In 1753 there had been a recent Jacobite rebellion; General Wade had the task of subjugating Scotland. One of the many things they built were roads to improve connectivity, This would allow troops to move faster and react to these crises in the future. One of the results was Drover’s Road (the old A83) and the Rest and Be Thankful.

The Rest and Be Thankful is the highest point on the old road. It divides the areas of Glen Coe and Glen Kinglas. The soldiers, who had worked for months, were happy to get to the top of the valley. Here they placed a commemorative stone, which has since fallen to ruin.

The Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint offers amazing views down the valley and Glen Kinglas. The weather here is very variable. Often on one side of the Rest and Be Thankful, the clouds are thick and low and on the other, the sun shines brightly.

If you look up rather than down the valley, you see Beinn an Lochain. This is one of the two mountains that create the pass here. The other is Beinn Ime, which can also be seen from the viewpoint. Like the photo above though, it is very likely they will be covered by clouds.

It is also recommendable to have a light jacket when you stop here on your way into the highlands. Because the weather is somewhat unpredictable, it is better to be safe than sorry. You might come across it on a very sunny day for Glen Kinglas but not Glen Coe or vice versa. Also it is likely that it will be misting either in one or the other, meaning you might get it at the viewpoint as well.

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