This straightforward walk heads through attractive woodland on the outskirts of Glencoe Village before looping around Glencoe Lochan. Wildlife abounds within the woods, making it a wonderful walk for all ages and abilities.
It begins at the Glencoe Folk Museum, which details the fascinating history of Glencoe and North Lorn. Facing the museum, turn right to walk along the main street and over the river via the Bridge of Coe. Take the second road on the left, signposted for Glencoe Lochan. This rises gently through mixed woodland to a fork, where you keep right and continue until reaching a car park. Cross through here, then take the left-hand path into the trees.
The businessman and philanthropist Lord Strathcona, who was born in the Moray village of Forres in 1820 but emigrated to Canada at the age of 18, planted many of the conifers that punctuate the woodland around Glencoe Lochan. He was in charge of the Hudson Bay Company for much of his life, but returned to Scotland during the 1890s with his Canadian wife, Isabella, and acquired Glencoe Estate. Isabella felt so homesick that her husband tried to recreate the Canadian forest environment for her by planting many trees throughout the estate. Lord Strathcona died in London in 1914, leaving behind this beautiful woodland legacy.
After passing a lovely pond and continuing, the path splits just before a house. Branch right and then immediately left onto another path. This climbs gradually into dense pine woodland where you may spot stonechats, woodpeckers and roe deer. At the top of the incline, an easy section precedes a short steep descent. A viewpoint on the left gives a sweeping outlook across Loch Leven to Beinn a’Bheithir. The path continues easily eastwards, eventually reaching Glencoe Lochan.
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Turn left to follow a solid path clockwise around this peaceful location where you can look out for goldeneyes, goosanders and redbreasted mergansers, among other birds. Here, at the heart of a magnificent natural Glencoe Lochan amphitheatre, you are also well placed to appreciate some of Scotland’s finest mountains, such as Beinn a’Bheithir and Sgorr na Ciche (better known as the Pap of Glencoe), rising steeply beyond the wooded confines.
The path is easily navigated around the lochan to reach a fork beside a fisherman’s hut. Carry straight on away from the lochan, then go left where the path splits again. Zigzag down through woodland and back to the car park, retracing your steps from here to Glencoe Village.
Directions
Route 2.5 miles (1 hour) on paths and tracks, with one steep descent and gentle climbs. Map OS Explorer 384 Glen Coe & Glen Etive
Start Glencoe village
Getting there There are regular buses from Glasgow and Fort William to Glencoe Village
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Walk An easy walk through a beautiful stretch of forest a lovely lochan with fine mountain views
For more walks try Fort William and Lochaber: 40 Favourite Walks by Keith Fergus (£6.99; Pocket Mountains). Buy from timesbookshop.co.uk. Discount for Times+ members.
Best of Alba: this article first appeared on February 15, 2024
