Scotland’s Glorious Glens: 13 Scottish glens you must visit including Glen Etive
Where there are mountains there are glens, and in Scotland there are many mountainous regions which are even award-winning. The word “Glen” (like many place names) originates from Scottish Gaelic and refers to a steep-sided valley. Many are U-shaped and were formed by huge glaciers carving their shape in the last ice age.
As Sir David Attenborough said, “Scotland is a wonderfully fascinating place for wildlife and nature. It has, in my opinion, some of the most marvellous landscapes and wildlife spectacles you will find anywhere.”
Now that summer 2023 is approaching, here are our top thirteen Scottish glens which boast exquisite wildlife and enchanting scenery.
1. Glen Torridon
Glen Torridon is considered one of Scotland’s most ‘rugged and isolated’ areas, stretching out from the village of Kinlochewe to Torridon in the Wester Ross council area. The evocative landscape of Glen Torridon is not to be missed. Photo: Robert J Heath
2. Glencoe
Glencoe Village is the main settlement in Glen Coe in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands. As written by the National Trust for Scotland: “It's known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past – it is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth.” Photo: via WikiCommons
3. Glen Sligachan
On the world-famous Isle of Skye, you can find Glen Sligachan where the Black Cuillin meets the western seaboard. It offers a splendid wilderness trail that takes hikers into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. Photo: aderussell on Flickr
4. Glen Etive
Glen Etive can be found in the Scottish Highlands between the beautiful Loch Etive and the A82. Many tourists have flocked to the area in search of the filming locations from movies like James Bond’s Skyfall and Braveheart. Photo: via WikiCommons