Best of the Scottish Highlands: Loch Etive

Travelling to Loch Etive (via Glen Etive)

We headed for the Highlands in Scotland, searching for a peaceful escape that offered both solitude and plenty of stunning views to soak up. Loch Etive itself is huge, so we focused on a specific valley called Glen Etive located in Gualachulain (a bit of a mouthful!). Glen Etive features a river running through the glen, with rapids, waterfalls, and pools.

The journey towards Loch Etive takes time, but it’s absolutely stunning and well worth it! If it’s your first time visiting the Highlands, its beauty is hard to put into words until you’re actually there – and if you’ve been before, you know you’ll be treated to views of dramatic mountains, crystal-clear waters, wild animals, and everything in between. It’s hard to keep your eyes on the road when your jaw is on the floor, so drive carefully!

The winding roads alongside streams and rivers through Glen Etive offer plenty of laybys to stop and soak up these views. We took advantage of this opportunity and parked at this spot. As mist eerily rolled over the highlands, we saw two herds of wild deer on the other side of the stream. We also found a few great water spots, including one near Skyfall Waterfall – we even braved a dip (in our wetsuits, of course).

We then continued down the single-track road towards Loch Etive, reaching a small car park called Glen Etive Estate Parking. This is a very remote and peaceful area with an amazing view that we wanted to take full advantage of. The car park holds around 10–12 vehicles and tends to get slightly busier in the afternoon, so it’s best to arrive as early as you can.

Exploring Loch Etive

From the Car Park at Glen Etive, you’re now literally parked on Loch Etive. It’s vast and serene with few visitors, making it a real hidden gem. It’s perfect for a long walk, to revel in the peace, bask in the sun, eat a picnic, and then finish off with a campfire!

We also discovered a little off-road walk just on the other side of the car park. If you want to explore this, you can walk up to higher ground here for a beautiful view of Loch Etive.

While exploring the highlands and Loch Etive, we’d recommend packing these essentials:

• Walking/hiking boots: Glen Etive & Loch Etive have uneven terrain, tall grass and rocky, sandy ground.
• Bug repellent spray: Another thing to be aware of are Scotland’s infamous “midges”. No, these are not your typical gnats… They come in swarms and are attracted to breath, and are relentless! A popular brand is “Smidge”). Midge season is between May-September and they are most active during dawn and dusk. If you’re camping in the Highlands, you could also take a head net to protect your face for extra protection, or just ensure you’re in your tent at night! Either way, the views will make up for this!
• Food: I know it’s obvious, but the Highlands is pretty vast and you can’t just nip into a shop when you’re suddenly starving hungry! It’s best to be prepared and take food with you. We usually take a lifetime supply of Soba noodles, instant porridge, teabags, snacks, water, a portable gas stove and a kettle.

The Three Sisters & Hidden Valley

From Glen Etive, we drove to the Three Sisters of Glencoe – a famous mountain range in Glencoe. This was a 40 minute drive from Glen Etive Car Park, and once we got to the next car park, we were already in awe with the views.

With temperatures around 18 degrees, plenty of sunshine, and a light breeze, it was the perfect weather for a hike. We decided to explore Hidden Valley (also known as Lost Valley), which is nestled between the Three Sisters. It’s a beautiful, moderate hike that takes between 2-3 hours (complete trip), and is intensely dramatic when you get to the valley. As we made our way through the densely wooded area, we were captivated by wild birds, streams, waterfalls, and plunge pools.

Nearby

Small shop selling essentials like groceries, sunscreen, bug spray, magazines, snacks and souvenirs, etc. There’s also a cafe inside and public toilets – a handy shop before heading deeper into the mountains.

• Ballachulish: for places to stay, cafes, and shops like Crafts & Things and Ballachulish Visitor Centre
• Glencoe Mountain Resort: Ski centre with lodges, camping plots, showers, a cafe and a bar with a cosy wood burner and stunning views of Buchaille Etive Mor and Rannoch Moor.
• The Meeting of Three Waters: Three rivers that have naturally formed to join at near right angles

We didn’t have time to hike all the areas around Loch Etive, but we definitely plan to return and explore more. Here are some other amazing spots that you can visit!