Glen Coe in Winter: A Survival Guide

Winter in Glen Coe is a different world. The mountains carry snow, daylight is precious (fewer than 7 hours in December), and the weather can be genuinely brutal. But it's also when the glen is at its most magnificent.

Why Visit in Winter?

• • **The light**: Low winter sun creates extraordinary colours — pink alpenglow on snow-covered peaks, golden light flooding the valley at sunrise and sunset.
• • **The drama**: Snow, ice, mist, storms — the landscape becomes genuinely wild and powerful.
• • **The quiet**: Most tourists come in summer. Winter visitors have the glen more to themselves.
• • **Skiing**: Glencoe Mountain Resort operates from December to April (snow permitting).
• • **Ice climbing**: Glen Coe is one of Scotland's premier ice climbing venues.

What to Expect

• • **Temperature**: Average 1-4°C in the valleys, well below zero on the mountains. Wind chill can take it to -15°C or worse.
• • **Daylight**: Sunrise around 8:30am, sunset around 3:45pm in December. Plan accordingly.
• • **Snow**: Regular from November. Mountains can carry snow into May.
• • **Rain**: It rains a lot. Waterproofs are non-negotiable.
• • **Roads**: The A82 is usually clear but can close in severe conditions. Black ice is common.

Walking in Winter

**Low-level walks** (Glencoe Lochan, Signal Rock, Loch Achtriochtan) are accessible year-round, though paths can be icy.

**Mountain walks** become serious mountaineering propositions. The Lost Valley, Pap of Glencoe, and anything higher requires winter mountaineering skills — ice axe, crampons, and the knowledge to use them.

**Do NOT** attempt the Aonach Eagach, Bidean nam Bian, or Buachaille Etive Mòr in winter unless you are an experienced mountaineer.

Practical Tips

• • **Accommodation**: Book ahead for Christmas/New Year and February half-term. Otherwise, plenty of availability.
• • **Driving**: Winter tyres recommended. Carry a torch, warm clothes, and snacks in the car.
• • **Parking**: Easier than summer — car parks rarely full.
• • **Pubs**: The Clachaig Inn by the fire on a winter evening is one of life's great pleasures.
• • **Daylight**: Maximise it. Be on the trail at first light if you want a mountain day.
• • **Check forecasts**: MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) for the hills, Met Office for the valleys.