is less familiar are the interesting peaks that lie behind - the peaks of Glen Etive and from
Loch Tulla to Glen Kinglass. I've yet to visit them all, so this page will grow as I explore.
My recommendation is, to follow the West Highland Way North from Bridge of Orchy. Shortly after leaving the
glen behind, a much prettier view opens up, with Loch Tulla at its foot, set amongst green pastures. Behind lay the range dominated
by Stob Ghabhar, with its own Aonach Eagach - easier, quieter and shorter than its famous namesake. You can see it for yourself (top picture).
The mountains in the background are the Beinn Dorain group - whip your mouse over them to find out which is which.
(see also the section for Crianlarich).
Settlements
Apart from Glencoe Village (which doesn't look that special) there are a few other settlements in the area:
- Ballachulish - The village suffers from the main road, just as Glan Coe does, but just past the bridge where the traffic heads over
on its way to Fort William, a hotel looks out across the loch in a peaceful setting.
- Kingshouse - a remote hotel at the top of the Glen. I haven't been there myself, but it is rumoured to be quite expensive.
- Around Loch Tulla - The hotel is in a nice setting beside the loch, but I have found it to be quite expensive for the service it
provides.
Transport
The nearest a train gets is Bridge Of Orchy, from where a few miles walk gets you to Loch Tulla, and a day long walk gets you to
Kingshouse. To get to any of Glen Coe without a long walk there is only the option of the Glasgow to Fort William bus.
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