30 Amazing Things To Do Around Glencoe Scotland
The impressive Glencoe area has some spectacular landscapes like nowhere else. There are a lot of things to do around Glencoe.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway or staycation, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Western Highlands! It is a stunning part of Scotland and is a very welcoming area for travellers.
You can relax at white sand beaches, explore abandoned sites, and go for a hike. Or you can pose at famous Hollywood scenes or chill in a cosy pub.
This post provides a fun-filled itinerary for Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan and Morar.
Glencoe
Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous glen with awe-inspiring landscapes. The Hidden Valley is an excellent scenic drive for taking photos.
Also, there are various walking trails and paths for almost every ability, including the West Highland Way.
Loch Tulla
The first popular stop is Loch Tulla. There is a large space for parking alongside the main road.
The loch is impressive and the surrounding countryside is breath taking. Loch Tulla marks the halfway point from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park.
There is usually a food truck stopped in the parking area, but, there are no toilet facilities.
When driving in the Scottish Highlands, be aware of the ‘Highland Mile’. Remember driving may take longer, and you might get stuck behind a caravan or two.
So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to drive. This is a great point to stop and break up the journey.
Loch Tulla is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness. And approximately one hour 45-minute drive from Glasgow.
Nearby Accommodation: Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Buachaille Etive Mor
Upon arriving at Glencoe the first view that people feast their eyes on is the Buachaille Etive Mor. Etive Mor is known as Scotland’s most photographed mountain.
I would recommend parking in a lay-by at Altnafeadh for a great photo. Also, nearby is where scenes of the Skyfall movie were recorded.
Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the best hikes in Glencoe.
Meeting of the Three Waters
Next on the list is the ‘Meeting of the Three Waters’. The waterfall is situated at the foot of the Three Sisters.
It is an easy win for any photographer and just a few yards from a car parking lay-by. Also, after heavy rain or snowfall you are in for a treat for these magnificent rapids.
Three Sisters
The Three Sisters are three peaks also known as ‘Bidean nam Bian’. Beinn Fhada, Gearr Anach and Aonach Dubh are the three ridges that create the Three Sisters.
Here you can catch an amazing photo opportunity from the small car park at the base of the mountains. Also, you can hike Munro’s features as part of the Three Sisters.
This walk will take you approximately eight hours.
Loch Achtriochtan
Loch Achtriochtan is another unmissable stunning photo spot. The loch is located three miles east of Glen Coe village and north of the Three Sisters.
There is a small parking area next to the main road. Look at the photo below, this is a great stop, I highly recommend!
Glencoe Campsites and Accommodation
There are several campsites tucked away in the amazing scenery in Glencoe. The sites are located in picturesque spots sheltered by mountain landscape surroundings.
Invercoe Caravan and Camping offers lodges, cottages, caravan and pitching sites.
Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site is located at the foot of the mountains.
Red Squirrel Campsite is in a charming spot. Nestled in the mountains there is such a tranquil atmosphere.
Glencoe Accommodation: Glencoe Youth Hostel, Hawthorn Cottage, Glencoe House, Tigh Ban
Fort William
Fort William is tucked away at the bottom of Ben Nevis. The town looks onto two secluded lochs, Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil.
Also, Fort William is known as the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom. It is an excellent base for Western Highland trips.
Make sure you stay here for at least a night to enjoy the local museums and outdoor activities.
What is Fort William Famous For?
Fort William was the first town in the UK to use hydroelectricity in 1896. More recently, it is famous for the passing of the Jacobite Express. The Jacobite express is also known as Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter.
On top of that, Fort William is an excellent small town for tourists to relax. There is so much to explore in surrounding areas. It is a perfect place to base yourself for the Ben Nevis climb and or the ascent of other dramatic hills.
Also, it is a perfect area to visit historic castles or marvel at film set locations.
Ben Nevis
Fort William’s biggest attraction is Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis translates from Scottish Gaelic and means ‘malicious mountain‘. I have heard a few people describe the 4,411 feet ascent with a few worse words.
Ben Nevis’s summit is a long way up – taking a whole eight hours to get there and back.
Also, some hikers start early so they can get back to Fort William in time for a pin. Others choose to camp the night on Ben Nevis to catch the breath-taking sunset.
The ascent is 100% worth it, you can see up to 150 miles on a clear day from the summit.
As a reward, you get the best view of the Scottish Highlands and catch a glimpse of the the Irish coast. If you fancy the challenge make sure you have good hiking shoes, and plenty of food and drink to keep you going.
Nearby Accommodation: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Steall Waterfall
The second-highest waterfall in Scotland running over 394 feet. You can park your car at Glen Nevis car park.
The route can be slippery thus it is best to wear hiking boots or a good pair of running shoes. Steall Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Highlands.
Fun fact: Quidditch match scenes in Harry Potter were shot here. I think the creators did an amazing job at picking the best location.
Also, Ring of Steal is a famous walk around four Munro’s that can be climbed in a day.
Nearby Accommodation: Ben Nevis Inn Rooms
Lochaber Geopark
This is home to some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. Here, you can explore beaches, lochs, rivers, and mountains.
Also, you can look out for some local wildlife and learn how the rocky coast was formed over millions of years.
Old Inverlochy Castle
A small stone ruin provides an eerie sense of what it might be like to live in the centre of the first and second battles of Inverlochy. The castle was built back in the 13th century and it is believed to be the oldest castle in Scotland.
Old Inverlochy Castle is one of the most impressive castle ruins on the west coast.
Neptune’s Staircase
It is powerful evidence of engineering, located in Banavie, just outside Fort William. A canal spanning a quarter of a mile allowing boats to travel through.
It was built by Thomas Telford in the early 19th Century, it is still Britain’s longest staircase lock. Further evidence of 18th and 19th century engineering is found on the Caladonian Canal.
Corpach Shipwreck
Outside of Fort William in a small village called Corpach lies a shipwreck. The MV Dayspring was a fishing vessel built in 1975 and moored in Kinlochleven Pier in 2001.
In 2011, a heavy storm hit causing the ship’s chain to fail, and she washed up on shore and has been left there since. Currently, it is one of Scotland’s least-known abandoned sites.
Is there still a Fort at Fort William?
The fort was first built in 1654 with expansion in 1690. Then it was named after King William of Orange.
The fort was later sold and dismantled, then the land became a railway yard for the West Highland Railway. Also, the little remains were demolished in 1975. Now, the only little parts of the seaward wall remain.
Fort William Camping and Accommodation
There are some lovely campsites located on the outskirts of the small town. They are the perfect base for Ben Nevis.
Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park features fields to pitch your tent or park your motorhome. Also, you can stay in a ‘pod’ from £65 a night or you can rent a caravan.
Ben Nevis Holiday Park is situated right beneath Ben Nevis. Here you can rent ‘pods’ with hot tubs, luxurious lodges, cosy caravans or simply pitch your tent. This Holiday Park is a bit more pricey compared to Glen Nevis. It is an excellent spot for a holiday.
Fort William Accommodation: Number 6, The Brevins Guest House, Victoria House B&B, Fàilte Mhòr
Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan is a picturesque area with a few guest houses. The small hamlet is a half an hour’s drive from Fort William.
A good place to eat is the Dining Car Tearoom which is set in a 1960s railway coach. A delicious high tea menu is served.
The tearoom has magnificent views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. Also, you can even book to stay in a sleeping car.
Glenfinnan Accommodation: Torr Caladh, Glenfinnan Retreats, Blythswood
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The famous 21-arch viaduct was built in 1901. Also known as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’. The Hogwarts Express makes the journey across the viaduct features in the Harry Potter films.
Moreover, the highland beauty spot has become more popular. Thus, car parking in the area has increased. There is a ten-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint from the car park.
Yet, if you prefer, you can walk under the viaduct or towards Glenfinnan Station. To get the ultimate magical photo of the train crossing the viaduct, make sure you are at the site at 10:45 or 15:00.
The area is run by National Trust for Scotland and a small car parking fee is required. The Jacobite steam train has been voted one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
An 84-mile round trip passes Ben Nevis and finishes at Arisaig. Arisaig is Britain’s most westerly railway station. Find out more information about tickets Here.
Glenfinnan Monument
Glenfinnan Monument is a tall column erected in 1815. The monument represents Bonnie Prince Charlie rallying the Jacobite clans in 1745.
The monument has a kilted highlander situated on top. There are lovely views with the beautiful backdrop of Loch Shiel.
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Glenfinnan Station Museum is a little museum that gives a detailed account of building the West Highland railway line.
Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel is a freshwater loch and is the 4th Longest Loch in Scotland. Here, you can catch a spectacular view from facing south at the Glenfinnan Monument.
The loch is home to one of the most famous images of the Scottish Highlands. Several major films using the area for shooting locations. Harry Potter fans will recognise it as the setting for Black Lake near Hogwarts.
Mallaig & Morar
This area is only well-known by Scottish locals but is skipped by international tourists.
Consider this area as one of the best-hidden gems in the Western Highlands. At this point in your trip, you will be looking to relax.
There is plenty of accommodation, beaches, and golf courses to do just that!
If you are considering continuing your road trip to Skye, the ferry for Skye leaves from Mallaig. Also, Morar is only half an hour’s drive from historic Glenfinnan so it is a good place to break up your journey.
Mallaig Accommodation: The Wee Lodge, 2 Tougal, Arisaig B&B, Kilmory
Morar Beach
This stunning west coast beach is well known for its silver sands. Thanks to the natural beauty this area has been used as a filming location for many movies.
Also, it is a blissful tranquil beach which is excellent for relaxing. There is a car park near the beach, along with a few extra laybys to park in.
If the weather is nice, the area gets busy and the parking becomes very limited. Thus, make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment.
Silver Sands of Morar is the closest beach next to the Morar Train Station. Trains are running regularly from Fort William.
Camusdarach Beach
A breathtaking beach with white, glistening sands and clear water. This beach is located just south of the estuary of River Morar. Cambusdarach Beach is perfect for beach combing, rock pooling, dog walking or relaxing.
From the beach you can notice a few Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. Also, you can spot the peaks of Cuillin on Skye.
Again, Camusdarach Beach has limited parking. But, there are some campsites and self-catering accommodations nearby.
Loch Morar
Loch Morar is well known as the deepest body of freshwater in the United Kingdom. Also, it is a great place to swim, fish or explore by small boat.
You may have heard of Nessie the Loch Ness monster. Yet, you may not have known of Nessie’s sinister cousin, Morag the Loch Morar monster.
There are accounts of sightings of the mythical creature back in the 18th and 19th centuries.
What is Glencoe Known For?
Glencoe is famous for its magnificent mountainous landscapes. Also, Glencoe is the home for mountaineering. Additionally, it is famous for the Massacre of Glencoe back in 1692.
Moreover, scenes from the movie Skyfall were filmed here. Also, Glencoe was used as a filming location in the famous Harry Potter franchise.
Is Glencoe Worth The Visit?
Yes, I will recommend Glencoe to everyone. Driving through the valleys was a feast for your eyes.
It is perfect for solo hikers, photographers and cyclists. Also, there is a visitor centre and tearoom just to add the finishing touches to your trip.
Final Note
The Western Highlands is also great for cycling, golfing or mountain biking. I completed all the things I mentioned in two days.
Yet, we did not climb Ben Nevis, see Steall Waterfall, do any hiking or ride the Jacobite Express. Thus, I suggest booking a longer trip or picking out the attractions that interest you most.
Fort William and the surrounding glens are a good day trip idea from Inverness.
Wild camping is permitted in Scotland. Please make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
There is so much to see and do as a solo traveller in Glencoe and Fort William. You will be amazed at the magnificent mountainous landscapes.