On the tenth day of our Scotland road trip, we explored the Glencoe valley in the Highlands. We started from our beautiful holiday apartment* near Fort William. The valley is surrounded by high mountains and crossed by the River Coe, offering many streams and waterfalls along the way. We made six stops to enjoy short hikes and take plenty of photos.
During our stops, we admired breathtaking views of the valley, visited some beautiful waterfalls, and relaxed by the stunning Loch Ba. All the stops were just a few minutes apart by car, making it easy to explore.
Glencoe Road Content
Charming Village of Glencoe: Our Visit
Just about 10 minutes by car from our holiday apartment*, along the A82, we reached our first stop. We parked in the quiet village and took a short stroll. Highlights include the view of the Pap of Glencoe summit and the small Saint Mary’s Church.
Glen Coe Visitor Center and Turf House
Just five minutes further along the A82 is the Glencoe Visitor Center. Of all the visitor centers we explored in Scotland, this one stands out for its community feel and beautiful location in a forest clearing. It also offers many paid parking spots and serves as the gateway to the Glencoe valley.
Inside the center, there’s a large 3D map with information about hiking trails and local wildlife. A cinema shows the short film “The Glen Revealed” and another video depicting the reconstruction of a traditional 17th-century turf house. The “Pioneers of the Peaks” exhibition provides insight into climbing Glencoe’s peaks.
We started our visit with a cappuccino and a slice of cake at the café. After that, we browsed the shop and finally explored the turf house.
Turf House Glen Coe
The turf house stands on the visitor center grounds in an exposed location, offering spectacular views of Glencoe’s surrounding peaks. Naturally, we entered to explore its interior. As a replica of a 17th-century Scottish house, it provides an authentic glimpse into life at that time. Compact turf forms the walls, offering excellent insulation.
Inside, a simple layout includes a central fireplace for both cooking and heating. Thick walls and a turf roof protected residents from Scotland’s harsh weather, especially during colder months. The visit felt like stepping back in time, revealing life in the Scottish Highlands.
Drive Through the Picturesque Glencoe Road in the Scottish Highlands
After our visit to the visitor center, we began the drive through Scotland’s most spectacular valley. Just a few minutes on the A82 brought us to the viewpoint of the Three Sisters, barely four miles away.
Note: There is a general stopping ban in the valley. Due to its beauty, the area has become increasingly busy, even during the off-season. To manage this, the Scottish authorities have created several large parking areas at the most impressive viewpoints. Each stop is just a few minutes apart.
Three Sisters: Impressive peaks on the Glencoe road
The Three Sisters viewpoint is a must-see along the A82. These three peaks are among the most iconic landmarks in the Highlands. If you, like us, come from the visitor center, you’ll find the parking lot on the right side.
Even though we arrived in the early morning, all the spaces were already taken. Like many others, we had to park our rental car* in the second row. We took turns visiting the viewpoint to ensure we could move the car if needed.
What Makes the Three Sisters Special
The Three Sisters are three distinctive peaks rising from the Glen Coe valley floor. Their names are Beinn Fhada (long hill), Gearr Aonach (short ridge), and Aonach Dubh (black ridge). Known for their striking and unique shapes, formed over thousands of years of erosion, their steep slopes and rugged cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop that’s popular with hikers and photographers alike.
Glencoe Viewpoint: A Top Photo Spot in the Highlands
Our next stop was the Glencoe Viewpoint, just three miles away. There are parking spots available on both sides of the road.
We were surprised by how many travelers and tour buses were there. It seemed like everyone was prepared for a specific ritual at this spot.
Almost everyone had a Scotland flag and took photos in the same spot with the valley as a backdrop. We borrowed a flag from a couple and did the same. You can see the result as the featured image at the top. If you know why this tradition exists, let us know!
The panoramic view of the valley and surrounding mountains is stunning. It might just be the most photographed scene in the Highlands.
Buachaille Etive Mòr: Spectacular mountain peak on the Glencoe Road
Just about five minutes further along the A82, you’ll reach another highlight of the valley: Buachaille Etive Mòr. To park, turn right into the Stob Dearg Car Park. From there, the road continues for about 600 meters to a bridge over the narrow River Coupall, where you’ll find the viewpoint.
We parked at Stob Dearg Car Park and walked to the viewpoint, but you can also drive directly there. A small parking area is available next to the bridge.
The view of the mountain is truly unique due to its striking shape. Its symmetrical structure almost makes it appear unreal.
Buachaille Etive Mòr is one of Scotland’s most famous and photographed mountains. Its distinctive, pyramid-like silhouette makes it instantly recognizable. The highest peak, Stob Dearg, stands at an impressive 1,022 meters.
Loch Ba: Picturesque Lake in the Highlands along the A82
Our last stop on the A82 was at the beautiful Loch Ba. Technically, the lake is no longer part of the Glencoe Valley. It lies in Rannoch Moor, east of Glencoe, and is part of the breathtaking landscapes of the western Highlands.
We took a short walk along the lake, enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the water and the mountains beyond.
Final Leg: Scone Palace and Edinburgh
After visiting Loch Ba, we continued on our way to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. We had planned to end our road trip through Scotland with a city break in Edinburgh.
On the A82, we realized we had another chance to visit Scone Palace. Earlier in our journey, we had passed it on our route from Falkirk to Pitlochry, but it had been closed at the time.
Luckily, it was open now, so we decided to end the day there. Later in the evening, we drove to Edinburgh and checked into our final hotel of the trip, the Novotel Edinburgh*.
Glencoe Road Summary: Highlights of the Valley
Our drive through Glen Coe Valley was undoubtedly a highlight of our Scotland road trip. The valley, with its dramatic mountain landscapes and historic sites, provided unforgettable experiences. From the charming village of Glencoe and the iconic Three Sisters to the breathtaking Glencoe Viewpoint and Buachaille Etive Mòr, each stop offered stunning views and exciting discoveries.
The visit to Loch Ba and the Glen Coe Visitor Center, including the authentic turf house, perfectly rounded off our experiences. We concluded with a visit to Scone Palace before heading to Edinburgh. This leg of our journey gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Scottish Highlands and remains a cherished highlight of our trip.
Scotland Road Trip: Our Recommended Booking Platforms
Here are our favorite providers for travel bookings. We prioritize fair prices, high-quality service, and excellent customer support.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations and rental cars* due to their fast and reliable service, wide selection, and competitive prices.
Get Your Guide* is our go-to for high-quality tours and activities.
Viator* also offers great tours. When we can’t find what we need on Get Your Guide, Viator often has good alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our first choice when searching for affordable flights.
