GLEN COE & GLEN ETIVE

Glen Coe: the object of all reveries and the showcase of Scotland to the world, the Glen Coe Valley has not finished marvelling. Of volcanic origin, its biscornuous mountains make it a magnificent region, often considered, rightly, as the most beautiful glen of the country. It stretches for 16 km and is entirely covered by the A82. To the east, it is preceded by the immense Moor Rannoch and its endless moorland expanses. To the west, it flows into Loch Leven, in the small village of Glencoe. It is a sanctuary adored by nature, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Much of the area is owned by the National Trust and it is recommended that you drop by the visitor centre or visit their website (www.nts.org.uk) for route ideas, or even guided walks organised by local rangers. The West Highland Way passes through here and climbs the famous Devil's Staircase, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for hikers for its great beauty, but also its challenge. Further west, the Three Sisters are among the most photographed peaks in the country: Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh. Stop at the parking lots for breathtaking views. However, it hasn't always been time to party in the glen, far from it. The year 1692 is forever remembered as the darkest day in its history. At the end of the Glorious Revolution, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, who were devout Jacobites, were slow to swear the new oath to King William, but they did so anyway. Some time later, while they were billeted with men of the Campbell clan under Scottish hospitality, they received royal orders to execute their hosts. On the morning of February 13 and after several days at their table, they slaughtered 38 of the MacDonalds and left 40 women and children to freeze to death after burning down their homes. This dark event became a major fact of Scottish history and clan culture.

Glen Etive: South of Glen Coe, the huge Glen Etive is less well known than its neighbour, but this tends to change since its appearance in the final scenes of James Bond: Skyfall. It can be reached before the eastern entrance to Glen Coe from the A82. Almost 20 km long, it offers the best of Lochaber: magnificent mountains, waterfalls, forests, beautiful wildlife, a few hiking trails, before ending on the banks of the romantic Loch Etive, which flows to the outskirts of Oban.