There are few places that live up to the countless images you’ve seen on social media or movies but Glencoe is one of them. It also happens to be one of our favorite places in Scotland, whether I’m traveling with kids or on a girls’ getaway hiking near the Three Sisters.
This narrow valley is an area of unsurpassed natural beauty with dramatic mountains, glistening waterfalls, and hiking trails with lots of other fun things to do in Glencoe too.
Glencoe is the name of the village and Glen Coe is the name of the specific valley (which is what ‘glen’ means). Either way, the village and the valley of Glencoe are in such a prime location that you literally cannot miss them.
The valley straddles the main road (A82) through the central Highlands, so you’re almost certain to pass through if you’re heading north on a road trip to Fort William or the western Isles. Both Glencoe village and the beautiful valley are absolutely worth visiting.
This guide is an essential list of things to do in Glencoe and other places in the surrounding area like Fort William and Glenfinnan. It includes outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and plenty more!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN GLENCOE
GLENCOE SCENIC DRIVE AND VIEWPOINTS
While it may sound obvious, one of the best things to do in Glencoe is to drive through Glencoe Valley (or Glen Coe Valley). It just so happens to be on the most direct road through the Highlands – the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness – through Rannoch Moor.
Chances are you’ll travel on this scenic drive whether you meant to or not!
Words cannot describe the utterly great views you’ll see as you climb through the valley. You’ll find a small car park at every viewpoint and they all make a great stop on any road trip through the Highlands.
There are plenty of viewpoints on Google Maps but here are some of the best:
- Three Sisters
- Devil’s Staircase
- Meeting of Three Waters
- Glen Etive with the iconic white Lagangarbh Hut
If you can’t find car parking spaces for these viewpoints traveling in one direction, you can always find a free space further along and turn back a few minutes later.
GLENCOE VISITOR CENTRE
Want to learn more about the history of this dramatic location? The Scottish National Trust runs a visitor center with a gift shop and cafe. It’s a modern facility with information on the wildlife you might stumble across in Glencoe as well as a 3D topographic model of the region.
The Glencoe Visitor Centre is also a handy place for a bathroom and coffee break on a long road trip!
GLENCOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Although the UK isn’t known for its ski resorts, there are five in Scotland and Glencoe Mountain Resort is one of the best. In the winter months, you can enjoy all the winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing just like the Alps!
In the summer months, you can hire a mountain bike to go mountain biking down the craggy hills or go hiking instead.
BUACHAILLE ETIVE MÒR
Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the most iconic mountains in the entire Glencoe Valley. This lone, pointed peak sits on the edge of Glen Etive, the Kingshouse Hotel, and a mountain road that is famous for appearing in the James Bond film Skyfall.
You won’t be able to resist pulling over to a rest stop and taking dozens of photos of the breathtaking Buachaille Etive Mòr.
GLENCOE FOLK MUSEUM
Housed in a quaint white stone cottage with a thatched roof, the Glencoe Folk Museum couldn’t be in a more appropriate building. This museum features lots of artifacts on local Scottish history and interactive exhibits like a short film and old machinery you can operate.
It’s right in the center of Glencoe Village so the museum is really easy to find and is definitely one of the best things to do in Glencoe with kids.
ICE FACTOR CLIMBING CENTRE
Like ski resorts, ice climbing isn’t something you associate with the mild, drizzly climate in the UK! But thanks to Glencoe’s high elevation, it’s apt that it would be home to the National Ice Climbing Centre called Ice Factor.
It’s an indoor adventure sports center in Kinlochleven that not only has a huge ice climbing wall but a rock climbing wall and an aerial obstacle course too. This is the perfect activity for those inevitable Scottish rainy days.
CLAN MACDONALD MEMORIAL
The Glencoe Massacre of 1692 is a dark part of the valley’s history when members of Clan Campbell betrayed the MacDonald Clan. Around 30 innocent people in Clan MacDonald were murdered by the Scottish Government after it was alleged that they weren’t going to pledge allegiance to the new king.
Though there’s not much to see, the Clan MacDonald Memorial cenotaph is a very short walk from the center of Glencoe village so it’s still worth visiting. Plus, it’s on a slight hill so you’ll be able to see over the whole town from its location.
LOCH LEVEN CASTLE
Glencoe sits on the banks of Loch Leven, a huge freshwater loch with plenty of cool things to do there. You could take a scenic boat tour, see the Ballachulish Bridge, or drive up to the Grey Mares Waterfall.
BEST HIKES TO DO IN GLENCOE
Glencoe has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland (and that’s saying something!) so it is best explored on its many trails. Here are some of the best hikes you can do in the Glencoe Valley.
HIDDEN VALLEY HIKE
The Hidden Valley walking trail is in the heart of Glencoe and it’s a great one for hikers of all levels. It has an out-and-back distance of 2.5 miles/4 km and takes around two to three hours to complete. You’ll be able to walk between the dramatic, craggy mountains of Bidean Nam Bian and Coire Gabhail.
SIGNAL ROCK AND AN TOR HIKE
Another easy trail close to Clachaig Inn is the Signal Rock and An Toor hike. It’s only a 1.5 mile/2.5km out-and-back route which should take you no more than 90 minutes to complete through lush green woodland.
PAP OF GLEN COE HIKE
Alternatively, the Pap of Glen Coe is an incredibly rocky, steep climb and should only be attempted if you are an advanced hiker on a day with clear, dry weather. This mountain peak offers beautiful views across the valley and Loch Leven so the payoffs are worth it.
GLENCOE LOCHAN TRAIL
This trail is accessible from Glencoe village so you’ll be able to wake up in your accommodation and start your day with this easy, beautiful hike. There’s a short one-mile loop trail from the village to the secluded oasis of Glencoe Lochan (Scottish for ‘small lake’).
SIDE TRIPS FROM GLENCOE
Glencoe is a small village so you will absolutely have time in your itinerary for a full day trip or an extra side trip. These are some fantastic places to visit only a short drive away.
FORT WILLIAM
Fort William is only a 30-minute drive north of Glencoe and as the outdoor capital of the UK, it has lots to offer. It’s home to the West Highland Museum, Ben Nevis Distillery, and some of the UK’s highest mountains. Not to mention the highest mountain, Ben Nevis which the distillery is named after.
Harry Potter fans can hop onboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William Train Station. It’s also the start point of The Great Glen Way hiking trail and the end point of the West Highland Way. There are tons of things to do on a day trip to Fort William!
Both Glencoe and Fort William have a bus stop, so this is one of the easiest day trips you can take from Glencoe using public transport.
GLENFINNAN
Just an hour north of Glencoe is another picturesque village, Glenfinnan. This small, otherwise nondescript place is where you’ll find Glenfinnan Viaduct AKA the bridge from the Harry Potter films!
Time your visit just right and you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train (which looks an awful lot like the Hogwarts Express) cross this magical structure.
Other cool things to see include Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument. This landmark commemorates the clansmen who died fighting for the Jacobite cause and Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century.
WEST HIGHLAND WAY
Scotland has 29 Great Trails which are multi-day hikes through this ruggedly beautiful country. The West Highland Way unfortunately doesn’t quite pass through Glencoe, but if you have a spare six to eight days in your itinerary you may want to rise to the challenge.
The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles/154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, passing Loch Lomond and several beautiful glens en route. It’s the most popular of all Scotland’s Great Trails and arguably the best.
LOCH NESS
Loch Ness and the nearby city of Inverness are a 90-minute drive north of Glencoe, so it’s ideal for a day trip or a side trip. It’s one of the largest lochs in Scotland, so there’s lots to see.
You can book a boat cruise in pursuit of the famous monster and explore all the cool things to see on the banks of the loch. Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most picturesque and historic castles, and the Falls of Foyers are just two places to add to your itinerary while you’re at Loch Ness.
ISLE OF SKYE
The Isle of Skye is over two hours away from Glencoe by car and is Scotland’s largest, most storied isle. It’s the perfect choice for a side trip from Glencoe!
Embrace the incredible natural beauty by hiking up the Old Man of Storr, trekking around Quiraing Circuit, and exploring the mythical Fairy Glen. Walk along the harbor in the main town of Portree and don’t forget to sample a dram at Talisker Distillery too.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN GLENCOE
The village of Glencoe is within the old Lochaber district of the Scottish Highlands. Here are some of the best things to do within that region if want to check out any festivals or cultural events during your trip to Glencoe.
- Burns’ Night (January 25th)
- Fort William Mountain Festival (February)
- Loch Shiel Spring Festival (April – May)
- Scottish Six-Day Trials (May)
- Highland Games (July – August)
- The Agricultural Show (August)
- The Glenfinnan Gathering (August)
- The Ben Nevis Race (September)
- Bonfire Night (November 5th)
- St Andrews Day (November 30th)
- Scottish Hogmanay (December 31st)
Start Planning Your trip to Glencoe
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Flying to Glencoe?
Looking for the best flights to Glencoe? You will have to fly to Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Inverness Airport (INV) and then drive to Glencoe. We love to track flights via Expedia.com. Not only do we find great rates, but we earn points to use on future travel too.
You can also keep an eye on GOING deals, which is how we got to Ireland roundtrip from LAX for under $500 each. The free version is good, but the paid subscription will save you way more than the cost of the actual subscription.
Hotels in Glencoe Scotland
- Clachaig Inn (our #1 pick!)
- The Glencoe Inn
- Glencoe House
- Romantic Highland Retreat (1 bedroom/ 1 bath)
- Luxury Self Catering House ( 5 bedrooms/ 3 baths)
Find more Glencoe hotels HERE
Need a Rental Car?
We use DiscoverCars.com to get the best rates and availability on rental cars. Find your car HERE, along with all of the extras you may need (insurance, car seats, ski racks, etc.)
Travel Insurance
Do NOT forget to buy travel insurance for your trip, even if you booked through a travel agent.
Things do and will happen and it’s cheaper to buy travel insurance ahead of time instead of paying out of pocket later.
Check out Travelex for rates on a single trip or an annual plan that could be right for you if you take more than one or two trips a year.
Buy a SIM card?
We all love our smartphones, but we don’t love those international roaming charges. Even if you have a travel pass, you could max out your service, which is why we always grab an eSIM card to pop into our phones. It’s especially great for the kids, as it limits what they can do and how much data they can use, but still allows them to text friends back home.
Check out Airalo, our preferred eSIM card store for the best prices on eSIM cards and international data plans.
Don’t Forget about Your Vacation Photos!
Don’t forget to book your Flytographer session to capture your time in Scotland. I do it as often as I can, whether the kids are with me or not, and even though I’m a photographer. Sometimes, this mom just wants to be in a few photos that don’t chop her off at the ankles.
How to get to Glencoe
Driving to Glencoe
If you have access to a car, driving is one of the most convenient ways to reach Glencoe. The main route is from Glasgow or Edinburgh. From Glasgow, take the A82 north, which will take you through Glencoe. From Edinburgh, you can also take the A82 or A84, connecting to the A82 later. The drive offers picturesque views of the Scottish countryside.
Take the Train to Glencoe
The nearest major train station to Glencoe is Fort William. You can take a train from cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh to Fort William. From there, you can continue your journey to Glencoe by bus or taxi, as it’s just a short drive away.
How to take the bus to Glencoe
There are bus services that connect various cities in Scotland to Glencoe. Companies like Citylink operate routes to Glencoe from major cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. Check the bus schedules and routes for the most up-to-date information.
How to get to Glencoe by plane
The closest major airports to Glencoe are Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Inverness Airport (INV). After arriving at one of these airports, you can rent a car, take a bus, or use other transportation options to reach Glencoe. Glasgow Airport is more well-connected and offers more flight options.
Bike or Hike to Glencoe
For the adventurous traveler, you can reach Glencoe by bike or on foot. There are long-distance hiking trails and cycling routes that pass through the area, such as the West Highland Way. Plan your route carefully and be prepared for varying terrain and weather conditions.
Tour Operators
Some tour operators offer guided tours to Glencoe, which can be a convenient way to explore the area if you prefer not to drive or plan the logistics yourself. These tours often depart from major cities and include transportation, guided activities, and accommodations.
A few tours of Glencoe we recommend:
Day Tours from Edinburgh
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis
- Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour (eco-certified)
- From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, & Glencoe Day Tour
- Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh (4000+ 5-Star reviews)
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh (badge of excellence)
Day Tours from Glasgow
- From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour with Cruise (eco-certified)
- Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow (badge of excellence)
A Quick Look at the History of Glencoe Scotland
Early Inhabitants
Ancient relics and archaeological sites have been discovered, suggesting that people have lived in the glen for millennia.
Clan MacDonald
In the 17th century, the MacDonald clan, specifically the MacDonalds of Glencoe, were the prominent inhabitants of the region. They were known as the “Children of the Mist” due to their residence in the mist-shrouded glen.
The Glencoe Massacre (1692)
One of the most infamous events in Glencoe’s history is the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. During a time of political turmoil in Scotland, the MacDonalds of Glencoe were targeted for their perceived lack of prompt allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II. Government troops, including members of the rival Campbell clan, were billeted with the MacDonalds, and on the night of February 13, 1692, they carried out a brutal massacre, killing around 38 MacDonalds, men, women, and children. This event has left a lasting scar on the region’s history and is remembered to this day.
Jacobite Uprisings
Like much of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe was involved in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century. During the Jacobite Rising of 1745-46, the glen was used as a base by Jacobite forces. After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, government forces hunted down and punished Jacobite sympathizers in the Highlands.
19th Century
Glencoe’s population declined during the 19th century due to factors like the Highland Clearances, which forced many people off their ancestral lands.
The Glencoe Massacre and Tourism
Ironically, the Glencoe Massacre, while a dark chapter in its history, also contributed to the region’s fame. The story attracted tourists and writers like Sir Walter Scott, and it became a popular destination for those seeking dramatic landscapes and a glimpse into Scotland’s history.
Modern Times
Today, Glencoe is a stunningly beautiful and popular destination for hikers, climbers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. The Glencoe Visitor Centre provides information on the history and natural wonders of the area.
