I still remember my first view of Glen Coe. Along the A82 you come to a point called Rannoch Moor and on your first trip you have no idea what will greet you the other side of the Moor....

You drive along merrily enjoying the beautiful moorland and hills and then reach a certain bend in the road and suddenly there opens up to you a new world that is the opening to Glen Coe, welcoming you into its haunting valley.

The first view sent chills down my spine and every consequent trip has had the same effect, in fact that first glimpse seems more exicting when you know what to expect. With munro after munro on either side of you, the winding road that follows the Glen floor is a pleasure to drive along. You just have to stop now and then along the road to get out and breathe it all in. It has an eerie silence that somehow still speaks to you. The famous massacre of Glencoe, the death of the Clan MacDonald in 1692 still has a presence.

Everywhere you stop you will see a beautiful roadside waterfall, or a glimpse of another munro that was previously hidden, there aren't many roads that give you so much. By the time you have got to the end of the Glen you will be turning around and driving back the other way just to do it all again.

Not far from the Rannoch Moor end is another Glen, A small track heading south that takes you through Glen Etive. If it's possible this Glen seems even more deserted, with remains of small cottages, you cannot help but wonder what it was like to live there. It's less craggy than its Glen Coe neighbour but still so impressive, each ridge has its own beauty and the greenery of these Scottish glens is certainly unique. The wildlife have a haven here and when we visited last time we saw 4 magnificent red deer, including an impressively horned stag just a few feet away.

If you fancy a hike, we walked up Sgorr na Ciche, or the Pap of Glen Coe, that sits overlooking the village of Glen Coe. It gives excellent views of Loch Leven, out towards Loch Linhe and of course back down the Glen and has paths marked for the walk.

I've been through Glen Coe many times now and the thrill never lessens. There is something unigue about this wilderness but don't take my word for it go and experience it all for yourself, I can guarentee you will be planning your second trip shortly after.....