There are few places in the UK as iconic or dramatic as Glencoe.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit including the best things to do in Glencoe, plus advice on where to stay and essential tips.
Within the Scottish psyche, Glencoe will forever be fixed as a place of tragedy and beauty.
The scene of a much misunderstood and misattributed massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692, this narrow valley in the western Highlands is now projected to the world via famous film franchises as the encapsulation of a Scotland mythologised and idealised.
And by god it is stunning.
Day trippers and road trippers, fair-weather hikers and motivated munro baggers, photographers and people looking to escape to the Highland air and rugged landscapes for a few days, will all leave the glacier-carved slopes of Glencoe with happy hearts and breath taken.
This one of the most popular traveller stops in all of the Highlands for good reason, but if you leave here with clean shoes, you’ve perhaps not done it right…
In this guide for travellers, we've shared our personal advice on how to make the absolute most of your time in Glencoe. From the best hikes, walks, views, and photography spots to tips on avoiding the crowds, responsible travel, getting there by public transport, where to eat and picking the right place to stay in Scotland's most famous glen, we've got you covered.
Here's 11 wonderful things to do in Glencoe, plus all you need to know to plan your visit.
The Glencoe Essentials
The Glen & The Village
Before getting started though, we wanted to quickly explain something that first-time visitors understandably get a wee bit confused on.
The area of Glencoe encompasses the village of the same name (Google Maps), the valley which runs southeast for about 15 miles, and various imposing peaks and ridges (and the trails found on and between them). Nearby Ballachulish (Google Maps), a larger village with more facilities, is also viewed as part of the 'Glencoe' area by visitors and accommodation websites.
The village of Glencoe, on the shores of Loch Leven, is very small with a couple cafes, a small museum, some campsites and accommodation, a petrol station, and a single shop. Therefore, when one talks about visiting Glencoe, it's not the village that forms the centrepoint of the experience but the landscapes and walks in the surrounding area.
We’ve shared at the end of this post how best to reach Glencoe by public transport or your own car from elsewhere in Scotland, as well as accommodation recommendations in and around the glen.
How Long Do You Need in Glencoe?
It depends.
Many of you reading this may be planning a quickfire first-time roadtrip in a small part of the Scottish Highlands, or thinking of Glencoe as tag on to the North Coast 500. Technically, as the glen is split by the A82, you can just drive the entire stretch once and that would be a 'visit' to Glencoe (and a quite incredible number of people actually do that).
Whilst driving through it once or twice en route to Fort William or onward to Loch Lomond will see your jaw drop, it is only one aspect of the experience and really does not do it justice.
Instead, it's better spend a full day out exploring with a few walks and viewpoint stops - as it's just over 30 minutes drive from Fort William and 45 minutes from Loch Lomond, this is a very popular way to experience Glencoe for the first time. It also shouldn’t really come as a surprise that getting out of the car is a big part of the travel experience, given Glencoe’s position as a National Nature Reserve and a renowned location for walking, hiking, and reconnecting with the great outdoors.
Walking is a BIG part of the experience.
If time and budget allows, choosing to travel slower and savour it with a stay of a night or two in the area is what we'd recommend. This will allow you to do several hikes, enjoy local music in the pub, appreciate the changing light, and deeply breathe in the Highland air - guaranteed to create some of your most treasured memories of the Scottish Highlands.
If craving a longer, even slower experience - or you're a proper hiker looking to take on a number of more challenging hikes - then you can also use Glencoe as your base from which to drive to other nearby areas of the Highlands (i.e. climbing Ben Nevis, visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct, or riding the Harry Potter train).
Best Time of Year To Visit Glencoe?
April to September is the most popular, with safer conditions for hiking generally, increased chances of visibility and sunshine, plus light for a lot longer from morning to night. It is however the most popular time for tourism, and demand for accommodation will be at its peak during the Scottish & English school summer holidays spanning July to August. This is a very popular location, and it can become frustratingly busy at times.
However, it should be noted that straight days of sunshine in summer cannot be depended upon and the peaks may still be obscured by thick dark cloud.
Visiting in winter, with the peaks dusted in a blanket of snow would be magical, but this does come with short days, some horrendous weather, and much more challenging driving and hiking conditions.
The Best Things To Do in Glencoe
Gasp at Glencoe Lochan
So many stellar views in Glencoe will simply not be possible for everyone to access given they're up a steep hiking trail or require a bit of a walk - and that's why Glencoe Lochan is so fantastic.
Created in 1895 by Lord Strathcona for his homesick Canadian wife, this beautifully rendered ode to the majestic water and woodland of her own country is very accessible for families, wheelchair users, or those who may not be able to walk great or challenging distances any longer.
It’s also home to one of our favourite vistas in the valley.
Where + When | Open and accessible at all hours, park up at the free Glencoe Lochan car park (Google Maps); note that there is a 2.3m height limit on the car park entrance. It’s also possible to visit here on foot via the Glencoe Orbital (see below).
Time Required | We recommend allowing an hour here to sit and enjoy the tranquility, laugh at the ducks, take photos, sit on the various benches, and enjoy the views without a rush.
Choose from three signposted one-mile trails, which vary in difficulty. The red Lochan Trail around the tranquil water is flat, scenic and the most accessible, with a circuit taking about 30 minutes. The blue Mountain Traill and yellow Woodland trail are more challenging with less firm terrain and steep, uneven sections.
We’ve put together a full guide to Glencoe Lochan so be sure to head over there for more information.
Hike To The Tap o’ The Pap
The biggest area of research prior to our visit was deciding which of the many hikes and trails to do in Glencoe.
We had a week in the western Highlands but, prioritising our Ben Nevis climb beforehand, knew that we wouldn’t have enough time to do all of those on our list. Therefore, it was about selecting the hike which would give us great views, a wee bit of a challenge, and take up a reasonable amount of the day.
It boiled down to Pap of Glencoe, The Hidden Valley, or Buachaille Etive Mòr.
Though taking quite different amounts of time, any of the above would have scratched the itch. An impromptu chat with a local runner in Inverness meant we ultimately went for the Pap of Glencoe as, at 4 hours up and down and offering up 360° views of many peaks and Loch Leven after a scramble to the summit, it would give us a bit of everything.
We have zero regrets about that choice!
Some of you reading this may be in the exact same position as, unless you’re coming here with ample time and desire to walk several trails in a day, you will have to pick just one or two Glencoe hikes.
Where + When | The free Lochan Forest car park (our name, not its official name) is the best place to park - find it here on Google Maps. Starting earlier in the morning will allow you to have more of the trail and the summit views to yourself, but always be aware of conditions and weather forecast before setting out.
Time Required | It’s a steep ascent for 2+ hours with a bit of a scramble to the top, so this hike may not be suitable for everyone. We recommend allowing 4-5 hours to complete (with an extra bit of time allotted for a post-hike pint at the pub down the road afterward).
More | We’ve shared all our advice and tips for the Pap in our blog post: A Guide To Hiking The Pap of Glencoe.
Drive One of The Best Roads in Britain
We love roadtrips, and have taken our fair share in the UK & Europe.
It’s not hyperbolic to suggest that few places in the past or future will rival the strip of the A82 through Glencoe.
On the drive from the Loch Lomond side, the flat unprotected stretch cuts through the treeless expanse for an eternity until the hitherto distant ridges and ranges of Aonach Eagach and Beinn a'Chrulaiste rise up like lonely waves of a fossilised tsunami, funnelling you into the valley.
Due to our base in Fort William and desire to get to know the area intimately, we drove up and down the tarmac over a dozen times in five days, from 4 am isolation to peak afternoon convoy and golden hour sunset.
Not once did it fail to inspire, become less impressive, or reveal a new detail.
That being said, Glencoe’s accessibility via the two-lane A82 from Glasgow cutting through it is also a blessing and a curse; the longer the day goes on, the levels of tourist traffic can become absurd and cause issues. Major accidents are not uncommon. Locals understandably become resentful at having to navigate convoys of slow-moving stop/start traffic. Car parks become oversubscribed and selfish idiots park illegally on the side of the busy road. Some arrive who clearly have no idea how to drive well.
So, please arrive and drive responsibly as well as drinking it all in.
Where + When | If coming from the direction of Fort William, 16 miles away, It all gets rather impressive from the moment pass the shores of Loch Leven and the Glencoe crossroads, and continues like that until you’ve shot well past the Glencoe pass, the Kingsland, and the Loch Tulla viewpoint. To be honest, it’s very tempting to keep on driving the whole stretch past Rannoch Moor down to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park (we did), so just remember to turn around at some point!
Passing through Glencoe, there are various designated and signposted parking areas at the side of the road - these offer iconic viewpoints, hiking start points, as well as the chance to stop safely if you are feeling fatigued. Thoughout this post, we’ve covered those which you simply have to stop at during your visit.
Time Required | 1 hour to the whole day! If driving and stopping off at various viewpoints on a flying visit through Glencoe is all you have time for, we won’t criticise that at all; but just remember that there’s more to enjoy and savour here than views from the car seat, so do try to travel slower and deeper by including a walk, a stop at a local cafe or restaurant, popping into the museum, and making the most of the time you have here outside of the car too.
Tips | The onus is on each of us to be a responsible, safe, and considerate driver in the Scottish Highlands - we recommend everyone reading this short post on Driving in the Scottish Highlands (published soon) before setting out (even if you’re a UK-based driver).
If renting a car for Scotland, we recommend reading this post - 9 Essential Rental Car Tips for Travellers - to save a lot of money and reduce stress.
A Walk in An Torr to Signal Point
We left this magical place with a bizarre sense of calm.
Perhaps it was due to the unintentional moment of forest bathing, or because we’d never walked through a woodland with a such a beguiling sense of life and enchantment.
Owned by the National Trust, non-native conifer trees are gradually being replaced in An Torr with indigenous species of Scots pine, birch, rowan, and alder. Maybe it’s because of the journey the forest is on - in a state of flux and renewal itself - or the fact is was early spring and everything was alive after what had been a long, bleak winter, but it had something special to it.
Either way, a wee walk here offered a contrast to the bare hills and glen, and there’s lovely views from the little river too.
The better known reason to come here is actually ‘Signal Rock’, a literal representation of how myth, legend, and history can combine to mislead; it’s usually described as the place where the the signal was given to begin the Glencoe Massacre, but there’s no evidence for this.
Where + When | Start from the free car park (Google Maps); it’s signposted but immediately off the A82, so do be aware if turning and crossing the road in or out though as traffic is quick-moving. You can also arrive on foot via the Glencoe Orbital path.
From the car park, you’ll find the noticeboard detailing the three easy waymarked walking trails to follow (blue, yellow, and black). We combined the blue and the black together, but you can actually link up all three if you have the inclination.
Potter fans will delight in knowing that Hagrid’s Hut was filmed / set around here too.
Time Required | 45 minutes, but up to two hours if combining all three and taking your time.
A Drink & A Sing-Song at the Clachaig Inn
If an award exists for the most scenic setting for a pint in Scotland, then the Clachaig Inn should take home first prize every year.
This whitewashed historic Inn is a Glencoe institution offering up, in their own words, ‘Real People, Real Hospitality, Real Craic’. It’s thought to have been around for around 300 years. Set far away from the A82 to feel like you’re actually somewhere much more secluded in the Highlands, it’s surrounded by around half a dozen peaks in the immediate vicinity and there’s nowhere else quite like it if the sun is shining and you’re sinking a well-earned pint after a long morning’s hiking.
One of the best things to do in Glencoe? Abso-bloody-lutely.
It’s also a popular option for lunch and dinner for all types or travellers, whilst the bars serve up live music nights and a large range of Scottish whiskies, gins, and other spirits.
Where + When | Down the single-track Old Glencoe road, you can access the Clachaig Inn via the village or by turning off the A82 (here on Google Maps, but it’s also signposted). Note that the Old Glencoe Road is narrow and single track, with a 20 mph speed limit in sections as well as cyclists and walkers, therefore it’s imperative that you drive appropriately for the conditions.
Also, do not drink and drive (there are a range of alcohol free beers available).
Book | We've shared more advice on where to stay in Glencoe later in this post, but The Clachaig Inn is one of the top picks if you're looking for modern rooms in a fantastic setting (and walking distance to a great pub), whilst they’ve also got self-catering options on site. Find out more or book here.
Understand The History of A People & A Massacre
On the 13th February 1692, approximately 38 members of the MacDonald clan - including their chief - were murdered in Glencoe.
The bloody act, atrocious in and of itself, was committed ‘under trust’ by soldiers who had been lodging, eating, and drinking with their MacDonald hosts in the glen for nearly two weeks.
This is a notorious, dark moment in Scottish history - but its causes and consequences are often misunderstood.
From inter-clan warfare between Campbells and MacDonalds, the English against the Scottish, Lowlanders vs. Highlanders, the crown against the clan, and Protestantism vs. Catholicism, the Massacre’s roots and reasons evolved through the centuries depending upon what political standpoint was being argued (the Highland Clearances is also a victim of this).
Therefore, we highly recommend listening to a 45-minute podcast to get a digestible, unbiased introduction from three historians into the causes, events and repercussions: In Our Time - The Glencoe Massacre.
Alternatively, this article provide a good overview.
Gaining a better perspective on life and community over the centuries in the area, as well as learning more about the Glencoe Massacre, is also an essential part of a visit. There are two places to have a quick stop at specifically for this:
Glencoe Folk Museum | Based in two small thatched 18th century cottages, this small local museum in the villages has a varied collection of Jacobite artefacts and dress, agricultural tools, domestic items, war memorabilia, and displays on the Massacre of 1692.
It’s open from May to October, 11 am - 3 pm Thursday to Sunday; note that opening hours may extend slightly in summer season. It’s £3 to enter, free for anyone under 16 - you’ll likely spend a bit less than an hour here. Afterward, take a walk up to the Glencoe memorial site.
Glencoe Visitor Centre | Reopened in 2019 following a £1 million redevelopment by National Trust Scotland to make it more immersive, modern, and informative, the visitor centre tells the facts and folklore of Glencoe. As mentioned above, it’s got walking trails as well as a cafe, making it perfect for a rainy day stop.
It’s open 9.30 am - 4 pm daily and free for everyone to enter, but do note that it’s £4 per car to park (free for National Trust members).
Whilst you’re in Glencoe village, it’s a good idea to pop into Crafts & Things for a coffee and to possibly pick up a local artisan crafted souvenir or have a cup of tea and a homebake at the little Glencoe Cafe.
We’ve shared a full list of recommendations on where to eat & drink in and around Glencoe at the end of this post.
Three Sisters Viewpoint & The Hidden Valley
The iconic triumvirate of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh, collectively known as the ‘Three Sisters’, are the reason for the most popular stop off at the side of the A82 at the southern end of Glencoe.
How dramatic or photogenic when you stop will however be shaped by the weather conditions.
Aside from parking up and taking some photos, this car park (and the one next to it) is also the start point for the popular Hidden Valley (also known as the ‘Lost Valley’ and Coire Gabhail) walk.
Coire Gabhail is the secluded place where the MacDonald clan hid their stolen cattle, and this ‘out and back’ trail is very easy to slot in to a day trip at just 2.5 miles / 4km (2-3 hours). However, do note that the path is steep and rocky, and it involves a bit of scrambling.
We didn’t do it as weather & time weren’t on our side that day, so we’ll point you in the direction of the excellent walkhighlands website and their instructions.
Experienced hikers may also be interested in this challenging 7-9 hour loop hike, which involves two munros and starts at the same point: The Bidean nam Bian & Stob Coire Sgreamhach Hike.
Where | The Three Sisters car park is here and the Hidden Valley car park is just down the road here. Both are free to park in but do become busy as the day goes on - park sensibly to optimise space for those who follow.
Seek Out Skyfall Scenes In Glen Etive
The name’s Etive.
Glen Etive.
Even if James Bond had never set foot here in Skyfall, we’d recommend you taking the 12-mile drive down this gorgeous valley to gaze upon wild deer, stand loch side, and appreciate its isolated beauty.
Its feature in the 2012 film certainly boosted awareness and added to many people’s list of things to do in Glencoe though, and the Bond links go beyond Daniel Craig and Judi Dench standing in the mist, as Ian Fleming’s family actually owned the Dalness Estate situated within the glen for a period of time.
As ever though with tourism in the Scottish Highlands, increased popularity brings increased traffic on roads which aren’t suited to the volume, an increased proportion of idiots who don’t know how to drive on narrow single-track roads or use passing places properly, and selfish pricks who litter and have no conception of what ‘wild camping’ actually means.
A drive into Glen Etive, if you time it right with relative tranquility, gorgeous scenery, and a spotting of various wild deer, is a joy.
If you time it wrong, it’ll be a stop-start dangerous pain in the arse.
Where + When | The Glen Etive turning off the A83 is here, and it’s one-way in and the same way out.
Please respect any signs erected due to season or circumstance which prohibit entry to visitor vehicles.
It’s a very narrow single-track road, so drive slowly and appropriately for the conditions, making use of the passing places to let oncoming vehicles proceed. These passing places are essential for traffic flow, so do not use them for photography stops or overnight stays. Also, do not simply heave your car up on to the grassy verges, causing damage and increasing likelihood of accidents.
Also, be aware of the deer crossing the road suddenly.
Time Required | 1-2 hours.
Film Scenes & Sets of Glencoe
So many famous films, before and after Skyfall, have made use of Glencoe’s epic scenery to contribute backdrops or host full-on sets. These include Braveart, Highlander, Rob Roy, Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban, Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail, and The 39 Steps.
More recently, Glencoe features heavily in the opening credits of the Outlander TV series.
If you’re a big fan of a certain wizard, then read this post to find out how to take the Harry Potter train in Scotland.
Hike or Photograph Buachaille Etive Mor
If Instagram has inspired you to visit Glencoe, then you’ll be affa familar with a certain little white house.
With Buachaille Etive Mor brooding behind it, this is one of the most photographed scenes of Scotland in recent years - and for good reason.
However, it’s also the place to join two popular Glencoe hikes:
Buachaille Etive Mor | This munro is a big one to bag, but requires a full day of hiking and a bit of experience. Find out more here.
The Devil’s Staircase | Part of the 96 miles / 154 km West Highland Way multi-day walking route, the Staircase is a steep ‘out and back’ zig-zag route taking 45-60 minutes to get up. A good option for a walk if you’re only visiting for the day.
We did venture on a sunrise hiking mission to the top of Beinn a'Chrulaiste , a Corbett opposite Buachaille Etive Mor, but the trail is so faint that we’d only recommend it to others who have experience and can follow a map.
Where + When | Parking up in the Buachaille Etive Mòr Car Park (Google Maps) on the side of the road is best, but this only has space for about 5-7 vehicles. There is more parking across the road, but it always appears to be a bit unclear where you actually can / should park up there without blocking access.
As there are several reasons to stop here, the parking situation will cause issues as the day goes on and will fill up quickly weekends. If hiking, try to get here early to guarantee yourself a spot and park appropriately to optimise the space for others. There’s big potential for serious accidents here, given the toxic mix of popular photography spot, fast busy road, and limited roadside parking. Therefore, please be really sensible and cautious with how / where you stop and how / where you take your photographs.
Did You Know? The wee white hoose is actually called the Lagangarbh Hut, and belongs to the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
A Day Trip to Fort William & Glenfinnan
If you’re basing yourself in Glencoe for more than a couple of nights, then it’s an excellent idea to think about tacking on a day trip or two to a few popular spots nearby in the Highlands.
The small town of Fort William is a 30-40 minute drive away, depending on time-of-day traffic, with Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis just outside it. The fantastically popular Glenfinnan Viaduct (and its Harry Potter train crossing) is about an hour away in the same direction, whilst you can always catch a ferry from Mallaig over to one of the islands.
To help you plan ahead, here’s our guides:
The Glencoe Orbital
This low-level, flat recreational track is another fantastic option for those who may not wish to scale a summit, or don’t have the time, but still wish to stretch their legs for a wee while and take in mountain scenery beyond their windscreen.
The Orbital links up the village with three of Glencoe’s forests - Glencoe Lochan, An Torr / Signal Rock, and the area around the Visitor Centre - and the walking trails which lead to / from / around each of them. You’ll also get great views of the Pap of Glencoe, Bidean Nam Bean, and the glen itself.
Where + When | The route starts at the Glencoe crossroads (Google Maps), taking you through the village to Glencoe Lochan, from Lochan Drive to Clachaig Inn and Signal Rock via a trail on the side of the Old Road. The third section goes from the crossroads to the visitor centre via a woodland walk.
If arriving by car, then simply park up in the village car park where you’ll see wooden signposts for start of the Orbital Track.
Please be aware that one final section to join up those three and complete the loop is yet to be finished, meaning you have to walk back along the same route to return; you should not walk along the verge of the A82 to join them up.
Time Required | 1-3 hours, depending on how much of it you wish to walk.
Where to Stay in Glencoe
When planning your Scottish Highlands trip, the the biggest thing to get sorted is where you wish to be based.
If you're focussed on enjoying Glencoe across a few days, or just with a one-night stopover, it makes sense to stay in and around the village. Depending on your travel style and budget, this could end up as a self-catering cottage on the shores of Loch Leven, an isolated modern hotel with dramatic views of the hills, a cute locally-run guesthouse, a hostel on the old road, a campsite carvan park, or a random find in the middle of nowhere.
There are a few options in and around Glencoe village, but not as many as you might expect. Therefore, most of you may actually end up on the Old Glencoe Road or in the neighbouring village of Ballachulish, a very short drive / walk to the east of Glencoe.
Booking sites sometimes aren't very clear when accommodation is listed for Glencoe, but actually situated further from the village, the road, or the glen than you may reasonably expect, so keep an eye out for this took If the accommodation below involves a short drive to/from Glencoe, we've let you know!
The below have been personally selected by us based on the accommodation’s aesthetic, facilities, location and reviews, as well as our experiences and preferences. We take a lot of care to do this for you to ensure every travel style and travel budget can find something great!
Guesthouses and B&Bs
The Allanbreck Studio | Somewhat confusingly, not actually a self-catering property but instead a good sized guesthouse in a wonderful setting with large rooms and excellent amenities. Has wonderful reviews. Find out more here.
Strathassynt Guest House | Whilst the rooms are a little basic in this guesthouse, they are immaculately clean and have everything you require - guests also speak very highly of the owners, their breakfasts and great location. An ideal spot for hikers. Find out more here.
Ardno House B & B | A small and traditional B&B with exceptional reviews. Attentive hosts, comfortable rooms and communal spaces plus an excellent location! Find out more here.
Beechwood Cottage B&B | Small family run B&B (they only have three rooms) in the heart of Glencoe Village. Super attentive hosts, comfortable rooms and a personal touch. Find out more here.
Glencoe Hotels
Glencoe House | For a truly luxurious experience, look no further than this historic 5* country house. Think grand and plush rooms, free-standing baths, exceptional service and great food in wonderful surroundings. Find out more here.
Clachaig Inn | Fancy spending a night or two at Glencoe’s best pub? Book a stay here. The rooms are a bit basic but modern and comfortable and the location is second to none. Find out more here.
Ballachulish Hotel | Located at the foot of Glencoe, this traditional Scottish hotel offers spectacular views ver Loch Linnhe and the surrounding hills. Good sized rooms (many recently refurbished) and pleasant communal areas and restaurant. Find out more here.
Isles of Glencoe Hotel | If you prefer your hotels to be modern, the Isles of Glencoe is a good shout. With more facilities than you can shake a stick at (pool, steam room, sauna, gym) and a great location, it’s a popular choice. Find out more here.
If having a pool sounds like a great idea, also consider Holly Tree Hotel.
Kingshouse Hotel | Recently renovated, this isolated hotel in the middle of the glen location has a special setting and good facilities on-site.
The Glencoe Inn is also a popular option, but poor reviews meant didn’t meet our criteria to recommend.
Apartments & Airbnbs
The Bunkie | Budget accommodation in the centre of Glencoe village, The Bunkie provides a cosy place to stay for up to five people including decent kitchen and communal garden. Find out more here.
The Old Stables, Alltshellach Cottages | A 4*, sensitively converted stone courtyard cottage (formerly a stables) with three really good sized bedrooms, pleasant throughout with cosy wood burning fire. Just a few minutes walk from North Ballachulish village. Check prices on Booking.com or Airbnb.
The Cottage at Sealladh na Beinne | Small but perfectly formed, this cute little one-bedroom apartment is clean, tastefully decorated and modern and the perfect crashpad for a couple who wants to get out and enjoy the area. It also has truly excellent reviews. Find out more here.
If small and perfectly formed sounds perfect, be sure to also check out The Boorach, a highly rated studio in Glencoe Village.
Cosy Cottage | Amazing location in the heart of Gencoe. this two-bedroom cottage has wonderful mountain views from the window and small garden. Very cosy, stylishly decorated (but with traditional nods) and a warming woodturning stove. Check prices and availability on Airbnb or Booking.com
Beach Houses | For something a bit different, consider these ‘Beach Houses’. The aesthetic may not be quite right on a drench day, but if it’s sunny these high-spec houses - with hot tubs - on Loch Linnhie may well be perfect. Find out more here.
Highland Retreat | Open plan, one-bedroom cottage in historic building. Tastefully decorated with all amenities and luxurious touches. In centre of Glencoe Village. Find out more here.
Ardachy | Wonderful home away from home two bedroom cottage in the heart of Ballachulish village. Cozy, clean with a wonderful conservatory from which to enjoy the views of Glencoe. Find out more here.
Hawthron Cottage | This light, bright and modern three bedroom house (set over two floors) is an ideal choice for a vacationing family who appreciated a bit more space. The facilities are excellent - as are the views! Find out more here.
Unique Stays
Woodlands Glencoe | Two separate types of purpose-built eco-lodges in stunning environments, full of luxurious touches including hot tubs and all mod-cons. Choose from their SeaBeds or RiverBeds, both of which offer a one-of-a-kind accommodation option in Glencoe.
Hostels, Bunkhouses & Campsites
Glencoe Hostel | Some of the rooms could do with a bit of a makeover, but this traditional hostel is warm and cosy, has a good guest kitchen and helpful staff. Well rated. Find out more here.
Kingshouse Bunkhouse | Basic but clean and modern, this is the budget traveller’s option attached to the larger, fancier hotel in the heart of Glencoe. Find out more here.
Cottages at Glencoe Independent Hostel | A hostel that doesn’t really look or feel like a hostel (in a really wonderful way), Cottages at Glencoe provides warm and cosy dormitories and private rooms with excellent drying room, comfortable communal areas and a good guest kitchen. Find out more here.
Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site | In Ballachulish, this is an idyllic site surrounded by woodland and breathtaking views of the mountains.
Red Squirrel Campsite Glencoe | Nearly wild camping by the Glencoe Visitor Centre perfect for climbing, river canoeing, families and groups.
Caolasnacon Caravan and Camping Park | Dog friendly pitches just outside of Kinlochleven and north of Glencoe.
If you'd prefer to base yourself in Fort William and drive between the two, then make sure to check out our wee Fort William guide which has our pick of the best or best value accommodation options there for all travel budgets and styles.
Where To Eat
Given the amount of visitors passing through or by, there are perhaps not as many options for food & drink in and around Glencoe as you may assume. However, there's plenty to keep you going and fill you up after a hike or long drive. If based here, do keep an eye on opening hours though to avoid disappointment, especially if hoping for a late evening meal.
Remember, it's really important to put tourism money into the local community via independent cafes and restaurants.
If you're setting for a particularly early morning hike however, the best bet may be to bring a packed breakfast with you.
In The Village
Glencoe Gathering | The restaurant (daily from 12 pm - 8 pm) has traditional menu with lots of hearty mains (and a very popular fish & chips), but there are a couple of veggie / vegan options. The bar has live local music with log-burning stoves to keep you toasty, whilst the cafe offers a more relaxed menu plus takeaway options.
Glencoe Cafe | Scottish-roasted coffee, cakes, free wi-fi, and simple, tasty homemade lunches await in this welcoming wee cafe in the village. Opening hours tend to be 11 am - 4 pm during the week, and until 5 pm on weekends (closed Thursdays).
Crafts & Things | We only saw this from the road and were gutted we didn't have time to pop in! Set in a gorgeous old whitewashed cottage, its coffee shop serves light lunches and homebakes whilst there's a crafts and clothes shop attached.
There's also the wee Glencoe Village Store if you need to pick up a few things.
Ballachulish
Quarrier's Kitchen | Serves fish & chips, burgers and pizzas (including a haggis one!). Open daily from 4 - 8 pm, or until 9 pm Friday to Sunday.
The Laroch Restaurant & Bar | Quite a foodie menu, so a particularly good option for the evenings. It's open for lunch 12 - 2.30 pm (except Mondays), and dinners 6 - 8.30 pm.
Quarry Cafe | A simple cafe set within the small visitor centre.
There's also a small Co-op supermarket in Ballachulish.
The Old Road & Beyond
The Clachaig Inn, as we mentioned above, is a great shout for lunch outdoors when the sun is shining. They also have ample indoors space, serving meals from midday until around 9 pm.
Highland Coo Café | Part of the Glencoe Visitor Centre, this is on the right hand side after you pass through Glencoe village.
The Way Inn | Part of the Kingshouse Hotel, this is ideal for a pitstop with sandwiches and small lunches, whilst the bar next door serves up big plates and small plates for lunch and dinner (12 pm - 8 pm daily). Its location is pretty special too, affording excellent views of the hills.
Where to Park & Fill Up
Road trips are great fun, and the drive through Glencoe is breathtaking.
However, with the sharp rise in campervanners and road trippers, it's more important than ever for travellers to respect the rules of the road, local access requirements, and drive safely. There are so many gorgeous views along the Glencoe roads, but you cannot simply stop and park wherever you want (this is dangerous, foolish, disrespectful, and irresponsible).
We've noted where to park for specific things to do in Glencoe above, but please bear in mind that parking will fill up as the day goes on and more people arrive, so you may simply have to set the alarm earlier or return later in the hope of finding a space.
Always park with an appreciation of the limited size of the car parks so that it can be safely optimised (i.e. park close to vehicles already there, or leave space for another car between you and it at least). Otherwise, overall capacity can go from 6 down to only 3 or 4 quite easily.
With the designated parking at the side of the roads, you'll see a big blue sign with a P a few hundred metres in advance to let you prepare appropriately: be fully aware of oncoming and overtaking traffic, indicate responsibly, and slow before turning into the parking space entrance. Also, be fully aware and cautious when exiting.
We've shared much more tips & advice on this over in our short guide to 'Tips for Driving in The Scottish Highlands' (published soon).
You'll find The Clansman fuel station here in Glencoe if you need to fill up (on a road trip, our rule of thumb is to never go below 1/3 of a tank).
Campervans are expressly forbidden from overnight parking in most / all parking spots along and off Glencoe, and using any passing places overnight is irresponsible and selfish.
