Glen Croe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glen Croe |
|
|---|---|
Glen Croe, viewed from Rest and Be Thankful.
|
|
| Geography | |
| Location | Cowal, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. |
| Country | Scotland |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Glen |
Glen Croe (which is Gleann a' Chrò in Scottish Gaelic) is a beautiful glen in the heart of the Arrochar Alps. It's located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. A glen is a long, deep valley, often with a river running through it.
This area is famous for its huge, rugged mountains and large boulders. Glen Croe is also part of the amazing Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This park helps protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.
Contents
Exploring Glen Croe's Landscape
Glen Croe is found north-west of two famous Scottish lochs: Loch Lomond and Loch Long. The water from Glen Croe flows into Loch Long. At the top of the glen, there's a pass that leads to Glen Kinglas.
The main road, called the A83 road, goes right through the glen. Along this road, you'll find a popular viewpoint known as Rest & Be Thankful. It's a great spot to stop and admire the views.
Glen Croe is also completely inside the Argyll Forest Park in Cowal. This park is known for its beautiful forests and outdoor activities.
Mountains of Glen Croe
The glen is surrounded by several impressive mountains. These tall peaks make the landscape look very dramatic and wild.
Some of the mountains on either side of Glen Croe include:
A Look Back in Time: Glen Croe's History
The old road you can see in some pictures of Glen Croe has a long history. It was part of a special network of military roads built in the 1740s. These roads helped soldiers travel across Scotland.
This particular section of road, from Dumbarton to Inveraray, was built under the guidance of Major William Caulfeild.
The "Rest & Be Thankful" Stone
Around 1749, after this part of the road was finished, a stone was put up. On it, the words Rest & Be Thankful were carved. This stone marked a spot where travelers could pause and appreciate the hard work that went into building the road.
Racing in the Glen
For many years, from 1949 to 1970, Glen Croe was a place for exciting motor racing events. These included "hill climbs," where cars raced up the steep roads, and "rally stages."
A Song for the Glen
A Scottish poet named Gilleasbaig Mac an t-Saoir wrote a sad song about Glen Croe. It's called 'Oran Ghlinne Chro'. The song tells the story of how a gamekeeper moved sheep out of the glen in 1914. This was done to make more space for deer and for hunting sports. The song shares the sadness felt about this change.
