The Glencoe Mountain Resort in Scotland is easily reached from Glasgow by taking the A82 road north. Journey time if driving is around 2 hours.
The route itself is very scenic soon after you leave Glasgow. Nice views can be seen when passing loch Lomond, at the Black Mount and Rannoch Moor. Stopping places on route for rests include Crianlarich, Tyndrum at the famed Green Welly Stop and Bridge of Orchy.
Crianlarich is where those travelling from Edinburgh via the M9, A84 and A85 heading northwest to Glencoe perhaps, would join the A82.
Glencoe lies in the Western Highlands and has plenty to offer travellers on short breaks. The Glencoe mountains provide some great climbing and walking trails to explore. And Loch Leven, a sea loch that sits at the north end of Glencoe village is where you can take part in a selection of water sports.
The little village has a population of around 400 and is located in the Lochaber area. Apart from what you would find in a normal small village there is also a craft shop and bike hire shop. Holiday accommodation offered consists of Bed and Breakfast, Self-Catering and a camping and caravan park.
For a small village, Glencoe has a lot to offer. with a Folk Museum, Mountain Rescue Centre and a Visitor Centre run by the National Trust for Scotland.
The Visitor Centre houses an area where you can enjoy a coffee. It also has a shop selling gifts etc. as well as an Information Centre.
Visiting The Massacre of Glencoe Monument
A sad event well known throughout Scotland and further afield is the massacre of Glencoe. No surprise that A memorial to the Glencoe Massacre has been set up in the village. To visit the memorial, head out to the eastern side of the village towards the River Coe.
The monument in the shape of a Celtic Cross is made of granite and sits on top of a cairn. It was created by an Aberdeen company, Alexander Macdonald Co.
The shocking Massacre of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe took place in the winter of 1692 after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1689–92. Wreathes are laid at the monument each year to commemorate those who were killed and those who perished in flight in the wild weather.
Activities In Glencoe Mountain Resort
On the north edge of the village is Loch Leven where you can participate in water sports such as. Rugged Paddle Boarding, Open Water Swimming and Sea Kayaking. Don’t forget to pick up your latest water sports equipment before setting out.
Climbing, hiking and walking are all favourite activities of visitors to Glencoe. Easy walks such as the Lochan trails or Signal Rock both of which are around 1.5 miles walking distance. For those who would prefer to tackle something a little steeper and rougher, the hill walk of the Pap of Glencoe, would be an idea. Distance of this hill walk is 4.25 miles and height is 2435 feet.
Another interesting hike is, The Hidden Valley, often referred to as The Lost Valley. Anyway, the real name is (Coire Gabhail). The valley is reckoned to be the hiding place for cattle rustled by the MacDonald’s of the glen. Maybe even a place to hide their own cattle from being rustled.
The walk of 2.5 miles starts at the car park opposite the Three Sisters. The trail leads from the car park, down into the valley, Cross the Coe River via a bridge and follow the path up the hill.
As you might expect just looking at the route, the path is rocky and a bit steep in places. Allow yourself around 2 to 3 hours, although once up into the valley you might want to wander around.
For those looking for more challenging hiking, the Glencoe mountains have plenty to offer. Munroe baggers will be in their glory with the variety of mountains all around this area to choose from.
A couple recommended are, Buachaille Etive Mor at the south end of the glen, seen before entering the glen on the road north and Bidean Nam Bian above The Three Sisters. The peaks and ridges on these two hikes provide some astonishing views across this area of the highlands.
Not so far away to the north of Glencoe, for more Monroe Bagging are the Mamores and Ben Nevis itself.
Sporting Pursuits of Golf, Fishing and Skiing
More gentil pastimes can also be found in the Glencoe Mountain Resort. With the golf course at near-by Ballachulish. The Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course, now named Woodlands Golf Course offers 9-hole golf. This course is classed as a Parkland course unlike the two courses we discuss at Nairn on the Moray Firth which are both links courses
Or even less strenuous sea and freshwater fishing.
Hint. For sea fishing, try the area around the Ballachulish Bridge.
Try your luck with a bit of fly fishing in Glencoe Lochan. If no fish are caught, at least you can enjoy some quite peaceful views.
Touring around the area coastal routes can be very scenic. With short trips to Oban to the south and Fort William to the north.
In the winter for those who ski and snowboard there are 20 runs to suit every level. There are 8 Glencoe chairlifts available to take participants to the tops of the runs. Prefer to go sledging? Well, that too is catered for here at Glencoe.