Glen Etive facts for kids
Glen Etive is a beautiful valley in the Highlands of Scotland. A glen is a type of valley, often long and deep. The River Etive starts high up in the mountains near Rannoch Moor. Many smaller streams join together to form the river. This happens near the Kings House Hotel, which is at the start of Glen Coe.
From the Kings House, the River Etive flows for about 18 kilometers (about 11 miles). It finally reaches a sea loch called Loch Etive. A sea loch is like a fjord, where the sea comes inland. Both the river and its smaller streams are very popular. People who love whitewater kayaking enjoy them. When the water levels are high, it's a challenging and famous place for kayakers.
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The River Etive
The River Etive is known as one of Scotland's most exciting rivers for whitewater kayaking. It has many challenging rapids. These rapids are often called "Grade 4(5)," meaning they are difficult. They include different kinds of waterfalls and drops into calm pools. This makes it a thrilling place for experienced kayakers.
Amazing Mountains
At the northern end of Glen Etive, you can see two famous mountains. They are known as the "Herdsmen of Etive." Their names are Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag. These mountains stand tall and guard the glen.
Other mountains you can reach from Glen Etive include Ben Starav. This mountain is close to where Loch Etive begins. There is also Beinn Fhionnlaidh on the northern side of the valley. The stunning views of Glen Etive are so special that it's part of the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area. This is one of 40 such special areas in Scotland.
Wildlife of the Glen
Glen Etive is home to a group of Scottish red deer. These deer are wild animals, but they have become used to seeing people around. Sometimes, you can spot them posing for photos! They are a wonderful part of the glen's natural beauty.
Glen Etive in Movies
Glen Etive's amazing scenery has made it a popular spot for movies. It has been used as a backdrop in many films. Some famous movies filmed here include Braveheart and Skyfall. Because of these movies, more visitors have come to the glen. It's important for everyone to help keep the glen clean. This means taking all trash with you and not leaving anything behind.
Ancient Stories
Glen Etive also has a place in old stories and myths. In the Ulster Cycle, which is a collection of old Irish mythology tales, a couple named Deirdre and Naoise came to Glen Etive. They settled here after they had to leave their home in Ulster.
There is also a mythical creature linked to Glen Etive. It is called the Fachan. The Fachan is sometimes known as the Dwarf of Glen Etive.
Getting Around
A narrow road runs through Glen Etive. It starts from the Kings House Hotel and goes down the valley. This road connects to a few houses and farms along the way. The road ends where the loch begins. From there, you can find rough tracks that continue along both sides of the loch.
Images for kids
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A Red Deer stag posing in Glen Etive
