The Lost Valley
The hidden valley among the Three Sisters of Glen Coe where the MacDonalds kept their rustled cattle, reached by a short, rough climb.
The Lost Valley, Coire Gabhail, is a hidden hanging valley high among the Three Sisters of Glen Coe, and it is where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe kept the cattle they had rustled, out of sight behind a jumble of boulders and a wooded gorge.
From the road you would never guess it is there: the way up from a car park on the A82 climbs steeply through rocks and past waterfalls.
It is a short walk, about four kilometres with 335 metres of ascent, two to three hours there and back, but a very rough one, with a steep, rocky path, some mild scrambling and a burn to cross on stepping stones that can vanish when the water is high after rain. Take care and turn back if the stream is in spate. Buses between Glasgow and Fort William pass along the road.
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The walk is 4 km with 335 m of ascent, 2 to 3 hours, from the car park in Glen Coe on the A82.
The path is steep and rocky with mild scrambling; the burn crossing can be impassable in spate.
- Distance
- 4 km, 335 m of ascent, 2 to 3 hours.
- Start
- Car park in Glen Coe, A82.
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Add your reviewAmong the Three Sisters of Glen Coe.
Three Sisters of GlencoeThree steep ridges of Bidean nam Bian on the south side of Glen Coe, seen across the glen from the car park halfway up it.Under a mile 1 min by road
Glencoe Visitor Centre1 mile 3 min by road
Aonach EagachGlen Coe's northern wall, famed as the narrowest ridge on the British mainland: a serious scramble between two Munros.1 mile 2 min by road
The Devil’s StaircaseThe zigzag path from Altnafeadh up to 550 metres, the highest point of the West Highland Way, with the Buachaille behind you.1 mile 2 min by road
Buachaille Etive BeagThe little herdsman of Etive, a fine ridge above the mouth of Glen Coe with views down Loch Etive.6 miles 7 min by road
Places to stay near the valley, and when each is next free.
RiverBeds at Woodlands Glencoe- Sleeps 2
- In Ballachulish
- 5 miles from the Lost Valley
Stormhouse South- Sleeps 2
- In Appin
- 13 miles from the Lost Valley
Stormhouse North- Sleeps 2
- In Appin
- 13 miles from the Lost Valley
Slochd- Sleeps 2
- In Barcaldine
- 15 miles from the Lost Valley
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For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .