Located in one of the dramatic region of Glencoe, Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland. The main reason: One side is shaped like a pyramid and displays beautiful colors year-round. Below are some of my best photos of Buachaille Etive Mor as well as a short video.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Buachaille Etive Mor
Admiring the 1022 meter high Munro of Buachaille Etive Mòr is one of the top things to do in Glencoe. Even if you don't plan for it, when you drive through the area your eyes will not be able to look elsewhere. It is like a magnet of beauty. I consider it one of the Must-Sees in Scotland.
Its name mean the Great Herdsman of Etive as it stands at the entrance to one of the best roads in Scotland: Glen Etive and its river.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Buachaille Etive Mor
- Located in the heart of the Glencoe protected area
- 15 minute drive East on A82 from the town of Glencoe
- 2h drive from Glasgow, 2h30 from Edinburgh
Visiting Buachaille Etive Mor
- The mountain is visible from road A82 which goes through Glencoe
- See each paragraph below for the GPS coordinate of all the places from where I photographed it
- Toilets at the Glencoe Ski Resort and at the Kings House Hotel
- Buachaille Etive Mor can be hiked. It takes 6 to 9 hours and is very steep. Check here for more details about the hike
The GPS coordinates of all locations in this article as well as their identification on practical maps are available on both Travel Guide eBooks: The Road Trip Guide Scotland and The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye
Buachaille Etive Mor in video
Let's start with a short video to give you a feeling of the place and the mountain
Buachaille Etive Mor from the road
As you drive westbound on A82 through Glen Coe, the one mountain that stands out is Etive Mor. Its sight is mesmerizing. But don't forget to still focus on your driving!!! I was lucky that was not the case and could watch its details becoming sharper as we approached.
From the distance
As you turn on A82, there is a moment when you hold your breath as Etive Mor appears in the distance:
Road to Glencoe Ski Resort
As you turn to drive to road up to the Glencoe Ski resort, stop at the intersection near the road signs. Below is a river with orange rocks that make a perfect foreground.
Not only is Buachaille Etive Mor stunning, the surrounding scenery complements it very well.
Photos of Buachaille Etive Mor from the drive to Glen Etive
The most famous stop on A82 to photograph Etive Mor is the beginning of the road to Glen Etive. There you are quite close to the mountain. However you will be surrounded by other people photographing it and people might end up on your shots...
If you have time, I strongly recommend doing the Glen Etive drive. It is one of the best drive in Scotland. But you need at least 3 hours to enjoy it and relax a little at Loch Etive.
Red deers at Kings House Hotel
After all that, you might want to get a coffee or lunch. Nearby is the Kings House Hotel. Even if you don't want anything, they have a group of red deers just at the front of the hotel which are being fed regularly. Quite an enjoyable sight with the mountains behind
From the West side
The best side of the mountain is the one facing east as it looks like a pyramid. Once you drive past it, you can stop at the parking for Buachaille Etive Beag (another pyramid shaped mountain but not as pretty). And from there you can see the Side facing West of Buachaille Etive Mor.
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Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
Photogenic, isn't it?
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