Glencoe
In addition to the suggested stops in your itinerary, there are several informal lay-bys along the road where you can safely pull over to take in the scenery or stretch your legs. This is a place to move slowly, stay flexible, and enjoy one of the Highlands’ true masterpieces at your own pace.
Glencoe Chair Lift
For a fun outdoor activity, head to this chair lift that takes you 670 meters into the Glencoe mountains. The views over wild Rannoch Moor are phenomenal, especially on the way down. You can hop off mid-way and explore the mountain. Or stay on to complete the loop.
It takes about 30 minutes, and is so much fun - but it's probably one to skip on a rainy day!
Directions: car park with a suggested donation.
Time: around 45 minutes.
Tickets: buy at the chair lift entrance (£20 per person)
White Cottage
One of the most famous sights in Scotland, the white cottage sits beneath the imposing mountain Buachaille Etive Mòr. You can see it from the car or walk down to the cottage itself – the trail is easy to follow if a little rocky. But the view from the river is wonderful.
Directions: viewpoint lay-by
Time: either 5 minutes or 30 minutes.
The Meeting of Three Waters
A raging waterfall where run-off from three mountain streams meets. After heavy rainfall, this is a mini–Niagara Falls. The best part is above the waterfalls, where there are mini pools and waterfalls, plus great views. Climb over the low stone wall and follow the rocky path upwards. It’s a little scrambly and can be muddy, so boots are advisable. And follow the trail upwards till you reach the waterfall.
Parking here can be busy and is limited. If you can’t park on your first pass, then either skip. Or turn at the next Three Sisters car park, noting you’ll need to turn again further along the road to continue your journey.
If you are interested in wild swimming, this is a great spot!
Directions: layby
Parking: There is parking on both sides of the road.
Time: 15 minutes
The Three Sisters Viewpoint
This is one of Scotland's most famous viewpoints. From here, you can get close and personal with the Three Sisters of Glencoe—three outcrops of the Bidean Nam Bian mountain.
Directions: Three Sisters car park
Parking: the car park can be busy and slightly chaotic! Just be careful when parking here.
Time: 15 minutes
Loch Achtriochtan
Stunning viewpoint beside Loch Achtriochtan.
Directions:small car park
Parking: The car park can be busy and somewhat chaotic due to tour buses.
Time: 15 minutes
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Run by the National Trust for Scotland, this modern visitor centre is a great place to learn about Glencoe’s history. Wander through the small exhibition, browse the shop, and, most importantly, follow the trail to the traditional black house to learn how Highlanders lived in the glen many years ago.
Directions: car park (small donation to NTS)
Time: 15/30 minutes
Optional: Glencoe Lochan Walk
If time and the weather allow, and you’re looking for time in nature and to experience Glencoe’s spectacular scenery, choose one of these walks below.
A beautiful and easy forest stroll with big mountain views. Choose from multiple trails for a short or longer walk, though the most scenic option is to follow the path around the pretty lochan. Expect to spend around one hour here.
Directions: Glencoe Lochan car park (fee by card)
Time: around 45 minutes
Lunch in Glencoe
Each eatery below links to its Google pin; opening hours vary by season; check their pin for current hours.
Stiff Peaks: Easily one of the best patisseries/bakeries in Scotland. Takeaway only, but the savoury and sweet options are utterly delicious. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Cuil Seafood: a popular seafood shack serving boxes of locally caught scallops, mussels, and langoustines. Takeaway only, but there are plenty of nearby places to park and eat.
Kitchen Food Truck: A vintage Citroën in the Woodlands Estate serves lunch and evening menus featuring local produce, along with coffee, morning rolls, and eggs for breakfast. Open daily, 8am to 12pm, then 5pm to 8pm.
Loch Leven Seafood Café: For something a little more formal, drive around Loch Leven to this excellent bistro-café. As you can imagine, dishes are based on locally caught seafood, shellfish, and fish, though there are also meat and vegetarian dishes on the menu. During the day, there’s also a range of delicious sandwiches, smaller plates, seafood, and soups. The food here is excellent, making it a popular option, so be sure to book in advance or call to secure a table before driving around the loch.
Fort William
A few suggestions for evening in the town:
Loch Linnhe Boat Trip, Fort William
A fantastic way to experience this part of the West Highlands is by boat. This seal spotting cruise departs from Fort William pier and cruises along the Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil coastlines, with the captain sharing history and stories about the area. Keep an eye out for seals and seabirds, see spectacular views of Ben Nevis, and soak up the dramatic Highland landscape.
If you’ll be arriving later in the day, we recommend an afternoon or sunset cruise. This can be combined with a wander along the promenade and a walk along the short high street, where you’ll find a few shops and the majority of the town’s eateries.
Tickets: Cruise Loch Linnhe
Cost: £37.10 per person
Time: 2 hours
Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge Walk
One of the best short walks in Scotland. Here you’ll find a fantastic forest/gorge walk to Steall Falls. The terrain is mostly easy, but there are a few rocky sections that require good footwear. The waterfall at the end of the trail is truly spectacular!
There are two trail options. The classic route takes 1.5 hours (3.5km). While the second route takes 3 hours (9km), it joins the classic route farther along the trail.
We strongly recommend the longer, latter option, as the mountain views are spectacular and the first part of the trail is always peaceful. However, choose whichever suits your group, weather, and timeframe best.
Directions: Upper Falls car park (short walk), Lower Falls car park (longer walk)
Parking: The Upper Falls car park is up a single-track road; spaces are limited, but parking is free. Alternatively, Lower Falls car park is paid, has far more spaces, and avoids the single track.
Time: 1.5 hours or 3 hours
Map: OS Maps route
Guided hike: We can provide a private, fully qualified guide to handle navigation and logistics on the longer walk.
Dinner in Fort William
Each eatery below links to its Google pin, where you’ll find current opening hours and a link to its booking page. Be sure to book restaurant options in advance where possible; Fort William’s eateries are often full.
Black Isle: This buzzy, local craft beer specialist serves fantastic stone-baked pizzas, either to eat in or take away. No need to book -there are heaps of communal tables, and it's an excellent spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
Garrison West: For something a little more formal, this bistro-restaurant specialises in locally sourced seafood, fish, meat, and venison. Book in advance.
Ben Nevis Bar: A casual but perfect option on the high street, this traditional pub/restaurant has a solid menu of crowd-pleasers, alongside a well-stocked bar, a roaring fire, and often live music. Book in advance.
The Geographer: A relaxed bistro with a small but delicious menu with an international influence. On the high street, there’s no booking system, so turn up and wait (queues can be long, so arrive for an early dinner if you want to eat).