10 of the best things to see and do in Glencoe
The Scottish Highlands may have a vast wealth of majestic landscapes, but not many are as dramatic and impressive as Glencoe.
Home to one of the most scenic drives in the UK, this mountainous glen offers a paradise for hillwalkers and photographers alike.
Most people will make the iconic drive through Glencoe along the A82, but few will take the time to venture far from their cars to explore the wonderfully dramatic landscape and the plethora of adventures that Glencoe can provide.
In this blog I list 10 memorable things to do whilst you are visiting Glencoe.
I also provide some key information on the area including the best time to visit to visit Glencoe.
At a glance
Drive the iconic A82
See a stag at Kingshouse Hotel
Photograph the Buachaille Etive Mòr
Hike up Beinn a' Chrùlaiste
Climb a Munro
Wild swim in the meeting of the Three Waters
Call by the Three Sisters Viewpoint
Visit the Lost Valley of Glencoe
Stop by the Clagaig
Walk the Glen Lochan trails
Drive the ‘Skyfall’ road to Glen Etive
Where is Glencoe?
Located within the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Fort William, the village of Glencoe is very small and only features a few cafes, a modest museum, campgrounds, lodging options, a petrol station, and a solitary shop.
However, the general Glencoe area, refers to the valley (alongside the copious number of peaks it contains) which stretches for 13 magical miles between Loch Leven and the Glencoe Ski Resort.
Consequently, when discussing a visit to Glencoe, it's the surrounding landscapes and hiking opportunities that serve as the focal point of the experience, rather than the village itself.
It is also the perfect base for exploring the Lochaber area, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
When to is the best time of year to visit Glencoe?
Anytime of the year!
Having visited Glencoe across all four seasons, I can honestly it looks beautiful no matter the season.
If I was to pick a favourite time of year to visit, it would be early spring.
The days are usually lighter and slightly warmer, there are no midges, and there is usually some snow still left up on the peaks.
I would also recommend visiting Glencoe in Winter. Seeing the Glen covered in snow elevates this already magical place to another level.
How long to spend in Glencoe?
It really depends on how much time you have in Scotland and how many other places you are planning on seeing
Many people will just make a passing trip through the Glen by driving along the incredible A82, stopping off at a few viewpoints on the way.
Although it may only take less than an hour (with stops) to drive through this spectacular terrain, If the weather is good, I would recommend dedicating at least a full day to really experience the true magic of Glencoe.
Hiking is the main attraction of this jaw dropping mountainous landscape. Both sides of the A82 are lined by the towering peaks which contain dozens of Munros making it a hillwalkers paradise
As there are so many peaks to climb, you could easily spend a week here and combine it with a short trip up the A82 to Fort William to explores some of the other more popular parts of the Scottish Highlands.
10 best things to do in Glencoe
Drive the Iconic A82
If you are passing through Glencoe, then this is inevitable as it’s the only road which passes through the Glen.
The surrounding landscapes are nothing but spectacular and it wouldn’t be hyperbole to say it is one of the most beautiful drives in the UK.
After passing through the endless marshes of Rannoch Moor the road is funnelled into valley which is an enveloped on both sides jagged lofty peaks.
If the weather is clear, you will want to pull over at any opportunity.
Be careful here during the busier times of year. The traffic can get become overwhelming and major accidents are not uncommon.
Always drive responsibly, keeping your eyes on the road, and make sure you stop in safe and appropriate location.
If you can I would recommend trying to time your visit here for sunrise to not only have the quietest roads, but also to see Glencoe in the best light.
See the stags at the Kingshouse Hotel
If you are wondering how people who visit Glencoe always manage to capture a photo of stag, then this place is your answer.
The hotel, which is located on the side of the A82, has a handful of stags which roam the grounds of the hotel.
They have clearly become very accustomed to humans (alongside the food they provide) and you can often find them standing around the edges of the car park.
If you’re lucky you might catch the stags and have a picture-perfect background which contains the iconic Buachaille Etive Mòr.
The Kingshouse also had serious revamp in 2019 and is great place to call into for food, a drink,or just to escape the rain.
Time needed: 15-30 minutes
Photograph Buachaille Etive Mòr
No trip through Glencoe would be complete without stopping to take a photo of this iconic mountain.
The pyramidal peak dominates the skyline and is impossible to miss as you drive down into the Glen alongside the A82.
There are a few different spots to stop at to capture this spectacular mountain.
From the Kings house hotel
The small car park on the top of the road to Glen Etive
The waterfalls located half a kilometre down the road on Glen Etive
In front of the of the Iconic white house
From half way up Beinn a Chrulaiste
Keep your fingers crossed for favourable weather and for the best photos aim to be in Glencoe for sunrise or sunset.
Hike up Beinn a' Chrùlaiste
Following on from the above, if you are going to complete one hike in Glencoe, I would recommend it is Beinn a' Chrùlaiste.
The 857m mountain is a rather unassuming peak which isn’t the prettiest to look at.
Its location opposite Buachaille Etive Mòr also means it often gets overlooked by those passing through Glencoe.
However, it is the view of this same mountain alongside the panoramic 360-degree views from its summit means the Corbett has perhaps some of the best views in all of the highlands.
For those not wanting to reach the summit, there is a classic viewpoint around 1km up the mountainside which gives you a incredible view of Buachaille Etive Mòr.
This viewpoint can be reached in between 30-60 minutes. The initial path up is very steep, grassy and not well marked, however if you head straight, you can’t really go far wrong.
Hike details
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Type: Out and back
Distance: 6.5km
Ascent: 580m
Duration: 2-5 hours
Climb a Munro
Glencoe offers a paradise for hillwalkers, with its array of classic Munros, iconic ridge scrambles, secluded valleys, and serene Lochside paths.
Most people will make the iconic drive along the A82, but few will take the time to explore dizzying array of striking, eye-catching mountains which loom high above either side of the road.
Although There are whole host of hikes available in the valley for people of all ages and abilities. It is the lofty Munros which tower above the A82 which not only provides the biggest challenges, but also come with the best views.
If you are looking for a relatively straightforward, but albeit challenging, hike to bag two munros, I recommend Buachaille Etive Beag.
Alternatively, If you are looking for a real challenges and arguably some of the finest views in Scotland, I would recommend Beinn a' Bheithir via Schoolhouse Ridge.
Check out my blog post below to get the key information on both of those routes alongside some of my other favourites.
Wild swim in the meeting of the Three Waters
The meeting of Three Waters, also known as Glencoe falls, is a beautiful waterfall which sits at the base of the Three Sisters of Glencoe.
While gorgeous at any time, the most spectacular views occur after heavy rainfall, when the water thunders and tumbles down the hills beyond before forming the River Coe.
Movie buffs should know that they were also the location for The Bridge of Death and The Gorge of Eternal Peril in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It was in this area that a precariously placed narrow strip of rope acted as the bridge.
Alongside their spectacular scenery, the crystal-clear pools above the waterfalls have become a hotspot for wild dippers.
There is parking at either side of the A82 for visitors to hop out of the car and take a look, just be careful crossing the road to the vantage point if parking on the opposite side. From the roadside it is a short 150m walk up to the pools.
Location
Time needed: 5-30 minutes
Stop off at the Three Sisters Viewpoint
The iconic trifective of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh, collectively known as the ‘Three Sisters’, are another key stopping point for Visitors passing through the Glencoe Valley.
The best vantage spot is from the large car park on the side of A82.
It is free to stop at and has recently been re-surfaced. Take care when stopping, park responsibly, and keep an eye out when entering and exiting your vehicle. This car park can become carnage at times, especially when you have 52-seater coaches full of tourists coming and going.
The car park is also a starting point for a several hiking trails, including the Lost Valley of Glen Coe, Bidean nam Bian, and the iconic Aonach Eagach.
Time needed: 5 minutes
Visit the lost Valley of Glencoe
If you fancy a moderately challenging, non-technical hike which doesn’t take you up a mountain, then the Lost Valley is hike for you.
The out and back trail ascends through a rocky gorge alongside a stream with waterfalls cascading on the left-hand side. The narrow, rugged, and steep path will eventually level off to unveil a breath-taking "Lost" or "Hidden" valley.
This serene, U-shaped valley stands in stark contrast to the towering rocky walls and massive boulders that encircle it. It is also the secluded place where the MacDonald clan hid their stolen cattle,
While not technically challenging, the terrain underfoot is rocky and you have to make two small river crossings, so care should be taken and reasonable level of fitness is required.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.km / 2.5 miles
Duration: 2-4 hours
Ascent: 396m
Call by the Clachaig Inn
If there were an accolade for the most picturesque spot to enjoy a pint in Scotland, the Clachaig Inn would undoubtedly secure the top spot year after year.
frequented by thirsty and weary hikers for nearly 300 years, the Clachaigs history is intertwined with the mountains which envelop it. The Inn is decorated with all sorts of mountaineering equipment and memorabilia and boasts of "Real People, Real Hospitality, Real Craic,"
strategically located away from the bustling A82, The inn offers a sensational view of thew mountains alongside a sense of seclusion amidst the Highland landscape.
As well as offering lunch and dinner, the inn is also renowned for being one of the most lively drinking establishments in all of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll often find travellers and locals partying here long into the early hours.
From the Clachaig Inn you can also hike up to the location of Hagrid’s hut from the Harry potter Films, alongside taking a walk around An Torr and Signal Rock.
Walk around Glen Lochan
This picturesque lake, enveloped by trees and overseen by the towering 742m Pap of Glencoe, offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.
It's an ideal spot for the lesser abled walkers or those who just fancy for a leisurely picnic or a refreshing swim,
The circular walk around the lake, marked by the red trail, spans 1.5 miles along a well-maintained path and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. The hike is mostly flat and straightforward, except for a brief 5-minute uphill section from the car park to the lake's edge.
Accessible via a rough road from Glencoe Village, the free car park accommodates all types of vehicles.
Walk details
Type: Loop
Distance: 1-2.5km
Duration: 30-90 minutes
Wheelchair Friendly
Car park & Start Point - £1 an hour
Drive the ‘Skyfall’ road to Glen Etive
Personally I think this drive is seriously overrated.
The road has risen in popularity after it featured in the James Bond Movie, Skyfall.
Towards the end of the movie, James Bond escorts M to safety at his childhood Scottish residence, driving down the Glen Etive Road.
This one-way road weaves for 12 miles alongside the River Etive from the A82 down to Loch Etive.
Although the drive is extremely picturesque, with idyllic pools and waterfalls being overlooked by lofty peaks, it is incredibly narrow and at times is very rugged.
The road, which usually takes 30-40 minutes to drive one way, can become overwhelmed during peak season.
Passing places become extremely congested resulting in what feels like one long traffic jam.
Loch Etive also has extremely limited parking resulting in further gridlock, difficulty turning, and long waiting times. Which when combined with swarms of midges which will be present in the summer months, it will detract from what should be a beautiful experience.
As the A82 is such a beautiful road in itself (I’d argue its more beautiful than the one down to Glen Etive) and there are so many better things to see and do in Glencoe, I would avoid driving down this road and save yourself two hours of potential frustration and disappointment.
Instead, I would recommend stopping at the newly installed Stob Dearg car park at the top of Glen Etive road and then making the short 500m walk down to the first viewpoint.
Here you’ll find several waterfalls in front of the iconic Buachaille Etive Mór.
Alternatively, you can ignore my grumpy self and make the drive
Glen Etive viewed from Buachaille Etive Beag
Other things to do near Glencoe
Fort William is only 16 miles (or a 30-minute drive) north of Glencoe. Here you can climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, hike the incredible Mamores range, or visit Steall Falls.
Continuing onwards you have the Corpach Shipwreck, Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Harry Potter Bridge), which is on the road to the Isles, alongside the Isle of Skye.
Check out my other Scotland guides below for more inspiration.
Guide to the Isle of Skye
Guide to the Scottish Highlands
So there we have it, the 10 best things to do and see in Glencoe
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