Top 5 Locations to Visit in Glencoe in Your Scottish Highlands Tour
Glencoe is recognized as one of the most stunning places in Scottish Highlands Tour, if not in the whole country. After you’ve witnessed these valleys firsthand, it becomes clear why. Among the many stunning sites in Scotland, Glencoe is frequently the one that travelers praise the most and recall fondly when they return home.
The scenery of Glencoe and its vicinity is genuinely distinctive and was formed by an ancient supervolcano that erupted approximately 420 million years ago. The grandeur of Glencoe emerged from that volcanic eruption, and we are eternally thankful!
If you happen to be in Edinburgh or anywhere else in Scotland for a holiday, be sure to check out this amazing location that’s a top pick among guided tours of Glencoe. In this guide, we will explore the best locations in Glencoe.
Places to Visit in Glencoe Scottish Highlands Tour
1. Buachaille Etive Mor
The initial sight that numerous guests encounter in Glencoe is the impressive presence of the Great Herdman of Etive, Buachaille Etive Mor. What a striking view as you traverse the wide stretch of Rannoch Moor, with the Great Herdsman up ahead standing watch at the gateway to Glencoe like a doorman for a private venue.
Surrounding you as you near Buachaille Etive Mor is the stunning Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s last genuine wilderness sites. This vast area of moorland is considered a site of significant scientific interest and houses large numbers of red deer. Among all the locations to spot deer in Scotland, this could be the finest (be sure to stop by the King’s House for additional opportunities to observe deer during the day).
2. The Three Sisters Mountains at Glencoe
The three sisters greet you as you step around the bend into the renowned Glen. A notable aspect of the scenery, they attract hikers from around the globe who come here to trek the mountain trails throughout the year.
It’s no surprise, what a view! You don’t even need to hike to witness these three beauties, however. You can capture an amazing photo similar to the one above from the viewpoint of the three sisters along the road that passes through Glencoe.
From this point begins the amazing Hidden Valley hike that leads you deep into the mountains to a site where the MacDonald Clan supposedly concealed the cattle they took from their neighbors. Overall, it’s about a 3-4 hour trek and truly worth it. Having guided groups into Hidden Valley numerous times, I remain uncertain how the clan managed to find their way there in the dark, much less with stolen cattle!
The iconic Three Sisters mountains in Glencoe—a must-see landmark on any Scottish Highlands tour, known for its dramatic beauty and historic significance.
3. Glencoe Waterfall & the Meeting of the Three Waters
In case you weren’t aware, Scotland is recognized for receiving more than its fair share of rainfall. However, there are significant advantages to the level of rainfall we experience in Scotland. The abundant rainfall here contributes to the variety of vivid green hues we see, as well as the stunning waterfalls that can, at certain times of the year, become a breathtaking torrent.
Glencoe boasts an amazing assortment of waterfalls. The most renowned of them all are the Glencoe Waterfalls – located just off the A82 as you drive through the valley. They’ve turned into a bit of an Instagram photo shoot location since the small pools at the waterfall’s peak provide a chance for a brief swim and a view of the Glencoe valley extending behind.
The Meeting of the Three Waters is also significant. At the foot of the Three Sisters mountains is the point where water converges from three distinct sources in Glencoe, which is why the falls are named as such.
Following significant rainfall, these waterfalls become remarkably vigorous – be sure to visit them during your journey to Glencoe.
4. The Glencoe Visitor Centre
The Glencoe Visitor Centre and Turf House is essential for anyone discovering this stunning valley. Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, the visitor centre provides an in-depth exploration of Glencoe’s history, geology, and wildlife.
By engaging with interactive displays, films, and educational exhibits, you’ll discover the captivating narrative of how this striking landscape was formed by ancient glaciers and volcanoes, alongside the haunting history of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692.
The center features a café, a gift store, and experienced staff who can offer hiking advice and information about the area’s cultural history. It’s the ideal place for newcomers wanting to understand what truly sets Glencoe apart.
A key feature of the centre is the traditional turf house from the 17th century, representing the type of dwellings that individuals in Glencoe would have occupied during the period of the massacre.
5. The Wee White Hoose
The Wee White Hoose is among Glencoe’s most celebrated and photographed sites, standing alone with the stunning backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr, a renowned mountain in Scotland. Formally referred to as Lagangarbh Hut, this small white cottage used to be a crofter’s residence and now functions as a bothy for climbers and walkers exploring the region.
Its vivid contrast with the rough, frequently fog-covered mountains makes it a paradise for photographers—perhaps you have already viewed it as your desktop wallpaper!
Whether blanketed in snow, shimmering in the warm glow of dawn, or isolated beneath turbulent skies, the Wee White Hoose embodies the spirit of Glencoe’s striking scenery.
It was formerly owned by the MacDonalds of Glencoe, the clan that endured the notorious Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. Currently, it is overseen by the Scottish Mountaineering Club, providing a rustic and secluded location for those venturing into the nearby mountains.
Conclusion
Glencoe is more than a valley—it’s a breathtaking blend of history, geology, and natural beauty. From the towering Buachaille Etive Mor and the iconic Three Sisters to the fascinating Glencoe Visitor Centre and the charming Wee White Hoose, every corner offers something unforgettable.
Whether you’re hiking, learning about the valley’s past, or simply soaking in the stunning views, Glencoe captures the true spirit of the Scottish Highlands tour. It’s a journey that promises awe, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime.
