Best Things to Do in Glencoe, Scotland: The Complete Visitor Guide

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Glencoe is one of the most dramatic places in Scotland. The valley cuts through the Highlands like a wound, with sheer ridges rising on both sides and a dark history that gives every visit an extra weight. If you are wondering what to do in Glencoe, Scotland, the answer is simple: slow down and take it all in. Few places in the country reward patience the way this one does.

Glencoe sits about 17 miles south of Fort William, along the A82. Most visitors pass through on the way to or from the Isle of Skye, but the valley deserves far more than a drive-through glance. Set aside a full day at minimum — longer if you want to hike.

Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre

The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre sits just off the A82 at the eastern end of the valley. It is the best first stop for any visit to Glencoe.

What You Will Find There

The exhibition covers the geology of the valley, the wildlife of the surrounding hills, and the history of the 1692 massacre. It is well done and not overly long. Allow about 45 minutes inside before heading out into the valley.

The centre also has trail maps for the main walking routes, a café, and toilets — worth knowing before you head into the hills.

Hike to the Lost Valley

The Lost Valley, known in Gaelic as Coire Gabhail, is the most rewarding short hike in Glencoe. It is a hidden plateau, invisible from the road, tucked between two of the Three Sisters ridges.

What Is the Lost Valley?

The MacDonald clan supposedly used this concealed corrie to hide cattle stolen from neighbouring clans. The name “Gabhail” means “fork” in Gaelic — a reference to the split in the valley rather than anything sinister. Stand inside it and you understand how a herd of cattle could vanish completely from the view of anyone on the main glen floor below.

The Hike Itself

The trailhead is at the Coire Gabhail car park on the A82, about two miles east of Glencoe village. The path descends to the River Coe, crosses it on stepping stones, and climbs steeply through boulder fields. The total round trip is about 4 miles and takes two to three hours.

It is a moderate hike. The boulder scramble near the top is the only tricky section. Boots and waterproofs are essential — the path is wet year-round. The view when the valley opens up at the top is worth every step.

Drive the Pass of Glencoe

The A82 road through the Pass of Glencoe is one of the great scenic drives in Scotland. The road climbs from the flat expanse of Rannoch Moor and drops into the glen between walls of rock and cascading streams.

Pull into the layby at the Meeting of Three Waters, about halfway through the pass. Three rivers converge here in a series of waterfalls visible from the road. It is a brief stop — ten minutes — but one of the best photo opportunities in the valley.

The road continues west past the Three Sisters and down to Glencoe village on the shores of Loch Leven. Drive it slowly and stop often. Our guide to driving in Scotland has everything you need to know about navigating single-track roads in the Highlands.

See the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters are the three ridges that dominate the south wall of Glen Coe. Their names in Gaelic are Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh. The best view is from the layby at the roadside just before you enter the narrowest section of the pass.

Photography Tips

The Three Sisters photograph best in moody conditions — cloud and mist rolling through the ridges, or the low light of a late evening. Clear blue sky is actually less dramatic here than in most places. If you arrive in overcast weather, do not be disappointed. Wait for the light to shift and you will be rewarded.

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Learn About the Glencoe Massacre

No visit to Glencoe is complete without understanding what happened here on the night of 13 February 1692. The Glencoe Massacre is one of the darkest events in Scottish history — and the valley has never quite let it go.

What Happened

A company of Campbell soldiers, acting on government orders, accepted the hospitality of the MacDonald clan for twelve days. On the thirteenth night, they turned on their hosts. Thirty-eight MacDonalds were killed in the pre-dawn attack. More died of exposure on the hills trying to escape. The event became infamous not for its scale — many worse massacres occurred in Scottish history — but for the violation of Highland hospitality. Guests killing their hosts was a profound breach of the moral code of the time.

Signal Rock and the MacDonald Memorial

A short walk from Glencoe village leads to Signal Rock, from which the signal to begin the attack was reportedly given. The walk through the woodland takes about 20 minutes each way and passes through beautiful mature trees beside the River Coe. There is also a memorial to the MacDonalds in the village cemetery. It is a quiet, thoughtful spot.

Hike Up Buachaille Etive Mòr

Buachaille Etive Mòr — “the Great Herdsman of Etive” — is the mountain that guards the eastern entrance to Glen Coe. It is one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland, a near-perfect pyramid of rock rising above the flat expanse of Rannoch Moor.

Is It Worth Climbing?

The summit of Stob Dearg, the highest point at 1,022 metres, is a serious undertaking. The standard route via Coire na Tulaich involves a steep scramble and requires a head for heights. Allow five to six hours for the round trip and check the weather before you go.

If you prefer a lower-level experience, the walk up the glen on the south side of the mountain gives outstanding views without the summit commitment. It is worth the effort for the scenery alone, even if you turn back before the scrambling section begins.

Visit Glencoe Village and Loch Leven

Glencoe village sits at the western end of the glen, on the south shore of Loch Leven. It is small — a handful of streets, a hotel, a couple of pubs, and the local village hall. But it is the practical base for exploring the area, and the loch views are lovely.

Walk the Glencoe Lochan trail behind the village for views of the surrounding hills and access to the artificial loch created by Lord Strathcona in the late 19th century for his homesick Canadian wife. The trees around the lochan are mostly North American species, an oddity that becomes charming once you know the story.

Day Trips from Glencoe

Fort William and Ben Nevis

Fort William is 17 miles north of Glencoe along the A82. It is the largest town in the Western Highlands and the base for climbing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The Ben Nevis Visitor Centre on the edge of town has trail information. Allow seven to nine hours for the round trip to the summit — it is a full day, not a casual walk.

Loch Ness and Inverness

Inverness is about 90 miles north of Glencoe along the Great Glen. The route runs through Fort William and along the shores of Loch Ness. Many visitors do the full circuit — Glasgow to Glencoe, Glencoe to Fort William, then north along Loch Ness to Inverness — over two or three days. Our guide to Inverness has everything for that leg of the trip.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

If you are driving from Glasgow, you will pass through Loch Lomond National Park on the way to Glencoe. It is worth stopping — see our Loch Lomond guide for the best stops along the route.

Practical Tips for Visiting Glencoe

Getting There

Glencoe sits on the A82, the main road between Glasgow and Fort William. From Glasgow, the drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (around 97 miles). From Edinburgh, allow 2 hours 15 minutes (about 130 miles via Stirling and the A82). There is no train station in Glencoe — the nearest is at Bridge of Orchy, about 12 miles to the south. For most visitors, a car is essential.

Best Time to Visit

Glencoe is magnificent in all seasons. Summer brings long days and accessible hiking. Autumn turns the hillsides gold and russet. Winter is the most dramatic — snow on the ridges, low mist in the valley, and very few other visitors. Spring can be unpredictable but the waterfalls are at their fullest after the winter rain and snowmelt.

Where to Stay

Glencoe village has a small number of hotels and B&Bs. Fort William (17 miles north) has more options and makes a good base for exploring both areas. For a broader view of accommodation costs across Scotland, see our Scotland travel budget guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Glencoe from Edinburgh?

Glencoe is about 130 miles from Edinburgh by road, a drive of roughly 2 hours 15 minutes via the M9, A9, and A82. Many visitors combine Glencoe with a stop at Loch Lomond, which adds about 30 minutes to the route but opens up one of Scotland’s most scenic national parks. From Glasgow, the drive is shorter — about 97 miles and 1 hour 45 minutes along the A82.

How long should I spend in Glencoe?

One full day is the minimum to see the valley properly — drive the pass, visit the visitor centre, and complete at least one short walk. Two days lets you add the Lost Valley hike, Signal Rock, the village walk, and a leisurely explore of the surrounding area. If you plan to climb Buachaille Etive Mòr or tackle a longer ridge walk, set aside a dedicated day just for that.

Is Glencoe suitable for non-hikers?

Yes. Driving the Pass of Glencoe and stopping at the viewpoints is rewarding on its own. The Glencoe Visitor Centre requires no walking. Signal Rock and the Glencoe Lochan walks are short and mostly flat. You do not need to hike the Lost Valley to appreciate the drama of the valley — though it is worth doing if you can manage three to four hours of moderate walking.

What is the best hike in Glencoe for beginners?

The Signal Rock walk (about 3 miles, mostly flat through woodland) is the easiest option. The Glencoe Lochan loop (about 2 miles) is even shorter and accessible for most people. For a first proper hill walk, the approach to the Lost Valley as far as the river crossing gives excellent views without committing to the full boulder scramble above.

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