Glencoe
This complete guide to Glencoe brings together ready-to-follow hiking itineraries, day-trip ideas, places to visit, and the very best places to eat, drink, and stay.
Glencoe Accommodation Directory
Where to stay, from hotels to luxury lodges, wellness retreats, cosy guest houses, and dog-friendly cottages.
Glencoe Destination Guides
How to visit Glencoe, and the very best things to do, see, and experience in the spectacular Highland region.
Food & Drink
The Glencoe food and drink scene is small but brilliant - choose from seafood shacks and waterfront bistros, artisan bakeries, speciality coffee, and hearty Scottish menus. Here’s our favourites.
Hiking
Where to go walking and hiking, from epic mountain days and mighty summits, to easy forest strolls, written alongside a local Mountain Leader.
Day Trips
Where to explore nearby, from the wild beaches at Arisaig and Morar to the wild landscapes of Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Loch Ness, and the capital city, Inverness.
How Much Time to Visit Glencoe?
While you could see Glencoe in a full day, if you want to explore the various hiking trails, it deserves 2 to 3 nights. There is a lot to explore, including hikes and outdoor adventures, the local cuisine, and nearby experiences. I would recommend 2 nights in the region itself and factor in day trips to Oban, Glenfinnan, and Ardnamurchan.
Does Glencoe Make a Good Base for Exploring?
Glencoe is an excellent base for anyone planning to spend time outdoors, or who wants a rural getaway. There are no real amenities here, and only a handful of eateries, and being prepared for this is key to enjoying staying in Glencoe. That said, it makes a brilliant base for exploring the wider Western Highlands, with easy access to larger towns such as Fort William and Oban, and it’s perfectly positioned for exploring Glenfinnan or launching onto the Isle of Skye.
When to visit Glencoe?
Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit Glencoe. After my first trip in the summer, I’ve visited Glencoe in every season, and all of them are wonderful.
But I would recommend the shoulder seasons, like May, June, September, and October, as great times to plan a trip, since they aren’t too crowded. Plus, the changeable Glencoe weather is usually at its best during these months, and it’s the perfect time to go walking.
At the opposite end of the calendar, winter in Glencoe is magical. Especially when the snow falls, and the landscape is transformed into a picture-perfect festive scene.
A short guide to Glencoe, Scotland plus the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.