Explore the village and head into the glen on the winding road

Glencoe is surely one of Scotland’s most iconic and scenic locations. The name refers to the village on the banks of Loch Leven, and Glen Coe is the scenic glen stretching east from here until it meets Glen Etive. Where the two meet, the Buachaille Etive Mhor – the great herdsman of Glen Etive – iconic mountain stands. The A82, the main west coast road linking Glasgow and Inverness, snakes through the glen with unparalleled views.

So unique and iconic is Glen Coe’s scenery, that many films have used the landscape for shooting scenes – from Monty Python to James Bond (and, of course, Braveheart!). Film fans flock to the glen to stand in the footsteps of Daniel Craig, Mel Gibson and other A-listers.

While some visitors come just to drive through the scenic glen and stop at the viewpoints, many more come to go off the beaten path and explore the fine hillwalking and mountaineering that the area offers. There are endless walks, from an easy stroll around the ‘lochans walk’ to a hike into the ‘hidden valley’ or a traverse of the challenging Aonach Eagach ridgeline. Whatever your ability, Glencoe offers some of the most spectacular walks and climbs in Scotland.

Glen Etive has some famous residents – some very friendly (and greedy!) red deer, who are known to come right up to you in search of a tasty snack. Visitors hoping to get a close up snap with these animals have been known to feed them all sorts (crisps and chocolate are not unheard of!) and so we strongly recommend not feeding them anything, to discourage this from happening. Our wildlife is just that – wild – and while it may be tempting to entice them closer with food, this disturbs their natural behaviour and could lead to some very unhealthy deer!

Take great care as you drive though Glen Coe, and be patient – particularly in summer, the roads may be busy and you can never guarantee that someone hasn’t stopped on a corner! Please use the viewpoints with car parks to stop safely and enjoy the views.

Glencoe village has an award-winning pub, the Clachaig Inn, a favourite among many mountaineers after a day in the hills!

The area is steeped in history, having been the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre in 1692. It is also surrounded by more mythical tales, such as a great dragon who once lived on one of the mountains. Beinn a’ Bheithir is named after the Bheithir, a dragon who lived in Corrie Liath, a great bowl-shaped hollow on the face of the mountain. She guarded the mountain, tearing passing walkers to pieces if they came too close. She was eventually defeated by Charles the Skipper – but unbeknown to him, she had left behind a baby which in turn laid its eggs. A local farmer discovered these and set fire to them, leading to the death of the young and their mother. A large flat rock on which she died is still known today as ‘Dragon’s Rock’.

A trip to Glencoe, whether you’re just passing through, exploring the mountains or staying for longer, is high on the list of many visitors and for good reason. The views are second to none and the mountaineering opportunities are even better – but just remember to be patient, take your time and don’t feed the deer!