Glencoe Lochan Trails

The car park is located at Glencoe Lochan. To find it, follow the small road east of the village towards Clachaig Inn. Take the second of the two roads on the left after the bridge over the River Coe. You will then reach the car park by turning right a little further along this road. The car park is clearly signposted.

(S/E) Leave the car park and head north until you reach the first crossroads. 

(1) Take the path on the right, marked in blue, which heads south-east. At the crossroads, follow the same route and pass above the car park. A little further on, the path climbs steeply. At the top of the climb, you’ll reach a picnic table with a lovely view of Loch Leven. After a mostly flat section, head back down towards Glencoe Lochan and arrive at a T-junction.

(2) Turn right and follow the red-marked path which runs along the north side of the lochan.The lochan is very picturesque and offers lovely views towards Beinn a Bheithir. The path passes several wooden platforms built out over the lochan for fishing, as well as picnic benches. All along the shore, the route offers lovely views until the Gap of Glencoe comes into view.

(3) At the north-western corner of the lochan, turn right onto a path marked in yellow. This is a forest track that winds through the trees, including Douglas firs and redwoods. Continue along the main path, ignoring the side paths, which are generally to the left. Further on, you’ll see a viewpoint overlooking Loch Leven with a bench. Thepath joins a wider track.

(4) Turn right for about ten metres before turning left at the wooden ramp. Pass a small lochan covered in water lilies and return to the first junction.

(1) Continue along the path on the right to reach the car park about a hundred metres further on (S/E). 

This signposted route is easy to follow and features good-quality paths. However, part of the route is on stony paths or paths with tree roots, so you’ll need to wear suitable footwear.

In addition, it is advisable to follow the directions in this description and the map provided by Visorando, whilst also observing the landscapes you pass through. Distance information from the starting point, or even the GPS coordinates of waypoints (including the start), can also help hikers find their way.

Hike completed by the author on 10 May 2024.

Glencoe Lochan

The lochan itself was created artificially as part of Lord Strathcona’s estate. It is often known as ‘Hospital Lochan’, as Glencoe House served as the local hospital for many years.

The forest around Glencoe Lochan was planted by Lord Strathcona, with the aim of making his Canadian wife feel more at home in the Highlands. Unfortunately, this failed and the couple subsequently emigrated to Canada.