Glencoe Valley Walk

The Glencoe Orbital is an easy circular walk taking in Glencoe village, the poignant Massacre memorial, and the length of the glen as far as the Clachaig Inn, before returning past the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre — a satisfying way to explore the history and scenery of one of Scotland's most storied glens without tackling its high mountains.

The route starts from the car park in Glencoe village. Turning right through the village past the village hall, a short detour just before the bridge leads to the Glencoe Massacre memorial, commemorating the brutal killing of around 30 members of Clan MacDonald by Government forces on 13 February 1692, after they failed to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs in time. Continuing along the road, the route passes the Clachaig Inn — a legendary walkers' and climbers' pub — before a path on the right, marked with a Glencoe sign, leads across a boardwalk. A worthwhile detour here visits Signal Rock, reputedly where a fire was lit to signal the start of the massacre, set within the atmospheric woodland of An Torr.

The main route crosses a bridge over the River Coe to the An Torr/Signal Rock car park, with an optional 1-kilometre detour to Loch Achtriochtan for the classic view of the Glencoe mountains — this crosses the busy A82, so care is needed. From here, the path continues to the National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre, with its exhibition, café, and reconstructed 17th-century turf house, before a track and cyclepath lead back towards the village, running parallel to the A82 for the final stretch, with a fine view over Loch Leven as the car park is regained.

Omitting the various detours reduces the walk to just over 10 kilometres; with them included, the full route makes for a satisfying half-day exploring both the history and scenery of the glen.

This is mainly off-road walking on good paths and cycle tracks, though some short sections run alongside the busy A82 — the Loch Achtriochtan detour in particular requires a careful road crossing, and can be omitted if preferred.

Parking at Glencoe village is free; local and Citylink buses serve Glencoe village.