lochaber · 3-day itinerary
Glen Coe long weekend
Three days at the most dramatic point in the Highlands — one ridge, one bothy, one classic glen walk.
Glen Coe is the highest concentration of dramatic mountain ground on a single road in the UK. Three days here is just enough to do the classic ridge, walk a proper bothy approach, and explore the Lost Valley without rushing. The base for the weekend is Glencoe village — the Clachaig Inn is the legendary stop, but the SYHA hostel and the multiple B&Bs are also excellent. Access by car is straightforward (A82); car-free is realistic via Scottish Citylink coach from Glasgow.
This plan covers a moderate-to-hard route on day 1 (Buachaille Etive Mor or the Aonach Eagach if you scramble), a forgiving low-level day on day 2 (the Lost Valley and Stob Coire Sgreamhach), and the Lairig Gartain bothy walk on day 3 for those who want to extend.
Day-by-day plan
Stob Dearg of Buachaille Etive Mor
The most photographed mountain in Scotland — the Buachaille at the head of Glen Etive. Park at Altnafeadh (NN221563) and take the standard Coire na Tulaich route to Stob Dearg. 6-7 hours return, 880m ascent. The Crowberry Tower view from the summit is one of the great Glen Coe panoramas.
- Distance
- 10 km, 880m ascent
- Overnight
- Glencoe village — Clachaig Inn / Glencoe Independent Hostel / SYHA
- Transport
- Car day from Glencoe village
Lost Valley + Bidean nam Bian
A classic Glen Coe day: into the Lost Valley between the Three Sisters, then up to Bidean nam Bian (1150m, the highest peak in Argyll). 7-8 hours, 1100m ascent. Bypass paths exist on the steep upper sections if cloud is in.
- Distance
- 12 km, 1100m ascent
- Overnight
- Glencoe village second night
- Transport
- Car day from Glencoe village
On this day
Lairig Gartain bothy approach + Glen Etive
A gentler day. Walk into the Lairig Gartain pass between the Buachaille and Buachaille Etive Beag — about 4km to the watershed, with optional extension to Glen Etive on the other side. Drive south to Glen Etive itself for the lower reach and a swim in the river pools.
- Distance
- 8-12 km depending on extension
- Overnight
- Drive home or extend with a Kingshouse Hotel night
- Transport
- Car day
On this day
Accommodation
- Clachaig Inn
The classic Glen Coe walker base — book months ahead in summer
- Glencoe Independent Hostel
Budget option; bunkhouse and microlodges
- Kingshouse Hotel
The most atmospheric option — at the head of Rannoch Moor under the Buachaille
Getting there
Drive Glasgow → Glencoe village in 2h30 via A82. Scottish Citylink coaches 914/915/916 (Glasgow → Fort William) stop at Glencoe village and Kingshouse Hotel — fully car-free trips are realistic. Local taxis or hitching cover the short A82 stretches between trailheads.
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