5 Walks in Glen Coe for Every Fitness Level

Glen Coe packs more world-class walking into a single valley than anywhere else in Britain. Whether you're pushing a buggy or wielding an ice axe, there's a route here with your name on it. Here are five walks that span the full range — one for every fitness level.

1. Glencoe Lochan Trail — Easy / Family

**Distance:** 2.5 km loop | **Time:** 45 minutes–1 hour | **Elevation gain:** 30 m | **Terrain:** Surfaced path, mostly flat

This is the walk you do when someone in the group doesn't want to walk. A gentle loop around an artificial lochan created in the 1890s by Lord Strathcona for his homesick Canadian wife, surrounded by planted North American tree species — Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and western red cedar.

The path is well-surfaced and largely wheelchair-accessible. On calm days, the Pap of Glencoe reflects perfectly in the still water — one of the most photographed views in the Highlands. Benches at intervals. A picnic area near the car park. Absolutely nothing to worry about.

**What to bring:** Whatever you like. Trainers are fine. Binoculars if you want to spot red squirrels and goldcrests in the trees.

**Start point:** Glencoe Lochan car park, signed off the minor road east of Glencoe village (free parking).

2. Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) — Moderate

**Distance:** 4.5 km return | **Time:** 2.5–3.5 hours | **Elevation gain:** 300 m | **Terrain:** Rocky, steep in places, river crossing, rough path

The Lost Valley is one of the most atmospheric walks in Scotland. This hidden hanging valley between two of the Three Sisters was where the MacDonalds allegedly hid their stolen cattle — tucked away behind a massive boulder dam where nobody could find them.

The walk starts from the Three Sisters car park on the A82 and descends steeply to the River Coe, where you cross on boulders (tricky after rain). The path then climbs through a dramatic gorge, scrambling over huge boulders deposited by ancient landslides, before emerging into the flat, hidden valley above. The sense of discovery when you reach the top is genuine — a secret world opens up.

This walk requires proper footwear and a degree of fitness. The boulder field requires some scrambling and the path is rough throughout. Not suitable for very young children or anyone with mobility issues.

**What to bring:** Walking boots (essential — the rocks are slippery). Waterproofs. Poles useful for the descent. Plenty of water.

**Start point:** Three Sisters / Coire Gabhail car park on the A82, about 2 miles east of Glencoe village. Pay and display, £3. Grid reference: NN 171 568.

3. Buachaille Etive Beag — Challenging

**Distance:** 9 km return | **Time:** 5–6 hours | **Elevation gain:** 900 m | **Terrain:** Mountain path, steep and rough in places, some light scrambling near the summit

Buachaille Etive Beag — "the small herdsman of Etive" — is the less-famous sibling of the mighty Buachaille Etive Mòr, but don't let the name fool you. At 958 m, this is a proper mountain day with serious views.

The standard route climbs steeply from the Lairig Eilde car park on the A82 into the pass between the two Buachailles. From there, a rough path picks its way up the northwest ridge of Stob Dubh, the main summit. The terrain is steep and rocky in places, with some mild scrambling near the top, but nothing that requires hands-on rock climbing.

The summit panorama is outstanding: Buachaille Etive Mòr's perfect pyramid to the north, the Bidean nam Bian massif to the west, Rannoch Moor stretching east to infinity, and the blue ribbon of Loch Etive threading south through Glen Etive.

**What to bring:** Proper hillwalking boots with ankle support. Waterproof jacket and trousers. Hat and gloves — it's cold on top even in summer. Map (OS Explorer 384) and compass. At least 1.5 litres of water and food for the day. Fully charged phone.

**Start point:** Lairig Eilde car park on the A82 (pay and display, £3). Grid reference: NN 188 563.

4. Aonach Eagach Ridge — Expert Only

**Distance:** 10 km point to point | **Time:** 7–9 hours | **Elevation gain:** 1,100 m | **Terrain:** Exposed scrambling on a narrow rock ridge, Grade 2 scramble

The Aonach Eagach — "the notched ridge" — is the most famous ridge traverse in Scotland and one of the most exposed scrambles on the British mainland. This is not a walk. This is a mountaineering expedition that requires a calm head, strong hands, and complete confidence on steep, exposed ground.

The ridge runs along the entire north wall of Glen Coe, connecting Am Bodach (943 m) in the east to Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (967 m) in the west, with the fearsome Crazy Pinnacles in between. The route involves sustained Grade 2 scrambling along a knife-edge crest with massive drops on both sides — in some places, you are straddling the ridge with 300 metres of air beneath each leg.

The classic direction is east to west. From the Allt-na-reigh car park, a steep path climbs 700 m to Am Bodach. From there, the ridge stretches west for 3 km with no easy escape route. Once you commit, you're committed — the only way off is to finish. The scrambling is sustained, the exposure is real, and in wet or icy conditions the rock becomes treacherous.

The Mountain Rescue team is called to this ridge more often than almost anywhere else in Scotland. People die here. Do not attempt this route without scrambling experience, a head for heights, and a good weather window.

**What to bring:** Scrambling-grade boots with sticky rubber soles. Helmet recommended. Rope and harness if not confident at Grade 2. Full waterproofs. Map, compass, and GPS. Emergency bivvy bag. Arrange transport at the far end — this is point to point.

**Start point:** Allt-na-reigh car park on the A82. Grid reference: NN 175 567.

5. Signal Rock — Family Friendly

**Distance:** 3.5 km return | **Time:** 1–1.5 hours | **Elevation gain:** 70 m | **Terrain:** Woodland path, some roots and muddy sections

Signal Rock is perfect for families who want a taste of Glen Coe's history without breaking a sweat. The path winds through beautiful native oak and birch woodland along the River Coe to Signal Rock — the place where, according to tradition, the MacDonalds lit bonfires to summon the clan in times of danger.

The walk is easy enough for children over five, with plenty to see: dippers bobbing on river rocks, red squirrels in the trees, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of a roe deer. The "rock" itself is a large glacial erratic with views down the glen.

Kids love the river — there are shallow pools for paddling in summer (bring spare socks, someone will fall in) and natural stepping stones to hop across. The An Torr loop extension adds another 1.5 km and 40 minutes with fine viewpoints over the valley.

**What to bring:** Walking shoes or wellies (muddy after rain). Waterproof jacket. Snacks. Midge repellent in summer. A sense of adventure.

**Start point:** Clachaig Inn car park or the NTS car park opposite, signed off the A82.

General Tips for All Walks

• • **Weather:** Check the Met Office forecast before setting out. Highland weather changes fast — sunshine to blizzard in 30 minutes is normal, especially above 500 m.
• • **Midges:** May to September. Worst in still, warm, damp conditions. Bring Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft.
• • **Parking:** Car parks on the A82 fill by 10 am in peak summer. Start early or go in the late afternoon.
• • **Navigation:** Carry a map even on lower walks. OS Explorer 384 (Glen Coe & Glen Etive) covers everything.
• • **Mountain safety:** For anything above the valley floor, tell someone your plans. Carry sufficient food, water, and warm clothing. A fully charged phone is not a substitute for a map and compass.
• • **Emergency:** Dial 999 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Give a grid reference if you can — it dramatically speeds up the response.