Glencoe, Scotland
Scotland’s Most Beautiful Valley: Glencoe
Glencoe is known as one of the most beautiful locations in the Highlands, if not in the entire country. Once you’ve experienced these valleys for yourself, it’s easy to see why. Out of all of the epic locations in Scotland, Glencoe is one that visitors of Scotland often rave about the most (and remember most when they head home).
The landscape of Glencoe and the surrounding area is truly unique and was created from an ancient super volcano that erupted roughly 420 million years ago. From that volcanic explosion, the beauty of Glencoe was created, and we are forever grateful!
If you ever find yourself in Edinburgh or somewhere else in Scotland on holiday, make sure to visit this unbelievable place that’s a strong favourite amongst our Scotland tour guides. In this guide, we’ll give you some facts about Glencoe, the top places within Glencoe to visit, some hidden gems, awesome hikes and we’ll also answer some of our most asked questions!
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8 Fascinating Facts About Glencoe
The Site of Scotland’s Most Notorious Massacre
In 1692, Glencoe became infamous for the Massacre of Glencoe, where government troops, under orders from King William III, slaughtered members of the MacDonald clan in their own homes.The MacDonalds had hosted these soldiers for nearly two weeks, following the Highland tradition of hospitality, making the betrayal all the more shocking. This event remains one of Scotland’s darkest historical moments and adds an eerie depth to the already dramatic landscape.
A Landscape Created by Fire and Ice
Glencoe’s striking terrain was forged by volcanic eruptions over 400 million years ago and later sculpted by glaciers. It is one of Scotland’s most spectacular geological sites, with sheer cliffs, deep glens, and rugged peaks.The glen is actually a collapsed volcanic caldera, making it a dream location for geologists and a dramatic setting for visitors.
3. The Lost Valley of the MacDonalds
Hidden within Glencoe lies Coire Gabhail, also known as the Lost Valley, where the MacDonalds once hid stolen cattle from rival clans and English forces. This secluded valley is shrouded in mystery, accessible only via a challenging hike through steep, rocky terrain. Legends say some of the MacDonalds escaped here during the 1692 massacre, disappearing into the misty mountains.
4. A Film Star in its Own Right
Glencoe’s wild beauty has caught the attention of Hollywood, featuring in blockbusters like James Bond’s Skyfall, where Bond’s Aston Martin winds through the valley, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where Hagrid’s hut was set against its stunning backdrop. The glen’s cinematic quality, with its dramatic peaks and moody weather, makes it a favorite for filmmakers seeking epic landscapes.
5. One of Scotland’s Most Challenging Ridge Walks
If you’re an adventurous hiker, Aonach Eagach Ridge is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous ridge walks in Scotland. Often considered the narrowest ridge in mainland Britain, it offers breathtaking views but also requires nerves of steel, as some sections involve scrambling over sheer drops. This hike is not for the faint-hearted but is a must-do for thrill-seekers looking to conquer Glencoe’s peaks.
6. It’s a Rain Magnet – and That’s a Good Thing!
Glencoe is one of the wettest places in Scotland, receiving an average of 118 inches (3,000mm) of rain per year. While this might sound like bad news for visitors, the heavy rainfall is what gives the glen its lush greenery, roaring waterfalls, and atmospheric mist that adds to its mystique. There’s a reason it looks so hauntingly beautiful in all those films!
7. A Hot Spot for Scotland’s Most Iconic Wildlife
The glen is home to some of Scotland’s most majestic wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and mountain hares. On a quiet day, you might spot stags silhouetted against the mountains or see an eagle soaring overhead. Wildlife lovers often visit at dawn or dusk when the glen is at its most peaceful, and animals are more active.
8. One of Scotland’s Best Stargazing Spots
With almost no light pollution, Glencoe is a designated Dark Sky area, making it one of Scotland’s best locations for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing above the mountains. It’s a surreal experience to stand in the vast, silent glen, looking up at the cosmos.
What is Glencoe Famous For?
Glencoe is most famous for two things: its jaw-dropping beauty and its dark, tragic past.
Often called Scotland’s most beautiful valley, it’s a place where the mountains on either side of the road and the mist that often descends around them create a scene straight out of a movie. Hikers, photographers, and filmmakers can’t get enough of it—seriously, it’s been a backdrop for Skyfall, Harry Potter, and countless travel guides. Whatever the weather, Glencoe will make an impression on you - even when you can barely see it!
But Glencoe has a dark side, too. In 1692, Glencoe was the site of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, where government troops, after enjoying the MacDonald clan’s hospitality for nearly two weeks, turned on their hosts and brutally murdered them.
Many fled into the snow-covered mountains, only to perish in the freezing cold. It’s one of Scotland’s most chilling stories, and it still gives Glencoe an eerie, almost haunted feel.
I can’t help but recommend Glencoe wholeheartedly to any visitor of Scotland. Even if you were to only drive through the valley it would be worth the time spent - but it’ll be even better if you spend some time here and even get out for a wee hike!
Is Glencoe worth visiting?
The short answer? Absolutely.
The long answer always has something to do with what kind of person you are. What you enjoy doing and what your family/friends/travel companions would enjoy doing. But honestly, I’ve not met a single person who hasn’t enjoyed their visit to Glencoe. Some come back having been absolutely drenched, frozen to the bone and still say it was the highlight of their trip.
Very simply, you must add Glencoe to your Scotland vacation destination list. Even if for just a day trip up and back. We offer a guided small-group tour from Glasgow that does just that where you’ll have an expert Scotland guide tell stories of the Glencoe Massacre, legends of the area and generally make your trip an unforgettable one.
How to Spend a Day in Glencoe
Pictured is one of our maps created for the Glencoe day tour from Glasgow, but very simply this could be used from Edinburgh as well (it only will take a bit longer).
While in Glencoe, make sure to check out the 3 sisters view point, Glencoe waterfall, the Glencoe visitor centre and 1700’s Turf House - it’s also a great place to stop for lunch.
You might also consider stopping at the Clachaig Inn for an old styled Scottish bar/inn in the Highlands. Also, a great place to stop for lunch.
Loch Achtriochtan also happens to be a short walk from the Clachaig and there you’ll have stunning views across the loch with the mountains of Glencoe as the back drop.
If you’re heading up to Glencoe, you might as well stop at great locations on the way. Check-out: the historic village of Luss on Loch Lomond (go see the viking grave while you’re there),
Drive along (or get taken in our comfortable 8-passenger vehicles) the Loch Lomond road then see the Falls of Falloch north of Loch Lomond. You’ll also pass by Loch Tulla and Rannoch Moor before you get into Glencoe - stop and enjoy the incredible views!
So there you’ll have a very full day in Glencoe - it’ll most likely be a trip you never forget! And, if you’re more into hiking, consider taking the Hidden Valley trail from the 3 Sisters Viewpoint Car park.
Top 5 Locations to Visit in Glencoe
Buachaille Etive Mor
The first view many visitors get of Glencoe is when they’re confronted with the grandeur of the Great Herdman of Etive, Buachaille Etive Mor. What an imposing sight as you drive over the open expanse of Rannoch Moor and up ahead is the Great Herdsman guarding the entrance of Glencoe like a bouncer to an exclusive club.
All around you as you approach Buachaille Etive Mor, is the magnificent Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining true wilderness locations in Scotland. This open expanse of moorland is a site of special scientific interest and home to huge populations of red deer. Of all the places to see deer in Scotland, this may be the best (make sure to visit the King’s House for more chances of seeing deer in the day).
2. The Three Sisters Mountains at Glencoe
The three sisters welcome you as soon as you turn the corner into the famous Glen. A prominent feature in the landscape, they bring walkers in from all over the world who visit here to hike the mountain paths year-round.
No wonder, what a sight! You don’t even have to go for a hike to see these three beauties though. You can snap an incredible picture like the one above from the 3 sisters’ viewpoint along the road that cuts through Glencoe.
Also from this location is the start to the wonderful Hidden Valley hike which takes you deep into the mountains to a location it’s said the MacDonald Clan would hide the cattle they stole from their neighbours. All in all, it’s around a 3-4 hour hike and absolutely worth it. After leading groups into the Hidden Valley many times, I’m still unsure how the clan could lead themselves there in the dark, let alone with stolen cattle!
3. Glencoe Waterfall & the Meeting of the Three Waters
Just in case you didn’t know, Scotland is known for getting more than its fair share of rain. But there are some serious benefits to the amount of rain we receive in Scotland. Lots of rain here is the cause of the wide number of vibrant shades of green we get as well as the incredible waterfalls that at some points in the year can rage into an impressive force.
Glencoe is home to a wonderful variety of waterfalls. The most famous of them all are the Glencoe Waterfalls - found just off the A82 while driving through the valley. They’ve become somewhat of an Instagram photo shoot spot as the small pools at the top of the waterfall offer an opportunity for a quick dip and a panorama of the Glencoe valley stretching out behind.
Follow the river up further and you’ll find plenty of secluded pools and stretches of river perfect for a wee wild swim. The first time I discovered this location I spent the entire day exploring and swimming (on a lovely summer day) and have likened it to a natural waterpark ever since. A must-see location to experience!
Also notable is the Meeting of the Three Waters. Near the base of the Three Sisters mountains is where water meets from 3 different sources within Glencoe, hence the name of the falls.
After heavy rainfall, these waterfalls rage to an impressive degree - make sure to stop by on your trip to Glencoe.
4. The Glencoe Visitor Centre
The Glencoe Visitor Centre and Turf House is a must-visit for anyone exploring this breathtaking valley. Run by the National Trust for Scotland, the visitor centre offers a deep dive into Glencoe’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Through interactive exhibits, films, and informative displays, you’ll uncover the fascinating story of how this dramatic landscape was shaped by ancient volcanoes and glaciers, as well as the chilling tale of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.
The centre also has a café, a gift shop, and knowledgeable staff who can provide hiking tips and insights into the area’s rich heritage. It’s the perfect starting point for first-time visitors looking to get a real sense of what makes Glencoe so special.
One of the highlights of the centre is the traditional 17th-century turf house, a reconstruction of the kind of homes people in Glencoe would have lived in during the time of the massacre. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the Highlanders who once called this glen home. The authentic design, with its thick turf walls and simple interior, makes it easy to imagine the challenges of life in such a remote and rugged landscape.
5. The Wee White Hoose
The Wee White Hoose is one of Glencoe’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, sitting in isolation against the backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains. Officially known as Lagangarbh Hut, this little white cottage is a former crofter’s house and now serves as a bothy for mountaineers and hikers visiting the area.
Its striking contrast against the rugged, often mist-shrouded peaks makes it a dream for photographers - you may already have seen it as your desktop screensaver!
Whether covered in snow, glowing in the golden light of sunrise, or standing alone against stormy skies, the Wee White Hoose captures the essence of Glencoe’s dramatic landscape.
It once belonged to the MacDonalds of Glencoe, the same clan that suffered the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. Today, it is managed by the Scottish Mountaineering Club, offering a rustic and remote base for those exploring the surrounding mountains.
While the cottage itself isn’t open to casual visitors, stopping to admire and photograph it is a must when driving through Glencoe. Its quiet, solitary presence in such an awe-inspiring setting makes it a spot that perfectly embodies the remoteness of Scotland’s most famous glen.
Award-Winning Small-Group Tours of Glencoe & Beyond
Hopefully you know have a much better understanding of Glencoe and a burning desire to visit! You won’t be disappointed... Below I’ve listed a selection of our group tours that head to Glencoe for the day or spend time in Glencoe before heading further into the Highlands of to the Island of Scotland.
Click on the images below and you’ll be taken to the tour pages where you can see more information, the full itinerary and photos of the locations. If you’re looking for something personalised, consider getting in touch with us about a custom private tour!
