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An aerial view shows a dark peaty pool connected by a winding stream across a snow-covered moor.
Lochaber

Rannoch Moor Viewpoint

Lay-bys on the A82 across Rannoch Moor, looking over lochans and bog to the Black Mount, with pines on islets of peat.

Welcome

The A82 crosses Rannoch Moor on its way to Glencoe, and for miles there is nothing but open moor: a great, raised plain of peat bog, granite boulders and countless lochans, with mountains standing all around its edge.

The lay-bys by Lochan na h-Achlaise give one of the finest views on the road. Small islands of peat in the lochan hold lone, weather-beaten Scots pines, and behind the western shore rises the jagged range of the Black Mount. On a calm day the water turns into a black mirror and the whole scene is doubled.

The parking areas are small and can fill by mid-morning, especially when the moor turns gold in autumn. Never pull onto the verges, as the ground is soft and cars sink quickly. There are no facilities, so this is a place for a short stop and a long look.

A little further outKingshouse HotelThe inn at the head of Glencoe.20 min by roadSee itKingshouse Hotel
Before you go

Open at any hour; small lay-bys that fill by mid-morning in autumn.

Where
The A82 across Rannoch Moor.
View
The Black Mount.
Facilities
None.
Where it is

In lay-bys on the A82 across Rannoch Moor, between Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe, PA36 4AG. Park only in the bays: the verges are soft.

Close byRannoch Moor.
  1. LagangarbhLagangarbhA small white climbers' hut at the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor at the head of Glen Coe, one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland.4 miles 5 min by road
  2. Buachaille Etive Mòr's rock pyramid above a rocky river.Buachaille Etive MòrThe great herdsman of Etive, the rock pyramid at the head of Glen Coe, one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.7 miles 8 min by road
  3. The mountains of Glen Coe at first light, cloud on the tops.Buachaille Etive Beag7 miles 9 min by road
  4. Cloud spilling over mountain peaks above Glen Coe at dawnHill walk all around Buachaille Etive BeagThe hill walk route goes all around Buachaille Etive Beag (means Small Herdsman of the Etive).7 miles 9 min by road
  5. Loch TullaLoch TullaA loch below the Black Mount.10 miles 13 min by road
Directions
Beinn Dòrain's steep slopes above the glen, snow on the tops beyond.AttractionsBeinn Dorain12 miles
The rough path of the West Highland Way climbing through a wide, bare glen towards the hills.AttractionsThe Devil’s Staircase12 miles
Curved railway viaduct crossing moorland below a steep russet mountainsideAttractionsAllt Kinglass Viaduct12 miles
The Daily for 17 October, from Scotland with love. A wide waterfall churns over rock ledges, autumn trees lining the gorge.

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the viewpoint, and when each is next free.

RiverBeds at Woodlands Glencoe
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Ballachulish
  • 17 miles from the Rannoch Moor viewpoint
Check datesSuie Hunting Lodge, Loch LomondSuie Hunting Lodge
  • To stay
  • In Luib
  • 18 miles from the Rannoch Moor viewpoint
Check datesKin, PerthshireKin
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rannoch
  • 20 miles from the Rannoch Moor viewpoint
Free 25–27 OctLoch, PerthshireLoch
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Kinloch Rannoch
  • 20 miles from the Rannoch Moor viewpoint
Free 4–6 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in LochaberAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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