DK Travel : Scotland : Glencoe

Glencoe

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Nowhere else is the traveller confronted so abruptly by the arresting impact of Scotland’s mountains. The road twists below the towering bulk of these characterful peaks, sometimes dark and louring, sometimes light and enticing. This ancient and celebrated pass is also imbued with history: cattle rustling, clan feuds and – most notoriously – the “Massacre of Glencoe” in 1692. In summer the area is a favourite haunt of walkers and climbers; in winter it is one of the leading ski resorts.
For suggested walks around Glencoe (see Munroes)

Top 10 Sights

1. Glencoe Visitor Centre

This centre possesses a superb exhibition and audio-visual presentation – allow an hour to take it all in. If you’re walking, a satellite weather report for the area is regularly updated.
2. Signal Rock, Glencoe Memorial and Forest Walk

A series of enchanting forest trails leads to the Signal Rock lookout, where the MacDonalds would light fires to send messages to other clan members.
3. Invercoe Loch Walk and Pap of Glencoe

A particularly beautiful loch, especially in May when its rhododendrons are in full bloom. Behind looms the distinctive peak the Pap of Glencoe, its isolation affording panoramic views.
4. Loch Leven

The drive round this scenic loch ( and ) is punctuated by a confectionery factory and an exhibition on Kinlochleven’s aluminium industry.
5. Views of the Three Sisters

By a bend in the main road and next to a roaring waterful is a rocky knoll known as “The Study”, a fine viewpoint for this trio of similarly-profiled sibling mountains .
6. Devil’s Staircase

A tortuous section of the West Highland Way (see Walking Routes) , offering views to Rannoch Moor and Black Mount. The path continues to Kinlochleven for a greater challenge.
7. Glencoe Ski Centre

Among the most popular of Scotland’s five ski resorts. All the gear available for hire in winter, and the perfect terrain for snow thrills.
8. Rannoch Moor

A beautiful but boggy wilderness, best seen from a window of the Ft William to Tyndrum train.
9. Scottish Sealife & Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s rescued seals can be seen through underwater windows, and many other sea creatures can be viewed in the aquarium. But best of all is the skate and ray pond, where you can touch these tame and elegant swimmers as they glide about.
10. Castle Stalker

A dreamlike castle, not open to visitors but magical to see, rising from an island barely big enough to contain it .

Practical Information

Drive (carefully!) the narrow scenic road that runs parallel to the main A82 from Glencoe Village to the Clachaig Inn. The craft shop in Glencoe village has a good menu in a bright and bookish atmosphere. The desserts are delicious. Glencoe Visitor Centre (01855) 811307 May– Oct: 10am–6pm daily, Nov–Apr: 10am–4pm Fri–Mon Scottish Sealife Sanctuary (01631) 720386 www.sealsanctuary.co.uk Mid Feb–Nov adm £7.50 Confectionery Factory Shop (01855) 821277 Open daily Aluminium Story (01855) 831663 Apr–Sep: 10am–1pm, 2–5pm Mon–Fri donations Glencoe Ski Centre (01855) 851226 Jan–Apr (weekends only) & Jul–Aug skiing day pass £20; chairlift £4(Jul–Aug)

Reviews

davidx

Aonoch Eagach, the ridge on the north side of Glencoe is one of the best on the mainland - but needs a good head for heights. For a lesser but most scenic walk see the Lost Valley on the other side of the glen.

1 week ago

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