Getting to Woodlands Glencoe without a car
If your adventurous side keeps nudging you to escape to the wild beauty of the Highlands, but you hesitate because you don’t drive, here’s some good news: you can reach Glencoe without a car!
When most people picture Glencoe, they imagine dramatic mountain peaks and a vast wilderness stretching to the horizon. It’s easy to see why many guests assume that getting here without a car would be difficult, but the truth is that Glencoe is much more accessible than you might think!
Of course, having a car offers the freedom to roam the wider Highlands at your own pace; however, if your plan is simply to arrive in Glencoe and explore the sights without driving, rest assured, it’s absolutely possible. Here’s how:
Start with a train journey worth bragging about!
The West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William is often celebrated as one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. Hop aboard a ScotRail service from Glasgow Queen Street you’ll glide through landscapes so enchanting they’ll feel lifted from the pages of Tolkien! Shimmering lochs, untouched glens, mystical peaks and the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor.
Travelling from England? The Caledonian Sleeper offers a magical overnight experience from London to Fort William. Settle into your cosy bunk or spacious double cabin, enjoy dinner or a dram in the onboard restaurant-bar, and wake up refreshed as the train rolls into Fort William around 8am ready to begin your Highland adventure.
From Fort William, reaching Woodlands Glencoe is simple. You have two options:
Hire a car: Easy Drive (pet-friendly!) will have your vehicle waiting in the station carpark. From there, it’s a scenic 20-minute drive along the shores of Loch Linnhe to your RiverBeds, SeaBeds or Forest Corner Luxury Lodge. Returning the car is effortless; just lock up and hand the keys to the staff at Fort William station.
Stay car-free: Prefer to keep things simple? CityLink and Shiel Buses run almost hourly from the stop just outside the station. Ask the driver to let you off at Ballachulish Bridge, then enjoy a short ten-minute walk to your lodge.
Hop on a bus
Getting here by bus couldn’t be easier. Direct Ember services drop off very close to Woodlands Estate from Oban, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow (and both Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports). You’ll be dropped off by the Ballachulish Bridge and we’re just a 10/15-minute walk away. CityLink also operates services from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station. The journey from Glasgow takes under three hours, while travelling from Edinburgh takes less than four hours.
The trip north is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and leaving the car behind means you can fully relax and soak in the views. Just remember to ask your driver to let you off at the stop at the Ballachulish Bridge (not Ballachulish village).
Take the route on foot!
Looking for a true Highland adventure? Hike to Glencoe from Glasgow along the legendary West Highland Way. This iconic 96-mile trail starts in Milngavie, just outside the city, and winds its way through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes before finishing in Fort William.
The route passes through the heart of Glencoe before branching off toward Kinlochleven. From there, you can easily divert and within an hour or so, you’ll be soaking your tired feet in one of our bubbling hot tubs. A reward well earned!
Taxi time
For comfort and convenience, booking a taxi or private driver is an excellent choice. It’s ideal if you’re travelling as a group, carrying lots of luggage or simply want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about schedules. From Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can pre-book a driver who’ll deliver you straight to your lodge door. Many local drivers also double as guides, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the Highlands along the way.
Charter a helicopter!
If you’re in the mood to start your Glencoe getaway in true VIP style, why not skip the roads entirely and take to the skies? Chartering a helicopter to Woodlands Glencoe is an unforgettable way to arrive, offering panoramic views of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes along the way. Take off from Edinburgh with Execair and in less than an hour you’ll be landing on the golfing greens behind your luxury lodge, having soaked in bird’s-eye loch and mountain views along the way.
When you’re here
Most of our guests love to simply relax, switch off and enjoy the serenity of the Woodlands Estate; however, if you would like to explore the area, you can hire an e-bike from our on-site Activity Centre, walk to the neighbouring villages of Ballachulish and Glencoe, or take a bus ride to nearby Fort William or Oban.
Oh, and fear not! You’ll definitely not starve if you arrive without a car. A number of local businesses deliver their foodie goodies directly to your lodge:
Kitchen Food Truck is situated just minutes from the lodges so just pop over to the reception building and let Jim know what you’d like to order.
For traditional takeaway food such as fish & chips and piping hot pizza, you can call Quarrier’s Kitchen who will deliver directly to your lodge.
For the most boujee picnic of your life, we highly recommend getting in touch with the good people at Scottish Wild Picnics, who will set up a fabulous luxury picnic on the terrace of your lodge (or inside if it’s raining)!
