You are hereScotland, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
Scotland, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
The Glen Of Weeping
by Melanie
Scotland
Western Scottish Highlands
28 miles of the A82, beginning opposite Ben Dorian north of Tyndrum and ending at Ballachuilish. (Detours not included)
Why Go?
Some may tell you this alternative name for Glencoe is derived from the Massacre of February 13, 1692. For the landscape photographer it is a place that will have you weeping either with joy or frustration. Whatever your experience you will fail to return home without some of the landmarks and the light etched in your heart and mind forever. The Scenery is magnificent with mountains, moorland, waterfalls, whirlpools, inland and tidal lochs and the odd red deer or two. You will see images everyway you turn. Many images you can capture within a few steps of the road, though you will be rewarded if you explore a little further.
Personal Highlights:
Arriving before dawn to find the water of Lochan na h-Achlaise mirror calm with low cloud turning pink before my eyes.
Taking a stop at a picnic spot for coffee from the thermos and finding this place:
Personal Lowlights
Death by drowning of my 5D just after a hail storm passed. PTR recommends you always have camera insurance .
When to Go
I have travelled this road many times in the past 5 years, but have always avoided June, July and August. From June to September you will be at the mercy of the midges when the light starts to look good, and there will be plenty of tourists quick to wander into and slow to leave your frame.
Autumn and winter are the times to be recommended. At these times of year there is always the chance of snow and the colours in the foliage and the ground are more pleasing to the eye than the endless green of the summer months.
Weekdays will always be quieter than weekends.
How to Get There
It is a location you can visit independently or if you want the company of like-minded folk you can organise to go with a dedicated photographic tour Light and Land and Photograph Scotland being just two of the many that travel to this area.
For the independent traveller in the UK your best bet is to drive.
For those outside the UK the closest airports are at Inverness and Glasgow, car hire being available at both.
After you pass Ben Dorian, 4 miles on the road out of Tyndrum the opportunities are endless. Many you will spot from the car, just find a safe spot to park.
Where to Stay
A Google search will find you many a spot. Those I’d recommend are:
Scorrybreac Guest House, Glencoe. A delightful B&B in beautiful surroundings, with understanding owners who gave us a packed lunch instead of breakfast so we could head out and not miss the early morning light.
Clachaig Inn. Good, clean self catering and B&B accommodation. Wholesome food. Traditional in style and frequented by climbers.
Kings House Hotel never heard a bad word said and if Light and Land uses it, it can’t be bad
Ballachulish Hotel if you want old, traditional and expensive then this is the place to stay.
Advice for travellers (based on personal experience)
Get out early and stay out late.
Dress for all weathers.
Wellies make great footwear, being well suited to bogs and standing in water.
Invest in spikey things for footwear: Grivel Mont Spider Crampons great for walking over icy surfaces and slippery rocks (not to be used for winter mountain conditions).
Get some OS maps and study them in detail.
Be prepared for rain and invest in a thermos.
Be careful at all times and keep your camera anchored to you or it may follow the fate of mine.
Other Attractions
-
The Jacobite Express, steam train ride from Fort William to Mallaig
-
Harry Potter locations
If you are travelling with family there are beaches, streams and waterfalls in abundance. Plenty to keep them entertained.
When The Light is good
Stay out and keep looking you will find something at every turn.
When the Light is Bad
Stay out and hunt out potential spots.
The Glencoe Visitor Centre a great place for shelter with coffee, soup and bacon butties.
Clachaig Inn for a pint before a roasting fire and the atmosphere.
Head to the coast and catch the waves.
Head to the Glen Etive with its roaring river and falls, catch the canoeists dicing with death and hunt out the herd of young stags.
Will I Go Again?
Yes, without a doubt.
It’s magnificent to be there in all conditions. Even when it rains it looks like the hills are bleeding and you feel the atmosphere of all that went before.
It is also on the road to Skye, the subject of my next location.
PTR recommendations for UK insurance:
Travel insurance and camera insurance.
