The Best Glencoe Walks - Highlands Walking & Hikes
One of the best aspects of taking a trip to Glencoe is the simplistic joy you get from exploring the area and discovering some of the most spectacular scenery around the Highlands.
One of the best ways to see all of Glencoe’s best spots is definitely by foot. The range of walks around the glen allow you to discover some of the most stunning natural attractions on offer. Glen Coe is the most famous and arguably the most impressive glen in Scotland and is any keen walker's dream!
We’ve listed our three favourite walks in the immediate Glencoe area that allow you to get some fresh air, admire scenic beauty and explore all that Glencoe has to offer.
The Coire Gabhail walk
This walk takes you through the rocky hanging valley between the first two ‘sisters’ of the Three Sisters mountains, also known as the Lost Valley. This is a superb location for a more challenging walk where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery all around you, just make sure you wear good walking shoes for the rocky terrain within the valley.
To get to this walk, start at the Three Sisters car park on the A82 and then follow the path downhill to the well-worn track through the glen before reaching the stairway to cross the River Coe. Follow the path through the gorge between Beinn Fhada and Gear Aonach which boasts incredible scenery and spectacular rock walls on each side. Climb up the rocky rake, and be sure to take care as it is quite steep. Once you reach the top you’ll be met by the sheltered flat area of the Lost Valley which offers a tranquil resting spot to explore or enjoy a picnic.
The Devil’s Staircase walk
The Devil’s Staircase is a stretch of the West Highland Way leading from Glencoe across into Kinlochleven and is a popular off-road route for mountain bikers. You can either leave from Glencoe Village and arrange to be picked up in Kinlochleven, or follow the popular off-road loop route.
From Ballachulish, head up the A82 road through Glencoe Valley and across the section of the old road that looks over the beautiful Loch Achtriochtan, before joining the track which runs parallel to the main road. Walk a short climb to the top of the hill where you’ll be met by stunning views over the Rannoch Moor, with the Buachaille Etive Mor behind you. From the top, descend into the village of Kinlochleven before returning to Glencoe on the fairly quiet tarmac road back.
The Two Lairigs Walk
This is a fairly easy, yet longer circular walk that traverses the Lairig Eilde and Lairig Gartain between the Three Sisters, around the base of Buachaille Etive Beag. Although this offers easier terrain than the other walks mentioned, it is a long route so make sure you wear the right boots, bring snacks and water, and your waterproofs for the uncertain Scottish weather!
Begin in the car park off the A82, opposite the beehive cairn, and follow the path and fork right to continue through the Lairig Eilde. As you reach the summit, head into the enclosed area of woodland and head uphill where you’ll enjoy views of Glen Etive behind you. Continue uphill and right towards the Lairig Gartain which has the same summit as Lairig Eilde of 489 metres. Descend down the path between the two Buachailles on either side where the path will soon run alongside the Old Military Road through Glencoe. Either finish your walk here or continue for a further 2km back to the A82 start point.
Walking Trips to Glencoe
If you’re looking to explore in and around Glencoe, these fairly simple routes are perfect for discovering the spectacular landscape of the Scottish Highlands. However, if you choose to stay a little longer there are many more trails near Glencoe and slightly further afield to explore the west of the Highlands, including more stretches of the famous West Highland Way.
Whether you would like to discover all that Glencoe has to offer or adventure further afield, our hotel in Glencoe, the Glencoe Inn is the perfect base for a walking trip for you, your friends and family, and even your four-legged friend.
Appreciate the magnificent beauty that surrounds our Scottish hotels and inns. Find out why you should choose Crerar Hotels for your next hotel break.
More Glencoe adventures
- Discover more things to do in Glencoe and the Highlands
- Browse a list of Glencoe’s most spectacular waterfalls
- Find the best cycling routes and mountain bike trails in Glencoe
- Explore fishing spots in Glencoe and the Highlands
- When you’re done exploring for the day, relax with food and drinks in our very own Glencoe bar!
