Glencoe

The magical Glencoe combines world-famous scenery with history and is one of the highlights of any trip to Scotland.

The wonderful world of Glencoe, located within the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, Fort William, is situated on the main route north through the Highlands and is just a short drive (about two hours) from central Scotland. The region boasts a great collection of high mountain peaks, ridges, rushing rivers and waterfalls which altogether create a magical and mystical land that offers a unique range of activities and plenty of space to roam free. The description ‘spectacular’ does not really merit the beauty of Glencoe.

The best approach is from the south on one of the major routes through the Highlands. The road climbs over the bleak expanse of Rannoch Moor and drops down between the steep sides of Glencoe. Amazing mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters loom on either side, with river scenery at the bottom of the glen.

The area is a paradise for walkers and climbers in all seasons, and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Visitors can also hire mountain bikes and hurtle downhill on the many purpose-built bike tracks, in addition to sailing, white water or sea kayaking, fishing, canyoning, golf, archery, climbing or simply walking the miles of mountain and forestry tracks. The range of activities is wide and everyone is guaranteed to find something for themselves.

The name Glencoe means ‘Valley of Weeping’, and has a melancholy and haunted air thanks to it being the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.