Exploring Glencoe: A Scenic Drive Through Scotland's Majestic Highlands
A breathtaking journey through **Glencoe**, arguably Scotland's most renowned and picturesque glen. This guide follows a scenic drive through...
- Scotland Tours
- 5 min read
Exploring Glencoe: A Scenic Drive Through Scotland’s Majestic Highlands
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Glencoe, arguably Scotland’s most renowned and picturesque glen. This guide follows a scenic drive through towering peaks, deep valleys, and historic lochs. Despite the often moody Scottish weather, the dramatic landscapes provide a constant feast for the eyes, filled with stunning scenery and fascinating history at every turn.
Our adventure through the Scottish Highlands continues from our previous explorations. Having started in Inverness, we journeyed through the wonders of Loch Ness, enjoyed a boat trip to the impressive Urquhart Castle, and made a brief stop in Fort Augustus. Now, we venture further south to spend a few days immersing ourselves in the captivating area surrounding Glencoe.
For this leg of the journey, our base is The Corran, perfectly situated for exploring the magnificent Glencoe region. This location serves as an ideal starting point for the drives and hikes that await in this iconic part of Scotland.
Just on the outskirts of the region stands Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the entire United Kingdom, reaching a height of 1,345 meters (4,413 ft). Even when its peak is shrouded in clouds, the sight is truly something to behold. The weather in the Highlands is ever-changing, and our initial glimpse of the famous mountain turned out to be the best we would get, as it remained veiled in mist for the rest of our stay.
Even with moody skies and persistent rain, the drive into Glencoe is nothing short of spectacular. The raw beauty of the landscape is undeniable, with something new to see around every corner, from cascading waterfalls to vast, open valleys.
Glencoe is situated within the National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, a protected region spanning over 90,000 hectares. It’s one of the largest designated scenic areas in Scotland, preserving the dramatic and historic landscape for all to experience.
To begin our tour, we took the recommended loop drive around the shores of Loch Leven. This route offers breathtaking scenery, allowing for frequent stops to walk down to the shore and fully absorb the tranquil yet powerful atmosphere of the loch.
The shores of Loch Leven are a picture of serene, rugged beauty. The shoreline is dotted with seaweed-covered rocks, and the calm water perfectly reflects the misty mountains that rise steeply from its banks, creating a truly immersive Highland experience.
No trip to the Highlands would be complete without a scenic drive along the A82 Glencoe Valley. The weather changes fast, so don’t be deterred if you have scenes like this. It’s very common, but keep going and it’s well worth it. It’s definitely one of the best drives in the country.
The landscape of Glencoe, with its towering mountain peaks and deep valleys, was carved out by super-volcanoes hundreds of millions of years ago and later sculpted by massive glaciers during the last Ice Age. This geological history has created a unique and awe-inspiring environment.
Our first major stop is the famous viewpoint for the Three Sisters of Glencoe. While stunningly beautiful, this valley also holds a dark and tragic past. It was here that the infamous Glencoe Massacre took place on the night of February 13, 1692. Approximately 30 members of the MacDonald clan were slaughtered by soldiers of the Campbell clan, who had been welcomed into their homes for over a week, in an act of political treachery.
Continuing our drive, the road dramatically cuts through the rock face of the valley. This stretch is a highlight of the journey and a testament to the engineering required to navigate this terrain. The scenery makes Glencoe a true mecca for walkers, climbers, and mountaineers.
Along one of the bends, a spectacular waterfall grabs your attention. A short walk from a nearby parking area brings you to The Meeting of Three Waters. This is the point where three separate streams, flowing down from the mountains, converge into one powerful stream, creating a truly stunning natural spectacle.
Next, we turn onto the famous Glen Etive Road. This begins an epic 12-mile drive through some of Scotland’s most incredible scenery, encompassing mountains, moorlands, waterfalls, and lochs. For film fans, this area might look familiar as it was a key filming location for the James Bond movie Skyfall. It’s the “road to nowhere,” ending at the shores of Loch Etive with no facilities—just you and the raw beauty of nature.
There are countless opportunities to pull over and explore on foot. We stopped at Strone Hill for a short hike to another waterfall. The area is also rich with wildlife, offering chances to spot creatures like the red deer. Another must-see location on this loop is the ruin of Kilchurn Castle, a 15th-century fortress with a commanding presence.
Our final castle of the day is the picturesque Stalker Castle. This four-story tower house, set on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, was built around 1320 for the Clan MacDougall. It has a storied history, even being lost in a drunken bet to the Clan Campbell at one point. Today, it’s privately owned but remains a magical and iconic Scottish landmark.
After a day of exploring, we stopped at the Creagan Inn before heading back to our accommodation. From there, we took the unique Corran Ferry across Loch Linnhe to The Inn at Ardgour. This ferry is a vital link for locals, cutting a 40-mile journey down to a few minutes. Best of all, foot passengers travel for free!
At the pub, we treated ourselves to some fantastic food, including the traditional Scottish soup, Cullen Skink—a hearty chowder made with smoked haddock and potatoes. With a menu updated daily and a huge selection of fresh seafood, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day in Glencoe.