Glencoe: The Three Sisters, Buachaille Etive Mòr, History & the Best Walks

Glencoe is a deep glen in the western Highlands, running from the edge of Rannoch Moor down to Loch Leven. Its steep mountain walls, waterfalls and rocky ridges make it one of the most celebrated landscapes in Scotland.

Why Glencoe Is Special

Driving into Glencoe from Rannoch Moor, past the great pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mòr, is one of the most thrilling journeys in Britain, and the glen beyond is grand and haunting at every turn.

It is a place for walkers and climbers, but even from the roadside the views are unforgettable.

The History of Glencoe

The south side of the glen is marked by a run of distinct peaks: Buachaille Etive Beag at the eastern end, then the Three Sisters, great shoulders of the Bidean nam Bian massif divided by deep corries such as Coire Gabhail, the Lost Valley.

On 13 February 1692, in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1689, members of the MacDonald clan who lived in the glen were killed by government soldiers who had been their guests, an event remembered as the Massacre of Glencoe.

At the eastern end, the ridge is crossed by the Devil's Staircase, an old military road opposite Buachaille Etive Mòr, now part of the West Highland Way. In more recent times the glen has appeared on film, including in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

What to See & the Best Walks at Glencoe

Stop at the viewpoints for Buachaille Etive Mòr and the Three Sisters, then visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre (National Trust for Scotland) for the story of the glen. Walk into the Lost Valley, a hidden corrie between the Three Sisters, with care and in good weather.

Walk the Devil's Staircase on the West Highland Way for the view down the glen, or drive down Glen Etive below the Buachaille.

Wildlife at Glencoe

Red deer graze the glen and are often seen near the road, especially in winter. Golden eagles soar over the high ridges. Please drive carefully on the A82 and never stop on the road itself.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Glencoe

Walk part of The West Highland Way, which crosses the head of the glen on its way to Fort William. The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies to the south; see our guide to Loch Lomond.

Fort William and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, are about half an hour north.

Glencoe Through the Seasons

Spring brings long light evenings for walking. Summer is busy, with midges near the water. Autumn colours the birches and bracken, and in winter the snow-covered peaks are magnificent, though only for experienced mountaineers.

Getting to Glencoe

Buses on the Glasgow to Fort William route stop in the glen. The nearest railway stations are Bridge of Orchy and Fort William.

Glencoe: Questions & Answers

What happened at Glencoe in 1692?

On 13 February 1692 members of the MacDonald clan were killed in the glen by soldiers who had been their guests, an event known as the Massacre of Glencoe.

Was Harry Potter filmed in Glencoe?

Yes. Scenes of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were filmed in the glen.

Our Advice

Our advice: Drive in from Rannoch Moor in the morning light, walk into the Lost Valley if the weather is good, and stay overnight to see the glen at dusk.