Connel stands astride Loch Etive where it narrows on its approach to the Firth of Lorne and the open sea. The name comes from the Gaelic for "rough water", the equivalent of today's name for the narrows: the Falls of Lora. A rocky shelf causes spectacular rapids here during parts of the tide cycle. These can be seen from either the village or the bridge.
If you are coming from Oban you have the choice of either going over the Connel bridge and on to Fort William or carry straight on for Crianlarach.