A Daytrip to Glen Coe from Oban

Castle Stalker

An attraction

Clinging desperately to a tiny island in Loch Laich, Castle Stalker makes one of the most picturesque views on the west coast. Once a stronghold of the Stewarts, in the 1400s their chief was killed by the Campbells, the castle captured and the chief’s baby son whisked away to safety! Nicknamed Donald of the Hammers, the boy returned as an adult to raise the clan and win back his home! Incredibly, 200 years later, his descendants lost Stalker again in a drunken bet. Thankfully, it was restored in the early 1900s and remains in private hands. There are occasional boat tours during the tourist season, but it’s impressive enough just to look at from the viewpoints by the loch or café on the hill.

Glencoe Lochan

An attraction

After travelling along the coast of Loch Linnhe, the Pap of Glencoe soon comes into sight. Before heading into the narrow glen itself, pass through the village to the hidden trail around Glencoe Lochan. There are routes for all abilities in surroundings that most visitors miss. Skirting the loch is the quickest option, with conifers and mountains reflected in the calm surface of the water. The trees were planted by Lord Strathcona in the 1890s as a romantic gesture to help cure his Canadian wife’s homesickness.

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Glencoe Visitor Centre

An attraction

One of the highlights of Glencoe involves a trip to the Visitor Centre. Weave your way through the shop and out the back to find the reconstructed Glencoe Turf House, showing how people in much of Scotland lived in the 17th century! The smell of peat smoke has been absorbed by the building, giving the surroundings even more character. Imagine a family sitting with their neighbours around the fire, telling stories of ghosts, fairies, kelpies and heroes! In 1692, a regiment of soldiers were sheltered by the MacDonalds of Glencoe, in houses just like this, for almost two weeks. Shockingly, at 5am on the 13th February, orders were given to the soldiers to massacre their hosts. It was an act of infamy that’s echoed down through history.

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Clachaig Inn

Food and drink

Easily my favourite place to have lunch in Glencoe, the Clachaig Inn is packed with personality. It sits in the shadows of the mountains and the towering views outside can be a little bit intimidating! My personal recommendation here is always the ham, cheese and chutney sandwich with a mug of soup.

Three Sisters of Glencoe

An attraction

The Three Sisters of Glencoe make one of Scotland’s most iconic scenes. These three hills, backed by even taller mountains, are simply stunning at any time of the year. There are a few different viewpoints along the glen, each giving a different appreciation of the surrounding scenery. Feel free to go for a wander on the paths around the lower slopes and see if you can spot the entrance to Coire Gabhail. Often known as the Hidden/Lost Valley, this sheltered spot between Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach is said to be where the MacDonalds of Glencoe hid cattle stolen from their neighbours!

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Rannoch Moor Viewpoint

An attraction

Leaving the mountains of Glencoe behind, you suddenly burst into the starkly different landscape of Rannoch Moor. This vast, flat expanse is a dangerous combination of lochans and bogs interspersed with tufts of heather, known as one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. On a clear, still day, the water reflects the distant peaks perfectly.

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Kilchurn Castle

An attraction

Upon reaching Loch Awe, take a very short detour to the A819 layby overlooking Kilchurn Castle. Built in the 1400s by the Campbells of Glenorchy, their power grew astronomically until they abandoned this scenic spot for a more luxurious home in Perthshire. Kilchurn fell into the dramatic ruin that we see today, perfectly seen from this spot across the water!

St Conans Kirk

An attraction

Not far away, the architectural wonder of St Conan’s Kirk is as beautiful as it is bizarre. While it looks centuries old, it was only constructed in the late 19th century! Walter Campbell built it as a chapel of ease for his old mother who struggled with the coach journey every Sunday to the church at Dalmally. Entry is by donation and make sure to admire the effigy of Robert the Bruce as well as the view from the sundial out over Loch Awe!