Battling it out with Fort William and Aviemore to lay claim to being the adventure capital of Scotland, Glencoe is a superb destination for those looking to get a good gulp of the Highlands and what it offers for outdoor adventurists.
The Glencoe Valley is a glen (a term for a long and narrow valley) nestled in the northern end of the Highland county of Argyll. A small village bears the same name and whilst that warrants a visit, tourists usually refer to Glencoe as the whole valley and surrounding area.
Here are 10 activities to inspire your trip to this magical area:
Hike the Hidden Valley
The Lost/Hidden Valley (Coire Gabhail) is a hidden valley where the MacDonald Clan of Glen Coe hid their stolen cattle. Moreover, this makes for a spectacular walk. Walkers can start this rewarding hike from Three Sisters which makes for a terrific landscape and photo opportunity. From there, the trail is approximately 6km out and back taking most people between 2-2.5 hours.
Glencoe Village and Visitor Centre
At the foot of Glencoe’s mountains and where the river Coe flows into Loch Leven, Glencoe village is a pretty little village with a handful of cafes and cosy pubs.
Just outside the village, tourists can be immersed in the rich history and geology of the surrounding area at Glencoe Visitor Centre. The museum holds numerous exhibits, with the most notable being about the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692 in which an estimated 30 members of the MacDonald clan were killed by Government forces for allegedly failing to pledge allegiance to the crown.
An Torr to Signal Point
Another remarkable hike in Glencoe is Signal Rock and An Torr. Less taxing than the Hidden Valley walk, but equally breathtaking, this ramble explores the wooded forests central to the Glen, and visits Signal Rock, where beacons were historically lit when the MacDonalds of Glencoe were in danger, such as during the beginnings of the aforementioned Glencoe massacre.
Glen Etive a.k.a Skyfall Road
Are you a James Bond fan? This part of the Highlands is home to several filming locations from the Skyfall movie. An iconic scene is where Bond (played by Daniel Craig) drives along the A82 road and down through Glen Etive, surrounded by the imposing peaks of Glencoe such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag.
This rugged, narrow road through Glen Etive is spoiled with nature’s finest scenery takes around 30 minutes to drive one way, but make sure to undertake the journey outside of peak times because it can get quite congested given its popularity!
Climb Buachaille Etive Mòr
If you’re looking for a strenuous, exhilarating hike where you scale one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains then look no further than Buachaille Etive Mòr. Whilst not the most technical of climbs, this mountain will take most hikers around 7-9 hours to undertake and will reward them with two Munro summits: Stob Dearg, and Stob na Bròige. Just one piece of advice: the weather can change quickly up there so make sure you come prepared!
Waterfalls
There are sensational waterfalls across Glencoe. For a great snap, be sure to check out The Meeting of The Three Waters along the A82 road between Glencoe and Altnafeadh near The Three Sisters Mountains where the falls thunder into a gleaming, turquoise pool!
Other waterfalls in the area worth exploring include the stunning Steall Falls, en route hiking from Glencoe to Fort William.
Skiing
The Glencoe Mountain Centre is Scotland’s oldest ski resort, having been operating since 1956.
During the winter, skiers and snowboarders have access to up to 20 runs and 8 lifts across a variety of levels, including the steepest ski run in all of the UK!
Like many top ski resorts, Glencoe shifts its focus during the summer to mountain biking, climbing, and hiking.
Loch Leven
In the heart of Glencoe is Loch Leven. Fun fact: Loch Leven is home to more breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe! It’s no surprise then that this is a popular jaunt for spotting wonderful wildlife and as well as the ducks, other residents of the loch include ospreys, kingfishers, otters, and occasionally, the white-tailed sea eagle.
The Clachaig Inn
Described as one of the most picturesque pubs in the country, Situated 2km from Glencoe village, The Clachaig Inn is an award-winning pub that hosts a popular real ale festival every year.
The Clachaig Inn offers hearty Highland food, live music and numerous events throughout the calendar.
The inn also offers accommodation, with 23 dog-friendly bed and breakfast rooms on offer.
Blackrock Cottage
For photographers, Blackrock Cottage is a prominent scene that makes for an excellent shot. Owned by the Ladies Scottish Mountain Club, the contrast of the white-washed cottage and the imposing peaks of Meall a’ Bhuiridh and Buachaille Etive Mòr makes for the perfect photograph.
This is one of the most photographed buildings in all of the UK and at the very least, it’ll look awesome on your Instagram feed!
What are some of your favourite places and things to do in Glencoe?
Let us know in the comments below!
