Lochaber
Glencoe / Bidean nam Bian — Parking
Glencoe NTS Visitor Centre · Grid ref NN 107 577 · PH49 4HX · NTS members free; non-members pay (approx £6 all-day)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NN 107 577
- Postcode (satnav)
- PH49 4HX
- Spaces
- ~200
- Cost
- NTS members free; non-members pay (approx £6 all-day)
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 50m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 20m
From the car park
The Visitor Centre sits on the south side of the A82 with clear signed access. The car park is directly behind the building. A series of waymarked trails starts here including Signal Rock (20 min) and the lochan circuit through birch woodland. For higher routes into the Glencoe mountains, the Visitor Centre is a good orientation point but most summit approaches require driving to specific lay-bys or Altnafeadh.
The walk
From the Visitor Centre, the Signal Rock path gives a superb 45-minute woodland walk to the viewpoint above the gorge. The Meeting of Three Waters viewpoint on the A82 (1km east) accesses the lower Coire Gabhail (Lost Valley) path — one of Scotland's finest hidden valleys (8km return, 450m ascent). Bidean nam Bian, the highest peak in Argyll, and the Aonach Eagach ridge — Scotland's finest mainland ridge — are both within 20 minutes' drive along the A82.
Facilities
- Visitor centre
- Café
- Toilets
- Gift shop
- Information
Busy times
The Visitor Centre is busy throughout the summer season and at weekends year-round. The A82 through Glencoe is one of Scotland's most scenic drives and attracts tourists who may not be walking — expect the car park to fill from 10am in summer. For serious hillwalking from Altnafeadh or the Study, early arrival (before 9am) is essential on weekends.
Getting here without a car
Scottish Citylink coaches on the Glasgow–Fort William–Skye route stop at Glencoe village (not the Visitor Centre itself, which is 2km east). The 918 coach stops in the village approximately 4 times daily. From Glencoe village it is a 2km walk or taxi to the Visitor Centre. Local bus connections are very limited within the glen itself.
Winter access
The A82 through Glencoe is a trunk road and is gritted and treated during winter weather. It occasionally closes briefly following heavy snowfall or avalanche risk from the flanking slopes, particularly between Altnafeadh and the Study. The NTS Visitor Centre remains open in winter. High routes in the glen (Aonach Eagach, Bidean) are serious winter climbs requiring full mountaineering equipment.
Overflow parking
Altnafeadh (NN 221 563) for Buachaille Etive Mor — free, limited. Glencoe Village car park. A82 laybys (check restrictions).
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 21:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to be an NTS member to park at Glencoe Visitor Centre?
- No — non-NTS members can park but pay a fee (approximately £6 for all-day, 2025). NTS members park free. The Visitor Centre itself is also open to non-members, with free entry to the exhibitions.
- What walks start from Glencoe Visitor Centre?
- The Signal Rock viewpoint (45 min return), the lochan woodland circuit, and the lower glen paths are all accessible from the Visitor Centre car park. For major routes (Bidean nam Bian, Aonach Eagach, Lost Valley), drive to specific starting points along the A82 — the Visitor Centre staff can advise on current conditions.
- Is the Aonach Eagach safe to walk?
- The Aonach Eagach ridge is Scotland's finest and most technically demanding mainland ridge walk — involving genuine Grade 2–3 scrambling that cannot be reversed easily once started. It is not suitable for inexperienced walkers. Guides are available from Glencoe Mountain Sport in the village for those who want to attempt it safely.
- Is there a café at Glencoe Visitor Centre?
- Yes — the NTS Visitor Centre has a café serving hot food, drinks and snacks. It operates seasonally (typically April–October) with reduced hours in winter. Check nts.org.uk for current opening times before your visit.