If there’s one place in Scotland that truly feels like a living postcard, it’s Glencoe. Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this dramatic valley is nothing short of breathtaking, offering some of the most awe-inspiring views you’ll experience in the country. It’s not just a stop on your way to the Isle of Skye—it’s a destination in itself, a landscape so powerful that it feels like you’re driving through a Harry Potter movie.

What makes Glencoe particularly special is how it encapsulates the spirit of the Highlands. The ruggedness of the terrain, the rich history, and the ever-changing weather patterns are all part of the Highland experience. The A82 road runs right through Glencoe, making it an easy and incredibly scenic drive as you head towards the Isle of Skye. But the journey through Glencoe is anything but just a road trip—it’s a Scottish adventure in its own right.

Throughout this blog I will guide you through my favorite parts of Glencoe and highlight some other must stops on your way to Skye!

The Wee White House

To be honest, at first, I didn't understand the significance of the Wee White House. However, after taking a photo of it with my camera, I saw how dramatic of a composition it created. Originally a crofter's house, it is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Mountaineering Club. The house has become one of the most popular photography locations in Glencoe, attracting numerous photographers and tourists each year due to its picturesque setting amidst the rugged and expansive landscape of the Western Scottish Highlands.

The Three Sisters Viewpoint

Another picturesque stop on our roadtrip though Glencoe is The Three Sisters. The Three Sisters of Glencoe, named because of the three distinctive ridges of the Bidean Nam Bian Mountain, stand out as a well-known landmark in Glencoe. These peaks are highly photographed due to their striking appearance as you can tell from the photo. The Three Sisters are best explored on foot to truly appreciate the vastness of the area. The hike we did from this viewpoint was Lost Valley. It was a difficult hike, but definitely rewarding.

Glencoe is a hiker's paradise, offering some of Scotland’s most stunning trails. The most popular is the challenging ascent of Buachaille Etive Mòr, hikes in this area deliver jaw-dropping views of rugged mountains, hidden glens, and dramatic landscapes that are truly unforgettable. There is even a hike through Glencoe where you can trek roughly 100 miles. The West Highland Way is a 96-mile trail in Scotland that runs through Glencoe and is considered the country's most popular long-distance hike. We did not and will not do that one, for obvious reasons.

The Highland Coos

If you’re anything like me, one of your main life goals is to photograph the Highland Cows in the Scottish Highlands! I managed to achieve this goal during my visit, and I may have shed a few tears of joy. Locating these cows, or "coos" (the Scottish word for cows), is more challenging than you might imagine. I jokingly told my husband that, apart from driving on the left side of the road, his primary task for the trip was to help me find the cows. And he delivered! It was quite an experience.

We found them near the Landour Bakehouse and had the chance to purchase feed from this bakery to feed them. Landour also offered fantastic baked goods, so we made sure to stop there on our way to and from Skye. Landour Bakehouse is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Glencoe, but conveniently located on the route to the Isle of Skye if you plan on visiting there as well. It was definitely worth the stop.

The Meeting of Three Waters

The Meeting of Three Waters is a unique spot where three rivers converge. It's located right by the side of the road, with a viewing platform offering a great vantage point. For those feeling adventurous, you can either walk along the top of the waterfall or explore the area at its base.

Loch Leven

Loch Leven is a stunning freshwater loch in Scotland, known for its scenic beauty and historic island castle. There are several fantastic walking trails around Loch Leven, offering stunning views of the loch, mountains, and wildlife.You can take the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a 13-mile circular route around the loch, which is relatively flat and the most popular trail.

Want to stay on the lake? Check out the Isle of Glencoe. Although the rooms were a bit outdated, the location was ideal for accessing nearby restaurants and served as a perfect overnight stop on our way to Skye. The hotel also has a lovely restaurant where we enjoyed dinner while taking in beautiful views. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Isle of Glencoe is a great choice! They even have a pool and hot tub on-site.

Take a Scenic Drive

Anywhere you drive in Glencoe is stunning, but the A82 is the most famous route. This scenic drive takes you through the heart of Glencoe, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and lochs. For a film connection, check out the "Skyfall Road"—a section of the A82 featured in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.

Parking in Glencoe is limited, so be prepared to find spaces along the roadside. If you explore deeper in some sections, the roads are single-track with passing places, so take your time and stay alert. And don’t forget to drive on the left!

Kingshouse Hotel

Our stay at Kingshouse was incredibly cozy and beautiful. The surrounding area of the hotel was breathtaking, providing a wonderful experience staying in the heart of Glencoe. Dating back to around 1750, the 'Kings House' was originally constructed to accommodate troops and travelers. It is a popular resting place for those walking the West Highland Way. If you want a cheaper option on sight check out the nearby Bunkhouse. The 1960s extension was rebuilt and reopened in 2019. The original 18th-century building, known as Kingshouse Hotel and now called the Way Inn, has been refurbished and connects to the newer hotel, providing access to the main hotel.

The view from our room at the Kingshouse Hotel.

Where to Stay: Isles of Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel | RiverBeds Luxury Lodge | Clachaig Inn

Attractions: Glencoe Mountain Resort | Glencoe Waterfall | The Three Sisters | Wee White House | “Hagrid’s Hut”

Hiking: Lost Valley - Hard | The Devil’s Staircase - Hard

Signal Rock - Moderate | Lairig Gartain via Glen Cloe - Moderate

Glencoe Military Road - Easy | An Torr Circular - Easy

Where to Stay: Isles of Glencoe | Kingshouse Hotel | RiverBeds Luxury Lodge | Clachaig Inn

Attractions: Glencoe Mountain Resort | Glencoe Waterfall | The Three Sisters | Wee White House | “Hagrid’s Hut”

Hiking: Lost Valley - Hard | The Devil’s Staircase - Hard

Signal Rock - Moderate | Lairig Gartain via Glen Cloe - Moderate

Glencoe Military Road - Easy | An Torr Circular - Easy

Other Nearby Destinations Around Glencoe:

The Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Harry Potter railway bridge!! The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a breathtaking railway bridge on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Built between 1897 and 1901, it’s not just an engineering marvel—it’s also famous for its role in the Harry Potter films. The viaduct, with its 21 sweeping arches, became iconic as the Hogwarts Express famously crossed it in the movies. The dramatic scenery surrounding the viaduct, including the misty mountains and Loch Shiel, adds to its mystical charm, making it a must-see spot for fans of both Harry Potter and stunning Scottish landscapes.

The Viaduct is approximately a 50-minute drive from Glencoe, but it is definitely worth a stop. You have the opportunity to stroll to the viaduct and even walk underneath it when it's open for the season. Additionally, you can enjoy a coffee and pick up some souvenirs at the charming shop located near the car park.

Eilean Donan Castle

Another stop on our roadtrip to Skye was this castle. The Eilean Donan Castle is truly impressive to witness, located at the meeting point of three sea lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. Visitors have the chance to cross the iconic bridge and explore the castle's interior. For a different perspective and great photo ops, I suggest driving up to the "Eilean Donan Castle Viewpoint."

Lost in the Beauty of Glencoe | Scottish Highlands