Glencoe Lochan

Towering redwoods surround this tranquil lochan

Take time out to enjoy stunning Highland scenery in a tranquil setting at Glencoe Lochan. Towering redwoods and wild mountain peaks reflect in the still waters of the lochan, giving a distinctly North American feel. Stroll around the water’s edge, explore the woodland or stretch your legs on the mountain trail. It’s an ideal spot for an easy-going outing.

Walking trails

Glencoe Lochan route card (PDF)

Walking

Lochan Trail

A gentle trail around the tranquil Glencoe Lochan and woodland, created by Lord Strathcona for his homesick Canadian wife.

A wide, firm and smooth surfaced path, generally flat, but with short gentle gradients, broken up with rest points.

1 miles / 1.6 km

Allow
½ hour

More information

Admire the reflections of Glencoe’s grand landscape on this easy-access trail around the lochan. You can check out the all-ability Lochan Trail in a Phototrail by the Fieldfare Trust.

Walking

Woodland Trail

Meandering through huge North American conifers - an impressive woodland path. Enjoy the loch views and in spring, carpets of bluebells.

A firm path with some rough rocky and rooty sections. Constantly undulating, with short steep sections. Can be muddy in places after rain.

1 miles / 1.6 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

You can imagine you’re in Canada as you breathe the pine-scented air along this trail: it passes through the North American trees planted by Lord Strathcona in the 1890s.

Walking

Mountain Trail

A short but tough path. The view from the slopes of Stac a’Chlamhain (the steep hill of the buzzard) is just superb.

A loose gravel path, with uneven stone steps and rooty sections. Long very steep gradients.

1 miles / 1.6 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

Take in the views of Loch Leven, dotted with islands, which stretches away towards the Ballachulish bridge and the hills of Morvern. See if you can spot the ruined chapel on one of Loch Leven’s islands.

Activities

Walk or cycle around Glencoe

Glencoe Lochan is a good starting point for exploring more of Scotland’s most famous glen. The Glencoe orbital route is designed for gentle cycling, using quiet roads and cycle tracks to take you right round the glen. You can join it at the bottom of the drive leading to the lochan car park – look for the blue cycle route signs.

Pap of Glencoe

You could also use the forest as a starting point for a trip up the Pap of Glencoe. There are superb views from the top, but it is a very demanding hill walk. See WalkHighlands for route information.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking (charge)

All ability trails

Easy-access facilities

Viewpoint

Mountain access

Picnic area

The nearest public toilets, cafés and shops are in Glencoe village.

The tarred approach driveway is not suitable for motorhomes.

There is a height barrier in place restricting entry to vehicles under 2.3m tall. Alternative parking for motorhomes however is available close by.

Car parking information

The charges to park at this forest car park are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour – all vehicles
• £3 for all day
• Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More about parking

Water safety

We want all our visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time at our forests. If you plan on venturing into the water here, please read our safety advice first.

Water safety

Accessibility

Getting here

Head east through the centre of Glencoe village and over the hump-back bridge. To get to Glencoe Lochan take the second left then through the barrier after the bridge.

Using SatNav?

PH49 4HT is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Lots of local and national bus services stop on the western and southern edges of Glencoe village, a 15-20 minute walk from Glencoe Lochan. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions