Guide to Hiking The Hidden Valley In Glencoe
The Hidden Valley in Glencoe is one of our favourite walks in the Scottish Highlands — a true bucket list hike. Here’s everything you need to know, from where to start to how to tackle its surprisingly tricky terrain.
Written by: Trev Summits | August 2025
I’m Trev, a local Mountain Leader who guides visitors on hikes in the Glen Coe mountains. Here’s my thoughts and information about Hidden Valley of Glen Coe hike.
The Hidden Valley, also known as the Lost Valley, is the best low-level hike in Glen Coe. It’s a lovely forest gorge walk with fantastic scenery. However, it has a few tricky sections, including a river crossing, a metal ladder and rock slabs that won’t be suitable for everyone.
get in touch If you’d like to book Me for a guided walk in Glen Coe
How long is the Hidden Valley hike?
The route is 4km (2.5 miles) plus 375m (1,230 ft) of ascent.
How many Hours to hike The Hidden Valley?
Around 2-3 hours, depending on how fit you are, how long you stop and your speed over the tricky sections.
How difficult is The Hidden Valley?
That’s subjective as it depends on your fitness and experience level. In my opinion, it’s achievable for anyone that’s relatively fit with some hiking experience. There are a few tricky sections that won’t be comfortable for everyone. A few rock slabs to climb, a metal ladder and a river crossing that’s usually easy, but is tricky after heavy rain.
Where do I park for The Hidden Valley hike?
The large Three Sisters viewpoint car park is free. It’s a very busy car park so I recommend getting there early and trying to tuck yourself to one side.
The Hidden Valley weather forecast
Here are some mountain forecasts closest to The Hidden Valley. The Glencoe Mountain Resort (ski centre) is at 360m and the maximum altitude on the walk is 385m.
The Hidden Valley OS Maps Route and .gPX File
Here’s my personal OS Maps route that I use. I recommend using OS Maps in the U.K. You can get a 14-day free trial. If you have a preferred digital mapping app, you can take the trial of OS Maps and export the .gpx file.
The Hidden Valley Hike Description
Leave the car park and follow the path to the left.
There’s a metal ladder leading to the bridge across the river then a steep rocky slab up the other side. There’s now a rope handrail as this is slippery when wet.
Follow the path until you come to the burn (stream) crossing. It can can be deep & fast flowing if it’s been raining. Walking poles are recommended here.
The last tricky section is a large boulder that needs to be climbed. It’s easier in a group to help each other up.
On the return journey, head up to the right, not into the valley. This path bypasses big boulders and tough terrain.
Should I hire a guide for The Hidden Valley?
If any of the above information concerns you but you still want to hike The Hidden / Lost Valley, I advise walking with an experienced local guide. I frequently guide in Glen Coe and I’d love to accompany you. Whether you’re coming as a group, a family, or a solo traveller, get in touch.
Other Hikes in Glencoe
Here are some other hikes in Glencoe that I recommend:
The Three Sisters: tough and technical but arguably the best hike in Glencoe is The Three Sisters.
Buachaille Etive Mòr: the most famous mountain in Glencoe, “The Buckle” is shorter and less technical.