The 10 best Hikes in Glencoe
Glencoe offers a paradise for hillwalkers, with its array of classic Munros, iconic ridge scrambles, secluded valleys, and serene Lochside paths.
Most people will make the iconic drive along the A82, but I few will take the time to explore dizzying array of striking, eye-catching mountains which loom high above either side of the road.
In this blog I highlight 10 of the best walks and hikes in Glencoe.
The hikes range from very easy, wheelchair friendly walks, all the way up to the extreme ridgeline of Aonach Eagach, meaning there is a hike for everyone.
I have listed the hikes in order of difficulty with the easiest walks first. You will also find OS Maps alongside GPX downloads for each route
At a Glance
Glencoe Lochan trails
Hagrid's Hut, An Torr, and Signal Rock
Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
Beinn a' Chrùlaiste
The Pap of Glencoe
Buachaille Etive Beag
Buachaille Etive Mòr
Beinn a' Bheithir via Schoolhouse Ridge
Bidean nam Bian
Aonach Eagach
Glencoe Lochan trails
A series of low level, winding walks which lead you through towering trees and around a tranquil lake. On a nice day, the reflection in the lochan shows off a gorgeous mirror image of the surrounding scenery.
There are benches scattered around the Lochside as well as picnic tables and pontoons, so plenty of places to have lunch, relax, take pictures, and enjoy this idyllic part of Glencoe.
If you want to get the best view take the blue trail which takes you uphill overlooking the lochan and offers fantastic views over Loch Leven, Beinn a’ Bheithir, and the Pap of Glencoe.
Glencoe Lochan hike details
Difficulty: Very Easy
Type: Loop
Distance:1-2.5km
Duration: 30-90 minutes
Ascent: 20-100m
Wheelchair Friendly
Car park & Start Point - £1 an hour
Hagrid's Hut, An Torr, and Signal Rock
A short and easy walk which calls by the site of Hagrids hut from the Harry potter films, before exploring the central part of the Glen to visit Signal Rock, where according to legend the signal was given to begin the Glencoe Massacre.
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
Distance: 3km
Ascent: 170m
Duration: 45-90 minutes
Car park & Start Point: Clachaig Inn
Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
A short but steep out and back walk which takes you up to the beautiful Lost valley of Glencoe. The path is rocky in places and you do have to cross the river on two occasions so the appropriate footwear and care should be taken.
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out and back
Distance: 4.km / 2.5 miles
Duration: 2-4 hours
Ascent: 396m
Technical aspects: Two small river crossings
Beinn a' Chrùlaiste
The 857m mountain is a rather unassuming peak which isn’t the prettiest to look at. It’s location opposite Buachaille Etive Mòr also means it often gets overlooked by those passing through Glencoe.
However, it is the view of this same mountain alongside the panoramic 360-degree views from its summit means the Corbett has perhaps some of the best views in all of the highlands.
For those not wanting to reach the summit, there is a classic viewpoint around 1km up the mountainside which gives you a incredible view of Buachaille Etive Mòr.
This viewpoint can be reached in between 30-60 minutes. The initial path up is very steep, grassy and not well marked, however if you head straight, you can’t really go far wrong.
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Type: Out and back
Distance: 6.5km
Ascent: 580m
Duration: 2-5 hours
The Pap of Glencoe
This isn’t a hike I have completed, because I have summitted the munro directly above it, but I have heard good things this short but punchy hike. The view from the summit looks down over Loch Leven and would make a great place to watch the sunset. The only issue with this short trail is the path is rather steep and quite rough.
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out and back
Distance: 5.6km
Ascent: 737m
Duration: 2.5-5 hours
Technical aspects: Some light scrambling maybe required
GPX
Buachaille Etive Beag
This epic mountain is often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbour. However, it is a magnificent ridge in its own right, offering incredible views down Loch Etive and of the surrounding peaks of Glencoe.
The moderately challenging hike is also a relatively straight forward one and is a great for bagging two munros. A well-constructed rocky path leads you from the roadside up to bealach. From there it’s two fairly straightforward, non-technical rocky ascents and descents in order to bag the two munros of- Stob Coire Raineach & Stob Dubh.
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out and Back
Distance: 8.1km/ 5 Miles
Ascent: 940m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Munros: Stob Coire Raineach & Stob Dubh
Technical aspects: Some wide rocky ridge walking
Buachaille Etive Mòr
Buachaille Etive Mòr is one of the most iconic and photographed munros in all of Scotland. You can help but stop and take a photo of the iconic pyramidal shaped mountain when you pass it.
This challenging hike which takes in two munros. The route ascends via a steep boulder filled gully before crossing a wide rocky ridge. some moderate scrambling is required
Difficulty: Hard / Very hard
Type: Loop
Distance: 14.6km / 9 miles
Ascent: 1,246m
Duration: 6-10 hours
Munros: Stob Dearg & Stob na Bròige
Technical aspects: some non-exposed scrambling
GPX
Beinn a' Bheithir via Schoolhouse Ridge
A majestical non-technical mountain ridge walk which summits in two Munros. From the summits you’ll be greeted by sensational 360-degree panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands including mountain, sea, and loch. The ascent involves some easy scrambling up Schoolhouse Ridge.
This is my favourite hike in Glencoe and easily one of my top 5 in the Scottish Highlands, so prioritise this and save it for a good day.
Difficulty: Hard / Very hard
Type: Loop
Distance: 15.2km/ 9.5 miles
Duration: 6-10 hours
Ascent: 1,356m
Munros: Sgòrr Dhearg , Sgòrr Dhònuill
Technical aspects: Some scrambling up Schoolhouse ridge
For all the key information on the hike, including where to park and the GPX files, check out my details blog post below:
Beinn a' Bheithir Hike Guide
Bidean nam Bian
A cracking hike to one of the finest peaks in Glencoe, if not Scotland.
The tallest peak in the former county of Argyll, Bidean nam Bian dominates the mountain range on the southern edge of Glen Coe. Its striking northern ridges, referred to as the Three Sisters, captivate the eye and hide the loftier peaks which remain tucked away.
Though much of the route is marked by well-trodden paths (though less distinct for the ascent of Stob Coire nan Lochan), the terrain is predominantly rocky, with stretches of steep scree and occasional mild scrambling sections.
I would recommend tackling the route clockwise ascending via the lost Valley of Glencoe, ascending the very steep and loose scree slope of the Bealach Dearg. Be warned this gully holds snow well into summer and can become heavily corniced, if in doubt turn around and save it for another day.
Difficulty: Very hard
Type: Loop
Distance: 12.2km/ 8 miles
Ascent: 1489m
Duration: 6-10 hours
Munros: Bidean nam Bian & Stob Coire Sgreamhach
Technical aspects: Plenty of moderately challenging scrambling
Aonach Eagach
Renowned as the narrowest ridge across the British mainland, the Aonach Eagach offers an exhilarating and breathtaking traverse for enthusiastic and skilled scramblers, connecting the Munros of Meall Dearg and Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh.
Classified as a grade 2/3 scramble, it is also listed in certain climbing guides as a 'Moderate' rock climb, featuring perhaps the most challenging scrambling on mainland Scotland.
People have died falling from this ridge, including experienced guides. It is no joke so It's crucial to possess the proper skills and experience. Opt for a dry day, and allocate ample time to complete the route during daylight hours. If in any doubt, it is best to hire a guide.
Difficulty: Very hard/ Severe
Type: Loop
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 1,477m
Duration: 6-10 hours
Munros: Meall Dearg and Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh.
Technical aspects: Grade 2/3 scramble
GPX
Closing Thoughts
So there we have it, what I believe to be the 10 best hikes in Glencoe.
If I was to pick a favourite, it would be Schoolhouse Ridge, the views are unrivalled and its not as technical as some others.
If I was wanting to a hike for sunrise then I would pick Beinn a' Chrùlaiste due to the ability to get up to the viewpoint in less than 45 minutes. However the sunrise from Schoolhouse ridge and Buachaille Etive Beag were also just as epic.
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