Nestled within Lochaber Geopark in the remote Scottish Highlands, Glencoe village is found between the sparkling waters of Loch Leven and the jaw-dropping Glen Coe mountain range.
Officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), neighbouring the village also sits Glencoe Lochan; a stunning walking spot providing magical vistas you’d think were pulled straight out of a fairy-tale.
Still relatively unknown to many, the small loch remains unspoilt and delightfully tranquil, offering several well-laid out trails which are suitable for pretty much all walking abilities.
Where is Glencoe Lochan?
Address: Glencoe Lochan, Ballachulish PH49 4HT
Glencoe Lochan resides in the dramatic valley of Glen Coe in Western Scotland, just next to the historic village of Glencoe.
How to get to Glencoe Lochan?
For those driving to this gem in the Scottish Highlands, the car park is free and located just in front of the lochan. Just please be sure to only park in designated spots and not block any entrances or gates.
Alternatively, public transport offers regular buses heading from Fort William to Glencoe. Bus times can be found here.
When was Glencoe Lochan built?
The forest was planted in the 1890s by owner Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal.
Attaining the Glencoe Estate in 1895, Smith specifically populated the woodland with North American conifers in a romantic gesture to comfort his Canadian wife, Isabella Sophia Hardisty, who was feeling awfully homesick.
How long is the Glencoe Lochan trail?
Providing three distinct waymarked routes all slightly varying in difficulty, each trail at Glencoe Lochan comes in at just 1 mile (1.6km) in length and can easily be completed within one hour at a reasonable pace.
Nevertheless, with several benches, picnic tables and picturesque podiums dotted throughout the ornamental woodland, you very well may be tempted to spend a little extra time to simply take in the awe-inspiring views on display.
The Glencoe Lochan trails
Glencoe Lochan Trail |
Distance |
Description |
| Lochan Trail – Red Route | 1 mile (1.6km) | A flat and relaxing trail looping the lochan and through the Canadian conifers. Considered the most popular and most accessible trail, the red route is also suitable for wheelchairs. |
| Woodland Trail – Yellow Route | 1 mile (1.6km) | Guiding you through the huge and awe-inspiring North American woodlands, this winding trail offers epic treescape views before emerging at the far end of the lochan. For those wanting a longer ramble, how about combining the red and yellow route to make the most of the scenery? |
| Mountain Trail – Blue Route | 1 mile (1.6km) | While just as short as the other two trails, the brief but challenging climb to the mountain summit is bound to get those legs burning! Enjoy the unrivalled vantage point of the hilly landscape from above, making sure to take in the views of Beinn a’ Bheithir to the left and Pap of Glencoe from the rear. |
Can you swim in Glencoe Lochan?
Glencoe Lochan is an outstanding wild swimming spot! Providing swimmers with a gorgeous and atmospheric backdrop when taking a dip, many make the journey in particular to enjoy the river’s deep pools and small waterfalls at Glen Etive.
Harry Potter Hagrid’s Hut filming location
Did you know that just a couple miles down the road from Glencoe Lochan you can actually check out the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut from the Harry Potter movies?
Offering enchanted and nostalgic vistas for Potter heads, fans of the movies MUST check out our detailed guide on how to track down the exact spot.
Happy walking 🚶🚶