This is hands down my favourite place in Scotland and one I make sure I visit every time I am in the UK. I highly recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your visit to the Scottish Highlands.
Scotland’s most scenic drive
If you do nothing else, at least drive along the A82 through Glencoe Valley. It is one of the most scenic, visually stunning drives in the whole UK. You will find yourself pulling over several times, in one of the little bays to take it all in and try to capture it on film. Turn off the A82 and take a drive along the picturesque Glen Etive drive. Rising up on either side of the road are two large peaks – Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mor. It is also the same road that James Bond drives down in ‘Skyfall’. Follow the road, that runs along beside a stream, to the end until you reach Glen Etive Loch, you might spy some deer along the way. One of the benefits of all the rain in Scotland is the green….. Glencoe is carpeted in green! Just watch out for ticks when frolicking in all that green – the little buggers are everywhere in the Highlands – so pack some repellent.
Where to stay in Glencoe
On my first visit to Glencoe, we stayed at the Clachaig Inn, smack in the middle of a valley with mountains rising all around it…..breathtaking! In winter, this place is frequented by skiers and in summer, it is a hiker’s paradise. I loved the location so much, I chose to stay there again on a return trip in 2022. Boots bar at the Clachaig Inn is an over 18’s venue and has a great vibe. They regularly have live music and a good menu as well as a wide selection at the bar! If travelling with kids, there are other dining and common areas for use.
On another visit, my friend and I stayed at the Loch Leven Hotel and Gin Distillery. It has glorious views of pretty Loch Leven and I loved the Scottish decor with tartan accents everywhere. Of course, when staying at a gin distillery, it would be rude not to, so we may have done a little sampling! A drive around pretty Loch Leven is worth your time. On a good day, the loch provides mirror reflections of the surrounding mountains. Stop at the Loch Leven Castle viewpoint, with views across the lake to see the castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. If curious about the castle, it is open for visitors, but you may need to book ahead as it is only accessible by boat.
Things to see in Glencoe
Fort William is the main town in Glencoe and is worth stopping for a look around. It is a cute little town but not much time needed here to see it all. Neptune’s staircase, located there, is interesting to see – a flight of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal.
We took a gondola ride up the north face of Aonach Mor. In summer, there are lots of mountain bikers making the most of the downhill tracks. There are lots of great walks that you can do in the area. We did a little hike with the kids to see Inchree Falls. It was a family friendly walk with cute little fairy lodgings along the way that my daughter loved. The falls were impressive, but we didn’t stay long to admire them…. the Scottish weather kicked in and it was raining sideways, so we quickly made our way back to the car. Never go to Scotland without a decent raincoat!
Did you know that you can purchase a small plot of Scottish land from the Highland Trust, approximately 1metre square and officially become a Laird or Lady? Well, I’m a Lady don’t you know?? Lady Debra of Glencoe to be precise! A friend gifted me a plot for Christmas one year, a fun and unique gift – highly recommend! We had to visit my plot of land while in Scotland! The guys at the Highland Trust were fantastic. They showed us my plot of land, told us about the work they do and by the end of our visit I’m pretty sure they had a bit of soft spot for Aussie lasses. Make sure you book and if you do book, make sure you turn up!
Included in my return trip to the Highlands was a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct – parking was non-existent, so I dropped my passengers off so they wouldn’t miss seeing the Harry Potter train. Look up the train schedule and give yourself plenty of time to find parking and to hike to a good vantage point to actually see the train. I gave my daughter the camera, and drove off looking for a park, hoping I would make it back in time to see the train myself. On my third drive past, as I was passing under the Viaduct, I looked up and there she was right above me! My daughter got the money shot, at least I still got to see it -albeit from my car.
Although, I haven’t actually seen it myself, there is a memorial cross in Glencoe, dedicated to the 38 people who were massacred there on 13th February 1692, by government soldiers. Each year, on that day, a memorial service is held at St Mary’s Church followed by a march to the cross for the laying of wreaths.
Loch Lomond
I stumbled upon a gem of a pub on one of my early visits to Glencoe – the Drover’s Inn Opened in 1705, it is the oldest licensed premises in Scotland. Located near Loch Lomond, it is said the infamous Rob Roy MacGregor frequented the Inn. It is also said to be haunted by an old cattle drover, with many reported ghost sightings. I didn’t experience the presence of any dead people, but there are plenty of dead animals! The Taxidermy variety that is! They are everywhere! If you want a Scottish meal, something to wet your whistle, and decor that you don’t see every day, then drop in for a visit.
One surprise find on our drive, as we were leaving the Highlands, was the gorgeous village of Luss. We were actually looking for a feed so followed the signs to hopefully find food. Not only did we have a lovely lunch at the local pub, but we wandered around this pretty little pedestrian town on the shores of Loch Lomond.
The photos don’t do it justice. Glencoe is stunning! Once seen, the memory of it will linger in your senses and you’ll soon be yearning to return.
The Isle of Skye is a logical extension to your Scottish itinerary once you have seen Glencoe, especially if you have hired a car. On the way to The Isle of Skye is Eileen Donan Castle. This iconic castle stands alone on its own little island overlooking the Isle of Skye and is well worth a stop. Read about our adventure on the Isle of Skye for some itinerary ideas.
For further destination ideas to add to your Scottish itinerary, read the blog post our driving tour of central Scotland. Happy planning!
