Etive

Etive is a Scottish toponym most commonly associated with a region in Argyll and Bute, including Loch Etive and Glen Etive. The name appears in several geographic features and is embedded in local landscape names such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag, two prominent mountains at the head of Glen Etive. The term reflects Gaelic linguistic roots and is used to identify the valley and the surrounding highlands that form a dramatic west coast landscape.

Geographically, Loch Etive is a long, narrow sea loch that reaches inland from the Firth of Lorn. Its eastern end is connected to the Glen Etive valley, through which the River Etive flows from higher ground down to the loch. Glen Etive itself is a glen that runs through rugged terrain and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, climbing, and wildlife watching. The surrounding mountains and steep valley sides contribute to the area’s notable scenery, attracting visitors and climbers seeking routes on peaks such as Buachaille Etive Mor.

Access to the region is primarily via the west coast road network, with nearby towns and villages providing services for visitors. The area is known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage rooted in Gaelic place names. Etive remains a defining element of western Scotland’s geographic and toponymic landscape.