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Nature · Fort William, Escócia
Glencoe
The glacial valley of steep mountains 25 km from Fort William, with the Três Irmãs, waterfalls and trails, and the setting of the 1692 massacre. From the National Trust for Scotland.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Glencoe
Glencoe is a valley in the western Highlands, between Fort William and Rannoch Moor, cut by the A82 road and the River Coe. It was formed by glaciers and by an ancient volcano that collapsed in on itself, and the surrounding mountains rise almost sheer, over a thousand metres. High in the glen are the Três Irmãs, three aligned mountain spurs that are the place's best-known image; opposite them stands Buachaille Etive Mòr, the pyramid-shaped mountain at the glen's entrance.
The glen is remembered for the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, when soldiers billeted by the MacDonald clan turned on their hosts at dawn by order of the government, killing about 38 people; others died of exposure while fleeing. The episode is still seen as a betrayal of Highland hospitality.
The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre, near the village of Glencoe, has displays on geology, wildlife and history, and a replica turf house. Trails of all levels leave the glen, such as the short circuit at Signal Rock, the climb to the Lost Valley — a hidden valley where the clan hid its cattle — and longer mountain walks. Viewpoints on the A82 show the Três Irmãs and the Meeting of Three Waters waterfall.
The glen appears in films such as 007 – Skyfall and Harry Potter. Weather changes fast, and mountain routes require proper preparation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the viewpoints and the visitor centre; half a day for the Lost Valley walk.
Best time
May to October on dry days for the trails. At any time of year the A82 viewpoints are photogenic, with low cloud or snow on the peaks in winter. Car parks at the viewpoints fill up in summer; arrive early.
How to get there
It lies on the A82, about 25 km south of Fort William, a 30-minute drive. Buses from Glasgow to Fort William pass through the glen and stop at the village of Glencoe. Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fort William include stops at the viewpoints.
Tip
Stop at the Três Irmãs viewpoint on the A82 and walk a few minutes along the path to see the glen away from the road. Fit walkers can climb to the Lost Valley — about 3 hours round-trip, with a river crossing over stepping stones.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Glencoe
What happened in Glencoe?
In 1692, soldiers billeted with the MacDonald clan attacked their hosts at dawn, by government order, in what became known as the Massacre of Glencoe.
What are the Three Sisters?
Three mountain ridges aligned along the upper part of the glen, seen from the viewpoints on the A82.
Can you see Glencoe without hiking?
Yes, the viewpoints beside the A82 show the mountains and the Three Sisters.
Which films were shot in Glencoe?
Among others, 007 - Skyfall and films from the Harry Potter series.