Glencoe, Scotland: A Short Guide + Travel Itinerary
Planning a trip to Glencoe, Scotland but not sure what to see and do? Over the years I’ve visited this breathtaking region many times, for weekend getaways, day trips, and fresh air adventures. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to visit Glencoe - and how to maximise your visit to this Highlands masterpiece.
Glencoe, Scotland, is one of my favourite places in the UK for a trip that’s packed with experiences. It’s full of incredible walks, breathtaking scenery, and utterly breathtaking mountainscapes, so you don’t have to look far to find adventure.
I’ve been lucky to visit Glencoe countless times over the years - on a road trip, a Highlands day trip from Edinburgh, hiking, and checking out the region’s best boutique hotels and foodie finds. So I’ve got a really good idea of the best things to do in Glencoe.
But I also know choosing what to see and do in Glencoe can be overwhelming - there’s so many options of things to see and experience.
So, in this guide I’m covering everything you need to know about exploring Glencoe, Scotland - including things to do, the best Glencoe mountains and walks, plus where to eat and stay.
DISCOVER SCOTLAND’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROAD TRIP
Unlock the best kept secrets of Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, and the southern Scottish Highlands with my carefully curated Google Map, showcasing 300+ accommodation, eateries, viewpoints, and unique experiences. Plus, a road trip itinerary from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.
When to visit Glencoe, Scotland
Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit Glencoe. After my first trip in summer, I’ve visited Glencoe in every season and all of them are wonderful.
But I would recommend the shoulder seasons like May, June, September, and October are a great time to plan a trip, as it isn’t too crowded. Plus, the changeable Glencoe weather is usually at its best during these months and it’s the perfect time to go walking.
At the opposite end of the calendar, winter in Glencoe is magical. Especially when the snow falls, and the landscape is transformed into a picture-perfect festive scene.
Are you planning a Glencoe getaway?
If you’re booking a trip to Glencoe and want to know where to see, stay, and eat - we have you covered. Below are some of my favourite hotels, tours, and more!
Car hire:
Discover Cars: for the most flexible and affordable car rental.
Where to stay in Glencoe:
Glencoe Inn (for the best boutique stay in Glencoe in the village centre)
Isles of Glencoe Hotel (for the best small hotel stay in Glencoe with big views)
Riverbeds Luxury Lodges (for the best luxury stay)
The best Glencoe tour:
From Edinburgh: Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour (for getting into the heart of the Highlands).
11 Wonderful Things to do in Glencoe, Scotland
1. Loch Leven
Loch Leven is the loch found by quaint Glencoe village. It’s a beautiful loch, surrounded on almost side by mountains and dotted with sailing boats. For the best view, head to the bottom of Loch Leven (here) where you’ll find a grassy area with picnic benches and easy walks down to the water’s edge. It’s especially beautiful on a sunny day when the water perfectly reflects the mountains.
2. Glencoe Lochan Trail
The most iconic short walk in the area, Glencoe Lochan Trail is an easy but beautiful woodland walk. Follow the forest paths through the woods and you’ll find a pretty lochan (a small loch) - it’s the perfect picture spot.
3. Lost Valley
The Lost Valley is a beautiful spot and is one of my favourite things to do in Glencoe. Completely hidden from the road by mountains, this is where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe once hid their rustled cattle. Nowadays, it’s a popular short hike into the valley. To reach the Lost Valley, you’ll need to pull on your hiking boots and tackle a steep, rocky trail but totally worth the effort.
4. Three Sisters & Viewpoint
One of the best things to do in Glencoe, Scotland is visit the car park at the Three Sisters (or Bidean nam Bian in Gaelic). This mountain range is the biggest in the area and one of the most dramatic in the valley - standing beneath it is awe-inspiring.
Be sure to bring your camera and stand with your back to the road. You’ll get a stunning view from the car park.
However, the best views are from the top and if you want an adventure the Three Sisters is an incredible hike. More details on hiking Three Sisters below.
5. White Cottage & Buachaille Etive Mòr
Possibly the most famous image of Glencoe, the White Cottage below pyramid shaped Buachaille Etive Mòr is iconic. And rightly so - it is a breathtaking viewpoint and one of the best things to do in Glencoe. You can park by the road side to take in this incredible view or walk down towards the cottage. Make sure you arrive early because it does get busy.
Alternatively, spend the day hiking Buachaille Etive Mòr for breathtaking Highland views over the surrounding Rannoch Moor. More details below.
6. Clachaig Inn
After a day exploring, grab a drink and food in the Clachaig Inn. This ancient inn is located in the heart of the valley, surrounded by the most magnificent mountain views. Make sure to visit the Boots Bar at the rear of the inn, where you’ll often find live music at the weekend and THE best whisky bar. Whilst I also recommend their haggis, neeps, and tatties for a classic Scottish meal.
7. Stiff Peaks Patisserie
Situated in neighbouring Ballachulish, Stiff Peaks is a luxury patisserie and sampling their lemon meringue pie is one of the best things to do in Glencoe! Choose from a range of sweet and savoury goodies, and takeaway to eat at Loch Leven.
8. Loch Etive & Skyfall Road
Possibly the most road in Glencoe, this single-track road to Loch Etive was featured in James Bond’s Skyfall. It’s a long drive and you won’t find much to do at the end, but it is a unique drive through a beautiful valley, ending at the vast waters of Loch Etive.
9. Glencoe camping
If you love the outdoors, then camping needs to be at the top of your list of things to do in Glencoe. Wild campers will love hidden spots hidden amongst the valleys, though please follow the outdoor code.
Alternatively, read my review of the three best Glencoe campsites, all with good facilities and stunning mountain views.
10. Glencoe glamping
If you want to feel those wildness vibes - but with a touch of luxury - check out Woodlands Glencoe. You’ll find these luxury glamping pods just outside the main village, surrounded by mountains, and set amongst the trees. Book a cabin where you’ll have a private hot tub, private riverbank veranda, and high-end facilities.
11. Way Inn at The Kingshouse Hotel
Inside the newly renovated Kingshouse Hotel is the Way Inn, a walker’s bars near Buachaille Etive Mòr and the West Highland Way. One of my favourite things to do in Glencoe, Scotland, the Way Inn is perfect for a post-hike drink. Visit in your muddy hiking boots and warm up in front of the fire. You’ll find the walkers bar on the very right of the hotel.
Glencoe, Scotland day trips
After your visit to Glencoe, Scotland, make sure to leave time for a day trip further into the Scottish Highlands. Nearby you’ll find the ever-popular Glenfinnan Viaduct (50-minute drive) and the bustling town of Fort William (30-minute drive). Whilst further west are beautiful white sandy beaches at Arisaig & Morar (1.5-hours).
Here are my guides to the best Glencoe day trips to help you plan:
The best Glencoe Walks
For outdoor lovers, the Glencoe mountains are the ultimate hiking experience. However, they are not for the faint hearted or inexperienced. Glencoe’s iconic mountains are Munros, with summits well over 1000m. They generally take a whole day, are a serious undertaking, and you’ll need a decent level of fitness, experience, and skill to tackle them.
These are my favourite Glencoe mountains:
Pap of Glencoe
Time: 5-hours
The smallest mountain on my list and not a Munro, the Pap of Glencoe is still a steep and rocky hill. You’ll find some of the best views from the Pap, and the summit is fantastic vantage point over Loch Leven and Glencoe village. Find the route here.
Three Sisters
Time: 7 to 9 hours
The Three Sisters, or Bidean nam Bian, is the biggest mountain range in the area and easily one of the most dramatic. It’s also one of the best, and most challenging, of all the Glencoe mountains with scrambles, scree, and steep slopes. Completing the Three Sisters circuit is a real adventure. Find the route here.
Buachaille Etive Mòr
Time: 7 to 9 hours
An iconic Glencoe mountain hike, this soaring mountain is a firm favourite with hikers. This is the pyramid mountain that towers over the entrance to Glen Coe valley, and the views from the summit are a perfect Glencoe vantage point. Reasonably experience walkers will find this hike moderately challenging but not overly difficult. Find the route here.
EasY but beautiful Glencoe walks
Glencoe Lochan Trail
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Glencoe Lochan Trail is easily one of the best Glencoe walks. Created in 1895 by Lord Strathcona for his homesick Canadian wife, Glencoe Lochan is well-known for its thoughtfully planted woodland trails that lead to a beautiful focal point - the small but perfect lochan.
Glencoe Lochan is also a very accessible walk, as it’s on flat forest tracks, plus there’s ample car parking.
Find my guide and the route here.
Lost Valley
Time: 2 to 3 hours
The Lost Valley is a beautiful spot and is one of my favourite Glencoe walks. Completely hidden from the road by the Three Sisters mountains, this is where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe once hid their stolen cattle.
Nowadays, it’s a popular short, but reasonably challenging, hike. The walk into the Lost Valley is over a steep and rocky trail, but dramatic views in the valley are absolutely worth the effort.
Find the route here.
Glencoe weather
Often changeable, frequently rainy, sometimes gloriously sunny - safe to say, Glencoe weather is unpredictable, no matter the season. Make sure to bring waterproofs, walking boots, and a warm layer. Check the Glencoe weather here.
Glencoe accommodation
Looking for Glencoe accommodation? You can find a complete list of the best boutique Glencoe stays here, or check out my favourite stays below:
Isle of Glencoe Hotel
Located on the shores of Loch Leven, this hotel is an excellent base for exploring the area. There’s a range of modern, minimal rooms, some with incredible views over Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe. The location is an outdoor lover’s dream, but if you want to relax indoors, there’s also a pool with sauna.
Glencoe Inn
In the heart of Glencoe village, rooms at the Glencoe Inn are cosy and luxe. There’s a restaurant and bar onsite, plus its ideally situated for popular Glencoe walks - you can easily get to Glencoe Lochan and the Pap of Glencoe from this Glencoe accommodation.
Glencoe House Hotel
The most expensive option on our list, Glencoe House Hotel is the ultimate Glencoe accommodation for anyone seeking a luxury hotel experience. Choose from a lodge or suite, some with private hot tubs. Expect comfort and plushness amongst traditional decor in this historic mansion.
Riverbeds Luxury Lodges
If you’re looking to stay somewhere luxe but modern, whilst surrounded by nature, check out Riverbeds Luxury Lodges. Each small eco-friendly lodge overlooks the river from its own private balcony, whilst there’s a hot tub to relax in. There’s high end finishes throughout and modern kitchen facilities, which make this Glencoe accommodation an incredible base.
Loch Leven Hotel
An independent hotel just outside of Glencoe, the Loch Leven hotel is a small and friendly Glencoe accommodation option. Rooms are comfortable and cosy, though the downstairs restaurant is the real winner - the food at the Loch Leven Hotel is excellent. The dog-friendly bar is also a gem.
