Glencoe (Glen Coe)

The Basics

Soak up Glencoe’s stunning scenery during a drive along the A82 road, which cuts through the glen. More active travelers may want to explore on foot, taking advantage of the area’s excellent hiking. Organized day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow often go through Glencoe, passing by locations featured in films such asSkyfall,Braveheart, and the Harry Potter series, as well as other notable beauty spots. Some organized tours stop for photos or even embark on guided walks in the scenic valley before continuing to other destinations in the Scottish Highlands such as Fort William, Ben Nevis, and Loch Ness.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Glencoe is ideal for outdoor lovers and scenery-seekers.

• Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.

• Rangers at the Glencoe Visitor Centre can offer advice and recommend suitable walking routes.

• The Glencoe Visitor Centre, which features a viewing platform, is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Glencoe is situated in the Scottish Highlands along the A82 highway. The road runs from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness, passing by Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. If you don’t have a car, numerous sightseeing tours frequent the area. The Glencoe Visitor Centre is 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Fort William.

When to Get There

Each season in Glencoe brings its own majesty. Summers are best for hikers, with long days, mild weather, and carpets of purple heather. Spring brings bluebells and rhododendrons, autumn yields a palette of fiery rust, and winter is good for skiing. Summers are peak tourist season, but with so much space, Glencoe never feels overrun. That said, get there in early morning to avoid the midday rush.

Getting Active in Glencoe

Glencoe offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Search for red squirrels, deer, and golden eagles; admire the rushing Glencoe Gorge Waterfall; tackle a Via Ferrata climbing route; or summit a Munro (a mountain over 3,000 feet/914 meters). Lots of gentler hiking trails can be found too, such as the woodland walk to Signal Rock. Glencoe Mountain Resort has a 12-minute chairlift that carries sightseers up to a height of 2,200 feet (670 meters).

Ways to explore

Glencoe is a popular addition to any Scottish Highlands itinerary, whether you soak up the scenery during a drive along the A82 road, which cuts through the glen, browse the exhibitions at Glencoe Visitor Center, or tackle one of the many hikes. Day and multi-day tours, starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow, combine Glencoe with nearby Fort William and Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, or locations featured in films such as Skyfall, Braveheart, and the Harry Potter movies.

While in Glencoe, take advantage of the area’s excellent hiking, ride the chairlift to the Glencoe Mountain Resort, or visit Glencoe Gorge Waterfall.

Accessibility

The Glencoe Visitor Centre and the Glencoe Lochan Trail are fully accessible to travelers using wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.

Age limits

The Glencoe National Nature Reserve features kid-friendly trails, and the Glencoe Visitor Centre offers family-friendly exhibitions.

What to pack

Raincoat (even in summer), reusable water bottle and plenty of water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, bug spray (midges are a nuisance from spring through fall), sunglasses, warm hat, a map, a compass if hiking

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (especially if hiking), proper walking boots or enclosed shoes with a good grip, waterproof coat or jacket

Not allowed

While there are some easy short walks through Glencoe, don’t underestimate the region’s unpredictable weather and challenging terrain—inexperienced hikers should hire a guide.

Amenities

The Glencoe Visitor Center has restrooms, a café, a gift shop, hiking maps, and paid parking. In Glencoe Village, you’ll find accommodation options, restaurants, a gas station, and paid parking.

Address 

Glencoe is situated on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Fort William and Ben Nevis. It’s easy to reach by car and public transport.

Driving

To reach Glencoe from Glasgow, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive north along the A82. The road runs from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness, passing by Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen.

Public transportation

The Glasgow-Skye Citylink route (Bus 915) stops at Glencoe village, Glencoe Ski Centre, and Glencoe Visitor Center, with several departures daily—it’s about a 2.5-hour journey from Glasgow. Local buses also run to Glencoe from Fort William and other nearby villages.

Best times to visit

Glencoe is hugely popular with day-trippers and walkers, and you’ll have to plan carefully to avoid the crowds, especially in peak season. Get there early in the morning to avoid the 11am to 4pm rush. Aim to hit the trail at sunrise for longer hikes.

Best days to visit

Avoid summer and holiday weekends when the Glencoe Visitor Center and hiking trails can fill up quickly. The trails are usually quieter midweek.

Best months to visit

May through October is Scotland’s main hiking season, but some of Glencoe’s short walks remain accessible through all four seasons. Skip busy July and August and time your trip from spring, when the valley is peppered with wild bluebells and rhododendrons, or early fall, as the colors begin to change.