Glencoe Lochan Trail: Everything You Need To Know (2024)
Planning to visit the Glencoe Lochan Trail? A beautiful place with easy walks and quintessential Highland views, a walk around this small loch is a must. Find out everything you need to enjoy the perfect visit to Glencoe Lochan Trail in this guide.
When we visited Glencoe this year, there was one thing I knew I had to see, and that was Glencoe Lochan Trail.
It’s safe to say there’s heaps to do in Glencoe, including more than 30 officially recognised walking routes. But a visit to Glencoe Lochan is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor experiences in Glencoe. A beautiful small loch, surrounded by woodland and mountains, you’ll find breathtaking Highland views around every turn.
Glencoe Lochan is also the perfect place to enjoy easy walks, with the trails here wonderfully gentle compared to others in the area.
So if you want to plan the perfect trip to Glencoe Lochan, read on for details on car parking, walking trails, and where to eat nearby.
Fancy a bigger mountain hike? Then check out my guide to Buachaille Etive Mòr or The Pap of Glencoe.
What is The Glencoe Lochan Trail?
Glencoe Lochan Trail was created by in the 1890s by the local lord, Lord Strathcona. He planted North American trees around his land, in the hope they would help his homesick Canadian wife feel at home in the Highlands.
Today, Glencoe Lochan is a popular place for walks, with three signposted woodland trails. In the middle of the forest is the lochan (a small loch or lake) set against a picture-perfect backdrop of Glencoe mountains.
Where is Glencoe Lochan Trail?
Glencoe Lochan Trail is situated in the heart of Glencoe. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the village and a short drive from the iconic valley.
To get to Glencoe Lochan Trail, leave the main A82 road and take the much quieter back road which joins the valley with the village.
Car rental: If you’re looking to rent a car to visit Glencoe, then I recommend Rentalcars.com, who offer inexpensive car hire all over Scotland.
Where to park for Glencoe Lochan Trail
When it comes to where to park at Glencoe Lochan Trail, there’s a large car park with heaps of spaces. Handily, it’s free to park.
To get to the car park, take best option is to take the minor road from the glen and head east, passing the Clachaig Inn. After a few minute’s you’ll come to an old bridge - the Glencoe Lochan Trail car park is on the right, just before the bridge. There’s a large signpost to help you find the right place.
The easiest option is to type “Glencoe Lochan” into your Satnav or Google Maps (this is the pin).
Alternatively, you can drive through Glencoe village but I don’t recommend this as the village is narrow and often busy with cars.
From the Glencoe Lochan Trail car park its a short and signposted walk through the forest into the lochan itself. Do note there are three walking routes to choose from, all of different lengths, and I’ll cover these below.
How to get to Glencoe Lochan on foot
If you’re visiting Glencoe Lochan on foot, there’s a good chance you’re coming from Glencoe village.
From here it’s a short, easy walk to the lochan (approx. 10-minutes), mainly on pavements.
Start by following the main road through Glencoe village to the humpback bridge, cross over, and take the second left. At this point there’s a signpost pointing uphill, through the car park, to the lochan.
Alternatively, for a bigger walk then follow the Glencoe Orbital, a cycle and walking route which links the popular sights of An Torr, Signal Rock, and Glencoe Lochan. You’ll see signposts for the Orbital route around Glencoe village, but you can also find more details here.
Reasons to visit Glencoe Lochan
If it’s your first time in Glencoe, then here are some reasons to visit Glencoe Lochan and what to expect when you arrive:
Stunning scenery: No matter which way you look, you’re surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery. Expect leafy woodlands and soaring mountains like the Pap of Glencoe. And, of course, the shimmering waters of the lochan itself.
Seasonal hues: Glencoe Lochan is a beautiful place no matter the season. In spring there’s a carpet of bluebells, whilst in summer Glencoe Lochan shimmers. Autumn might be the best season at Glencoe Lochan with spectacular deep autumnal colours. But winter is also incredible under a dusting of snow.
Incredible photography: It probably goes without saying, but there’s incredible photography opportunities all along Glencoe Lochan Trail. If you’re lucky and it’s a sunny day, you’re guaranteed to capture some of the best views in Glencoe. Visit at golden hour for extra special light.
Easy walking trails: If you want to go walking in Glencoe, but don’t want a strenuous hike, you can explore Glencoe Lochan relatively quickly. This means people of all walking abilities can enjoy the lochan. However, you’ll still experience wonderful Highland views.
Glencoe Lochan walks and trails
As mentioned, the best thing to do at Glencoe Lochan is follow the walking trails. There are three official trails to choose from, all well signposted and relatively easy. The trails are colour coded, so all you need to do is follow the markers of your chosen colour.
Each trail is a circuit of 1.6km / 1 mile in length and takes around 1-hour to walk.
The Glencoe Lochan walks are:
Lochan Trail (red): this is the easiest of all the Glencoe Lochan trails and is the best option if you want an easy wander. Walk the gentle path from the car park until you reach the lochan, then simply follow the trail around the water. It’s that easy. There’re tons of places to stop and admire the view, plus it’s super easy to follow.
Woodland Trail (yellow): this is my favourite of all the Glencoe Lochan trails. Follow the gravel path through the woodland, passing under the impressive American conifers, before reaching the lochan. In spring there are bluebells everywhere and it’s incredibly pretty. There are however some rocky sections, but nothing overly difficult for anyone used to woodland paths.
Mountain Trail (blue): as the name suggests, this route is a little tougher than the others - you’ll want a decent level of fitness for this trail. The path is loose gravel, with some rocky areas and uneven stone steps, and a handful of steep uphill sections. However, the blue trail walk is short and the view from the slopes is more than worth the effort.
Multi-trail circuit: alternatively, if you’re looking for a longer walk around Glencoe Lochan, then you can easily extend your walk. Instead of choosing just one trail, loop all three trails together to create a bigger circuit. If you choose to walk all three trails, you’ll increase your walk length to 2.5km and it’ll take around 1.5-hours. Find all the details here.
Can you swim in Glencoe Lochan?
Yes, you can absolutely wild swim in Glencoe Lochan. It’s a beautiful place to go swimming, with little islands to explore and a shallow shoreline.
However, be prepared for the lochan to be cold and have lots of warm clothes ready for when you’re finished!
Personally, I think the best spots to go swimming in Glencoe Lochan are on the left side. Walk clockwise from the bridge, and you’ll find shallow edges perfect for jumping in.
Glencoe Lochan is also perfect for new wild swimmers, as the water is generally calm. Just take it slowly and don’t swim too far. Why not read my wild swimming essentials packing list, so you’ve got everything you need!
Practical tips for visiting Glencoe Lochan
Where to eat and drink
There’s no facilities at Glencoe Lochan, so bring water and snacks for your walk. Afterwards, head along to the nearby Clachaig Inn for food and drinks.
Closest toilets
There are no toilets at Glencoe Lochan. The nearest toilets are in Glencoe village, a 10-minute walk from the car park (here on Google Maps).
Best time to visit Glencoe Lochan
If you can, visit early in the morning or on a weekday for fewer crowds.
Leave no trace
Remember, leave no trace, and always take your litter away.
What to wear for Glencoe Lochan Trail
Glencoe Lochan is an easy, flat walk and you won’t need any fancy outdoor clothes to explore it.
However, the weather in Glencoe is always changeable. It can get windy, cold, and wet very quickly - even in the height of summer.
So depending on the forecast, you’ll want to pack waterproofs, a fleece, or maybe a warm jacket. As far as footwear is concerned, hiking shoes give the best ankle support, plus are waterproof on those rainy days!
Glencoe Lochan Trail: Round Up
So, that’s my round up of everything you need to know about visiting and walking around Glencoe Lochan! Hopefully I’ve convinced you to visit on your next trip to Glencoe, as it’s such a beautiful place.
Have you visited Glencoe Lochan? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please let me know in the comments below!
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