Stunning photography locations in Glencoe
Glencoe is undoubtedly Scotland’s most famous Glen and without a doubt one of the most stunningly scenic locations in the North West Highlands of Scotland. It’s an incredibly inspiring location for landscape photographers too, as in just a short few miles there are almost endless opportunities for captivating photographs, including one of the world’s most recognisable mountain peaks, the breathtakingly beautiful Glen Etive Mor. Having spent several days immersed in this majestic landscape myself, I thought it would be a great idea to put together a small article to highlight some of my absolute favourite places to photograph in this truly gorgeous and enchanting Scottish landscape.
The classic view of Buachaille Etive Mor at sunrise
Buachaille Etive Mor is Glencoe's iconic mountain peak, a favourite with hikers and landscape photographers alike. The classic sunrise photo location is from the River Coupall as it passes beneath the Glen Etive road. There's parking for a few vehicles but do get there early if you're photographing sunrise as the spots fill quickly. The viewpoint itself is pretty obvious to be honest, probably one of the reasons why this view of Buachaille Etive Mor is so often photographed. My own photography trip coincided with autumn so the treeline was in beautiful colour and my luck was definitely in with the sunrise as Buachaille literally glowed with the warmth of the rising sun
Buachaille Etive Mor from the Lagangarbh Hut (The Wee White House)
As well as the iconic view from the Glen Etive road, the view of Buachaille Etive Mor from the famous Lagangarbh Hut, often called the Wee White House, is an equally popular photography location and arguably equally as stunning. The hut is on the north side of the mountain with several places to park nearby and just a short walk along the track to reach the best photo spot. I visited Glencoe In autumn and arriving for sunrise I was blessed with the most amazing side lighting from the sunrise on the mountain peak, an early start is definitely recommended here, not just for the light but also for the chance of a parking spot and to beat the stream of coach tour visitors wandering around.
Glencoe & the Three Sisters - The S Bends
The Three Sisters of Glencoe are a spectacular range of mountains that dominate the lower glen from every angle. You can photograph them from pretty much everywhere but it's worth the effort to get off the beaten track a little and visit one of the best photo locations such as "S bends". From here the River Coe tumbles through the valley in a series of small waterfalls which have lots of potential for strong photo compositions. Moody light can often be the best time to photograph them, as can also be the height of autumn when the tree lined river glows with colour.
The River Coe waterfall
Glencoe is reknowned for its dramatic weather so no visit to the area is complete without photographing some of the many waterfalls that flow through the valley. The River Coe waterfall is one of the most popular and the photo works best with a moody sky backdrop.
Glencoe Lochan - the best autumnal photo location
Glencoe Lochan is hidden away on the edge of Glencoe village itself and whilst strictly a managed landscape its nonetheless photogenic, especially when the autumn colours are full. Because of its sheltered location, even when windy elsewhere around Glencoe, you can quite often photograph a reflection here which works expecially well as the Pap of Glencoe sits perfectly positioned to include in your composition
