9 Beautiful Walks in Glencoe For All Abilities
If there’s one place I get asked to take guests on a Scotland’s Stories driving tour more than any other, it’s Glencoe. Easily one of Scotland’s most beautiful locations, it’s simple enough to reach that it’s rarely quiet! Fortunately, most visitors rarely leave the roadside so just head off on any of the beautiful walks in Glencoe to leave them all behind.
This is a landscape full of soaring mountains, so you might not think there’s anything you can manage. Thankfully, you can find plenty of small walks in Glencoe with big views, alongside the huge day-long treks. There really is something for all abilities to make this beautiful part of Scotland accessible for everybody.
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How To Get to Glencoe?
By far the easiest way to get to Glencoe is by car, the main road north from either Edinburgh or Glasgow towards Fort William runs right through it. There are also free car parks or lay-bys available at the start of all these walks in Glencoe. Be warned though, this is an incredibly popular area and during the busy tourist months, some of those car parks get full quickly!
Don’t worry if you want to reach Glencoe by public transport though, there is an option! The Citylink bus between Glasgow and Uig on Skye heads through Glencoe and stops at the Visitor Centre. It makes an interesting place to stop off if you’re heading to the ferry to Harris! Unfortunately, if you prefer the train then the closest you’ll be able to reach is Fort William to the north.
Walk The Glencoe Lochan Trails
Your easiest option for a walk in Glencoe is without a doubt the Glencoe Lochan Trails. To reach the car park, just head straight through Glencoe village and into the woods. There are three routes to choose from, the first is called the Lochan Trail and it’s a really simple, flat wander. Skirt the lochan and admire the different views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the water.
Alternatively, you can take the woodland route through the conifers and feel like you’re in North America. These were planted by Lord Strathcona in the 1890s to try and help his Canadian wife’s homesickness. It was a truly romantic gesture but one that ultimately failed, with the family moving back across the ocean.
Lastly, the most strenuous of the three Glencoe Lochan walks is the mountain trail to the top of Stac a’Chlamhain. Even this climb shouldn’t take any longer than an hour and you’ll find lots of locals walking their dogs on all three routes. It’s a great spot to stretch the legs away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Three Sisters!
Explore Signal Rock & An Torr
If you want an easy walk in Glencoe with a heavy slice of history, then head for An Torr & Signal Rock. The car park is right off the main A82 road and you’ll begin by heading across the river and climbing into the woodland. There are a lot of ups and downs on the 1.5 mile route but the paths are well made so this is still a Glencoe walk for all abilities.
Tradition states that Signal Rock was a gathering spot for the MacDonalds of Glencoe when preparing for war. That’s more than possible and there are locations like this for different clans all across Scotland. Signal Rock is also said to be where the government troops were given the order to commit the massacre of Glencoe, however, that’s nothing more than a legend.
The rock itself can be climbed via steps around the back and it would have once had an incredible view around the glen. Today, there are huge trees blocking your gaze (more of those planted by Strathcona) which are protected from felling. You can head back the way you came or carry on to reach the small hill known as An Torr.
Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Technically, this walk is in Kinlochleven but it’s so close that I feel like it deserves to be included with the Glencoe walks! Just head past the entrance to Glencoe village and then skirt the high road around Loch Leven to reach the village. Kinlochleven is actually a great place to base yourself with beautiful views, good food and a lot less people than nearby areas!
A very short walk will take you from Kinlochleven to the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall. Don’t get this confused with the much larger waterfall by the same name near Moffat! This one doesn’t have quite as dramatic an approach, but it does have the option to climb to the very top with Scotland’s only Via Ferrata! Please don’t attempt this by yourself…
If you want to continue this Glencoe walk then you can head higher, around the top of the waterfall. It’s not far but it is quite steep so might not be for everybody although the views down Loch Leven are spectacular! Eventually, you’ll come down a private track for Mamore Lodge and to the main road where you can trudge back to Kinlochleven.
Discover The Lost Valley
Possibly the most famous walk in Glencoe is the hike into the Lost Valley. This is where the MacDonalds would hide any cattle they had liberated in case the previous owners came looking! It’s also said to be where survivors of the Glencoe Massacre fled to during that bleak February morning in 1692.
Start from any of the laybys with views of the mighty Three Sisters and you’ll soon realise why it’s called the Lost Valley. From the road, there’s no indication that there’s anything hiding beneath the peaks. This isn’t a very long hike, just a few hours return, but it’s very rocky and uneven so might not be the best walk in Glencoe for all abilities.
Once you scramble over the boulders and occasional fallen trees, you’ll arrive at the breathtaking Lost Valley. It’s wide, flat and littered with fallen rocks but reasonably dry under foot. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Glencoe then this isn’t a bad place to go wild camping! Just beware that the midges can be absolutely brutal here…
Summit The Pap of Glencoe
While the Three Sisters might dominate the road, it’s the Pap of Glencoe that’s a real icon of the area. It’s conical shape is the origin of the name which means breast in Scots with names also found in Fife and Jura. Lots of people admire the view but very few people actually undertake the Pap of Glencoe hike!
It’s not one of Scotland’s highest hills and sits in the category known now as Fionas, sitting between 2000-2500 feet. It is however very steep and rough underfoot with a rocky summit that takes a bit of clambering. Once you’re up there though, the summit is so prominent that the views are unbelievable!
Scale Bidean nam Bian
If you want to bag some Munros during your walk in Glencoe, then go big with Bidean nam Bian! It’s the highest mountain in the area and so on a clear day you can see for miles (although all I saw were clouds.) This is one of the summits looming behind the Three Sisters and the name itself means the Peak of the Mountains!
Don’t underestimate Bidean nam Bian, it’s about as far from an easy walk as you can get. Only 11km long, it still takes around 9 hours to complete the full route which also takes in the neighbouring Stob Coire Sgreamhach. It starts from the usual Three Sisters car parks, heading up steeply between two of siblings.
Expect a little bit of scrambling, a lot of false summits and even a ridgewalk or two before you’re finished. Sounds daunting, but if you’re fit enough and the weather is kind, then this is easily one of the best places to go hiking in Glencoe. You’ll end by descending (often sliding) down into the Lost Valley, a view you’ve certainly earned!
Hike Buachaille Etive Mòr
One of the most photographed mountains in Scotland, the hike up Buachaille Etive Mòr is another tough prospect. This Glencoe hike looks almost impossible as the mountain appears a perfect pyramid from the most common viewpoints. There’s always a way though and this will be another 9 hours well spent.
You begin your trek at the famous wee white house, a popular spot which might make parking difficult. Before long, you’ll have left the photographers behind for the lower slopes of the mountain. There’s a well worn route to begin with but that doesn’t make the near vertical hike any easier! As you climb higher, the Buachaille gets rockier and so it’s easy to lose that path – make sure you know what you’re doing!
There’s actually two summits up here for you to conquer – Stob Dearg (Red Peak) and Stob na Bròige (Peak of the Shoe). The most impressive view up there is out over Rannoch Moor, a great flat expanse that stretches out like a boggy carpet. Once you’ve bagged both Munros, head down to cross a river and walk back to the start with a real feeling of achievement!
Conquer Aonach Eagach
This is one walk in Glencoe that I’m not ashamed to say I’ve not completed yet! Aonach Eagach, meaning the notched ridge, is famously the narrowest ridge walk in Britain. Taking 9 hours to traverse just 6 miles on a good day, that shows just how dangerously difficult it is. Only attempt this if you’re an experienced hiker, with a head for heights and the weather is perfect.
There are two Munros along the way and Meall Dearg was the last climbed by the first person to bag them all! The Reverend Robertson famously kissed the cairn first and then his wife second in 1901. It was an incredible achievement and there have been thousands more compleators since.
If you are brave enough to face the chimneys, pinnacles and ridges then be aware that there’s no real escape route. Starting the Aonach Eagach means that you have to finish it! Eventually, you’ll come down onto the path that heads up to the Pap of Glencoe where you can let out a big sigh of relief!
West Highland Way
If you’re looking for a real challenge then how about the West Highland Way? This isn’t really a walk in Glencoe but it’s a long distance hike that goes right through the glen. There are a few other interesting distance challenges around Scotland but the West Highland Way is easily the most famous.
The official route is 96 miles long for Milngavie to Fort William, usually walked in that direction. That makes the Glencoe section near the end and it’s one of the most spectacular parts. I’ve got plans to complete the entire route in March after the snow has hopefully disappeared but before the midges wake up.
The section of Glencoe walking leaves the trail before the Three Sisters and heads over the Devil’s Staircase. After hiking through the hills, you’ll reach Kinlochleven where many people rest before the final push to Fort William. Not everybody has 5-7 days to conquer the whole WHW so why not just finish this one section?
Where To Eat In Glencoe
Most of those walks in Glencoe are bound to have worked up an appetite so here are some great spots to eat in Glencoe!
NTS Visitor Centre – Not the fanciest place you’ll eat but the visitor centre has great soup, sandwiches and hot drinks to keep you going!
Crafts & Things – Browse the local crafts, gifts and books before heading through the back for a great cooked lunch!
Clachaig Inn – A staple among walkers and those hiking in Glencoe, the Clachaig Inn is always worth a visit!
Highland Getaway Inn – If you venture round to Kinlochleven, I can’t recommend this place enough for a great dinner. Packed full of locals so you know it’s good!
Red Shed Pizza – Looking for something indulgent after a big hike, try a fresh Red Shed Pizza!
Where To Stay In Glencoe
After 9 hours hiking a Munro or even just a day of exploring some of the shorter walks in Glencoe, you’ll need somewhere to lay your head!
Glencoe Youth Hostel – Always a great option if you’re on a budget, Hostelling Scotland run really clean, comfortable and friendly hostels for people of all ages!
Clachaig Inn – A popular spot amongst hikers with a lively bar and great views out over the mountains.
Ardno House – If you’d prefer a Bed & Breakfast then head along to Ardno House at Ballachulish!
Duart Cottage – For groups of up to 6, why not hire out Duart Cottage to yourself?
The Glencoe Inn – This is a comfortable, quality Crerar Hotel in a brilliant spot no matter where you’re walking.
Glencoe House – Finally, for a touch of luxury you can stay in the beautiful Glencoe House, built for Lord Strathcona himself!
If you’re planning a walk in Glencoe then how about adding it onto a Scotland’s Stories Tour?
Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!
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