Glen Etive

Glen Etive

A Kayaker running one of the larger waterfalls on the River Etive

Glen Etive is the glen of the River Etive in Argyllshire. The river rises on the peaks surrounding Rannoch Moor, with several tributary streams coming together at the Kings House Hotel, at the head of Glencoe.

From the Kings House, the Etive flows for about 18 miles, reaching Loch Etive, a sea loch which opens into the open sea on the west coast.

The river and its tributaries are popular with whitewater kayakers and at high water levels it is a test piece of the area and a classic run.

Beside the glen

At the north end of Glen Etive stand the two mountains known as the "Herdsmen of Etive": Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag. Other peaks accessible from the Glen include Ben Starav, located near the head of Loch Etive, and Beinn Fhionnlaidh on the northern side of the glen.

A narrow road from the Kings House Hotel runs down the glen, serving several houses and farms. This road ends at the head of the loch, though rough tracks continue along both shores.

The River Etive is one of the most popular and challenging white water kayaking runs in the Highlands. It provides a multitude of solid Grade 4(5) rapids with a variety of falls and pool drops.

Mythology

In the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, Deirdre and her love Naoise founded Glen Etive after fleeing Ulster.

The Fachen or Peg Leg Jack, a creature of the myths of the Highlands, with only half a body and a mane of black feathers, is also known as the Dwarf of Glen Etive.