15 Great Glens in Scotland To Explore
Scotland is home to over 40 glens. There are so many glens in Scotland that need to be explored at least once.
Scotland is well known for many of its magnificent glens. The word glen translates from Scottish Gaelic as a steep-sided valley.
The glens in Scotland are magical, they are home to lush green trees, secret waterfalls, lochs, and wildlife. Also, tall mountains surround the glens, you will never be in such a wonderful landscape anywhere else in the world.
The dramatic sweeps of land were formed by glaciers during the last ice-age, these valleys offer the most incredible places to reconnect with the rugged and wild landscapes.
Glen Clova, Angus
Location: Glen Clova Car Park
Glen Clova is one of the famous glens in Angus. There are seven routes to follow around Glen Clova.
On the eastern flanks of the glen, is the coire lochs – Loch Brandy and Loch Wharral. To get to the mountain corries of Loch Brandy, walkers can follow a well-constructed path from Glen Cova Hotel.
Also, there is the circuit around Loch Lee and the Falls of Unich at Glen Esk. Moreover, Glen Prosen and Glen Isla are also worth exploring and are easy to drive to from Angus.
These glens are great for walking through on a nice afternoon. From the 6 mile long Minister’s Path that links Glen Clova and Glen Prosen, historically the route where the Minister would take to serve his congregations, to the easier route of the South Esk Trail, there is so much to explore.
There are some brilliant waterfalls such as the Falls of Unich and picturesque lochs to explore in the glens of Scotland.
Nearby Accommodation: Glen Clova Hotel & Luxury Lodges, Rottal Farmhouse, Rottal Bothy
Glen Shee, Cairngorms
Location: Devil’s Elbow Viewpoint
Located at 600 metres you can drive through the Cairngorms and Glenshee. There is a large car park at Glenshee Ski Centre and there is a tea room where you can stop for some rest.
Glenshee Ski centre is also the location of the Cairnwell 9. You can bag up to 9 Munros in this area. In the winter, Glenshee is a playground for skiers and snowboarders.
Nearby Accommodation: Gulabin Lodge, Dalnaglar Castle Estate, Dalmunzie Castle Estate
Glen Derry, Cairngorms
Location: Derry Lodge
This glen is one of the most famous glens in the centre of the Cairngorms. The glen begins at Derry Lodge and leads through the glorious ancient pinewoods to the upper wild glen.
Loch Etchachan is the source at the top of the glen, it is the highest-altitude lake in the UK. Glen Derry is a popular choice for hillwalkers who are keen to bag some Cairngorm Munros.
You can bag Beinn Mheadhoin and Derry Cairngorm from the Linn of Dee to get excellent views walking through Glen Lui and of Glen Derry.
Nearby Accommodation: Braemar Lodge Cabins, Meall Darroch, Derry – Mar Lodge Estate
Glen Coe, Lochaber
Location: Glen Coe Visitor Centre
Scotland’s most famous glen and it is one of the most accessible. A favourite glen for drivers, hillwalkers and climbers.
You can drive through part of Glen Coe and the grand mountains tower on either side of the road.
This is an easy glen to access and you do not have to be a mountaineer to experience the magic here.
This glen is the location of the infamous 1692 massacre, where the Macdonalds were slaughtered by an army contingent made up of Campbells.
For keen walkers, this glen is the true Mecca, one of the most notable peaks is the Buachaille Etive Mor standing as the guardian at the start of the glen.
Bidean nam Bian is the highest peak and is one of the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters and the Meeting of the Three Waters can easily be seen during a drive through Glen Coe.
There is a wide variety of walks to chose from in Glen Coe. Some of the easier ones are Inchree Falls, Signal Rock, Ballachulish Slate Quarries and Loch Leven.
All of these destination can be reached within an hour. More challenging routes for the most experienced hillwalkers are Aonach Eagach, Fraochaidh and Glas Bheinn. These routes will take between 7 and 9 hours.
Nearby Accommodation: Bidean Cottage, Glencoe Youth Hostel, Hawthorn Cottage
Glen Feshie, Cairngorms
Location: Glen Feshie
A hidden gem located in the northern Cairngorms. This area is popular for walkers who is bagging a couple of Munros.
Take in the views of Sgor Gaoith and its neighbouring Munro, Mullach Clach a’Bhlair. Achlean is the usual start and finish point for walks in this glen.
There are excellent tracks in the glen which take up on the river side of the River Feshie.
Also, you can climb among the mighty Scots Pine, which most are believed to be at least 300 years old. Underfoot, on either side of the track is thick carpets of blueberry, heather and wildflowers.
Nearby Accommodation: Lagganlia Lodges and Camping Pods, Glenfeshie Hostel, Inschcraig
Glen Lyon, Perthshire
Location: Glen Lyon
One of the longest glens in the country is Glen Lyon in Perthshire, the glen is reported to be at least 30 miles long. The glen is located near Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross.
Glen Lyon’s beauty has been reported to be similar to Glen Affric. Sir Walter Scott stated that Glen Lyon is the “loveliest glen in Scotland” and is filled with Munros, hills, remote lochs and an ancient pine forest.
In the west is Loch Lyon which is the reservoir for the glen. The glen runs to the east through a small lovely village called Fortingall.
Surrounding the glen is the four Glen Lyon Munros, known as the “Glen Lyon horseshoe”. Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg and Meall na Aighean makes an excellent day out for hillwalkers and provide a birds-eye view of the glen.
Nearby Accommodation: Gardeners Cottage, Glencroft, The Salmon House
Glen Nevis, Lochnaber
Location: Upper Glen Nevis Car Park
This glen is one of the most visited glens in the whole of Scotland. It is located at the foot of the tallest mountain in the UK – Ben Nevis.
It is an excellent place to get stunning views of Ben Nevis and one of the third-highest waterfalls in Scotland – Steall Waterfall. As well as the gorgeous scenery, there is usually free-ranging herd of Highland Cows to watch out for.
Glen Nevis is not far from Fort William, the largest settlement in the whole of the western coastline of the Highlands, known as the “Outdoor Capital”. Glen Nevis a featured in the last stretch of the West Highland Way.
A host walk which can be enjoyed by beginners is the walkthrough Achriabhach Forest Walk, which will take approximately one hour. For the more keen walkers, there is a walk through Glen Nevis to Polldubh Falls with takes four hours.
Nearby Accommodation: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Ben Nevis Inn Rooms, The Brevins Guest House
Glen Etive, Lochaber
Location: Glen Etive
This is Glen Coe’s lesser-known neighbour. It has recently gained more fame due to the location of a scene in the James Bond hit film Skyfall.
Home to not only Buachaille Etive More and the River Etive, but it is also the site of the country’s most scenic drives.
You can walk up Glen Etive in a 11 mile hike. The walk is fairly flat and runs along a long country lane.
Look out for pretty waterfalls and red deer as you make your way through the stunning glen. The route starts from the parking area on the A82 near King’s House Hotel in Glencoe, Argyll.
At the north end of Loch Etive, hikers can tackle the Corbett Beinn Trilleachan to get impressive views of Loch Etive and Glen Etive.
Nearby Accommodation: Glencoe Youth Hostel, Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Glen Quoich, Cairngorms
Location: Linn of Quioch Car Park
Glen Quoich is one of the most visited glens in Scotland. Similar to its twin Glen Derry in the Cairngorms.
Most visitors are walkers who are tackling the great mountain of Beinn a’Bhuitd at the head of the glen.
The Glen Quoich Walk is a laidback adventure in the Cairngorms National Park that features, stunning pinewood, sweeping views and rushing falls.
While on route, you can view the Punch Bowl falls before climbing uphill for impressive views across the valley.
Nearby Accommodation: Braemar Lodge Cabins, Derry – Mar Lodge Estate, Meall Darroch
Glen Sligachan, Isle of Skye
Location: Sligachan Old Bridge Car Park
One of the most dramatic viewpoints in the whole of Scotland. Glen Sligachan is known for the Sligachan waterfalls and Old Sligachan Bridge.
Also, the Cuillin Munros and the Red Hills on the Isle of Skye surround the glen to make some amazing dramatic scenery.
The long glen runs from sea to sea, dividing the Black from the Red Cuillin mountains.
There is a good clear path for most of the route, however, it is boggy in some parts. At the southern end, you will pass Loch na Creitheach before reaching the pale sand beach of Camasunary Beach.
Nearby Accommodation: Sligachan Hotel, Karinya, Tigh na Creag
Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye
Location: Fairy Glen Parking
Fairy Glen is an extremely unique landscape which features conical hills, on the west side of Trotternish.
It is believed that this landscape was formed at the end of the last ice age and may have been formed by wind action and landslips. This is one of the most unique glens in Scotland.
On top of one of the hills is Castle Ewen. There is not much room at the top, but you will be rewarded with wonderful views.
It takes an hour to walk around the glen on the paths. Parking is limited at the glen, also, there is a parking fee.
It is recommended that you park in Uig and walk into the glen.
Nearby Accommodation: 5 Glenconnon B&B, The Beach House B&B, Holiday Home Jerrys
Glen Tilt, Perthshire
Location: Glen Tilt Car Park
On the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park, you will find Glen Tilt run from the mount of Blair Atholl in Perthshire.
There is no access for vehicles however it is a short walk to get deep into the remoteness of the glen. You can follow way-marked and clear paths, tracks and minor roads to get through the glen.
The Falls of Tarf is located up in the glen. The circular route follows up one side of the river and down the other side and can take four hours to complete.
Also, the route can be used to walk to Glen Geldie, Linn of Dee, Glen Feshie or a very long approach to the Lairig Ghru.
Nearby Accommodation: Dalgreine Guest House, Lazise Lodge, Riverside Lodge in Killiecrankie
Glen Torridon, Ross-Shire
Location: Beinn Eighe Car Park
Torridon is a spectacular region in Scotland full of wonderful landscapes and scenery. The glen itself is a rival to Glen Coe.
There are mountains surrounding the north of the glen. Also, there is some stunning pinewood near the sea loch at the lower end of the glen.
There are lovely coastal paths along the side of Loch Torridon between the two peaks of Shieldaig and Diabaig.
North of Kinlochewe is Loch Maree, with its beautiful pinewoods it is considered to be one of the finest freshwater lochs in the whole of Scotland.
One of the easiest walks to explore the area is the Loch Torridon boathouse path which takes an hour to explore.
A more challenging route for keen walkers is the Liathach, a traverse with the Munros – Spidean a’Choire Leith and Mullach an Rathain. The traverse is an expedition that will be remembered forever with breath taking views across Glen Torridon.
Glen Torridon is an excellent stop on the North Coast 500.
Nearby Accommodation: West Home, Torridon Youth Hostel, Glen Cottage – Torridon
Glen Affric, Inverness-shire
Location: Benevean Dam Car Park
Located in the remote western Highlands is a stunning glen that can be compared to anywhere else. Glen Affric is one of the jewel glens in Scotland.
Also, the glen contains a few lochs including Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain. Moreover, the upper glen is guarded by some of the country’s wildest and grandest mountains.
There is an 11-mile circular path around Loch Affric, and it is one of Scotland’s most mesmerising walks. You can view the mountains high above and the moorland scenery.
An impressive 30,000 trees are being planted to restore the ancient Caledonian Forest since 2015. Glen Affric is one of Scotland’s 48 National Nature Reserves.
The 44 miles Affric to Kintail Way runs through the glen. Also, there are two restored buildings at the end of the glen Athnamulloch Bothy and Strawberry Cottage.
There is a very short route to follow along the River Affric and Am Meallan.
Near Glen Affric is the stunning Plodda Falls, a forty metres high falls in the climax while enjoying a walk through the forest of Douglas Fir. The route to the falls only takes an hour to explore.
Nearby Accommodation: Tomich Woodland Lodges, Kerrow House, Westward Bed and Breakfast
Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire
Location: Finnich Glen Car Parking Area
This glen is undoubtedly one of the smallest glen in Scotland, however, it is perhaps the most famous. Finnich Glen features waterfalls and is located just north of Glasgow and is one of the quickest stops to get to on this list.
It is a little tricky to find the entrance and you have to follow down steep steps known as Jacob’s Ladder to get into the glen.
Inside the glen is absolutely magical, you can experience the green-covered moss walls contrasting with the rustic red sands Also, this mysterious setting has played a role in the hit TV show Outlander.
Nearby Accommodation: Loch Lomond Finnich Cottages, The Attic at Edenmill, The Wee Den
What are the Scottish glens?
Glen is a Scottish word for valley, due to the mountainous landscape, Scotland is populated with plenty of glens and valets. Thousands of years ago, glaciers carved the current landscape.
The glaciers departed at the end of the last ice age 11,500 years ago. Many valleys in Scotland are U-shaped.
What is the most beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands?
There are so many wonderful glens in Scotland. Glen Affric is one of the most remote and beautiful glens in the Scottish Highlands.
How many glens are in Scotland?
It is believed that there are over 40 glens in Scotland. The smallest glen is Finnich Glen in Stirlingshire near Glasgow.
More dramatic glens are located further north in the Highlands.
Final Note
Scotland is home to magnificent landscapes, the glens are worth exploring. This posts lists the best glens in Scotland.
There are dramatic mountains, sparkling lakes and wonderful forests. Glen Corse is located in the Pentland Hills, only half an hour from Edinburgh.