Lochaber
Glen Coe — Walking Guide
Glencoe is arguably the most dramatic glen in Scotland — a U-shaped glacial valley flanked by the Three Sisters of Bidean nam Bian and the long ridge of Aonach Eagach, one of the finest ridge scrambles in Britain.
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- 05:25
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- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:37
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- 21:56
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About Glen Coe
Glencoe is arguably the most dramatic glen in Scotland — a U-shaped glacial valley flanked by the Three Sisters of Bidean nam Bian and the long ridge of Aonach Eagach, one of the finest ridge scrambles in Britain. The glen is easily accessible from the A82 and holds some of Scotland's most iconic hillwalking.
Getting there
A82 from Glasgow (2.5hr) or Fort William (40 min). The NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre has a large car park with paid parking. Bus X82 Glasgow–Fort William stops at Glencoe Village and the Study car park.
When to go
Glencoe is an all-year-round destination but its character shifts dramatically by season. In winter (November–April) the ridges hold excellent snow and ice — Aonach Eagach in full winter condition is a serious mountaineering route requiring crampons, axe and rope management skills. Spring (April–May) brings the best visibility and manageable crowds. Summer (June–August) sees the car park and visitor centre very busy — midges in sheltered spots, but windy ridges remain largely midge-free. Autumn (September–October) is often the finest season: stable high pressure, low midges, and the bracken turning gold and red on the lower slopes.
Highlights
- Aonach Eagach ridge traverse
- Bidean nam Bian from the Study
- Buachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg)
- Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
Hills in and around Glen Coe
| Hill | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Aonach Eagach - Meall Dearg | munro | 952m |
| Garbh Bheinn | corbett | 867m |
| Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Coire Raineach | munro | 924m |
| Buachaille Etive Beag - Stob Dubh | munro | 956m |
| Aonach Eagach - Sgorr nam Fiannaidh | munro | 967m |
| Buachaille Etive Mor - Stob Dearg | munro | 1021m |
| Buachaille Etive Mor - Stob na Broige | munro | 953m |
| Stob Coire Sgreamhach | munro | 1072m |
| Bidean nam Bian | munro | 1149m |
| Beinn a' Chrulaiste | corbett | 857m |
| Pap of Glencoe | graham | 742m |
| Am Bodach | munro | 1031m |
| Beinn Maol Chaluim | corbett | 906m |
| Na Gruagaichean | munro | 1054m |
| Stob Coire a' Chairn | munro | 981m |
| Meall Mor | graham | 676m |
| Beinn Mhic Chasgaig | corbett | 864m |
| Stob Ban | munro | 999m |
| Mam na Gualainn | corbett | 796m |
| Binnein Mor | munro | 1130m |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I do the Aonach Eagach as a beginner?
- No. The Aonach Eagach is one of the most demanding ridges on the Scottish mainland — a Grade 2/3 scramble with serious exposure that requires genuine competence with hands-on scrambling, a head for heights, and experience reading difficult terrain. In winter it becomes a technical mountaineering route requiring full winter skills. Take a mountain skills course and tick several easier ridges before attempting it.
- What is the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) walk?
- The Lost Valley is a hidden flat-floored corrie tucked between two of the Three Sisters at around 600m — the approach involves a short scramble over boulders into the corrie itself. It's one of Glencoe's most atmospheric walks: around 6km return, 350m ascent, with impressive views up to Bidean nam Bian. Suitable for fit, sure-footed walkers with good footwear.
- Where is the best car park for Glencoe walking?
- The NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre at Glencoe Village is the main base (paid parking, toilets, cafe). For the Three Sisters and Lost Valley, use the Coire Gabhail car park (layby on A82 opposite the Sisters). For Buachaille Etive Mor, park at Altnafeadh/Kings House at the east end of the glen.
- Is there a bus to Glencoe from Glasgow or Fort William?
- Yes — the Scottish Citylink X82 Glasgow–Fort William service stops at Glencoe Village, Ballachulish, and Kings House (for Buachaille). This makes Glencoe one of the best-connected walking areas in the Highlands without a car. Check Scottish Citylink for current timetables.