Your guide to adventure in Glencoe

On the Estate

The Estate is home to a wide range of activities, have a look here to find out what keeps us busy day to day.

Explore a host of lovely walks and strolls from your doorstep. Wander down to the sea shore, just 400 metres to the north, or take the paths and tracks around the edge of the Golf Course, and up into the forests above. This is a dog’s paradise!

Woodlands Glencoe is a special place for people of all ages.  Children, adults and grandparents will each find delight in the calm, quie setting – all set so close to the natural playground that is Glencoe.  There really is something for everyone, and our helpful team are on-hand to give lots of information, advice and guidance.

This historic and beautiful part of the UK has so much to offer, whatever you enjoy. You can plan your trip here, or browse from our suggestions below.  For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s one of Britain’s finest and most challenging playgrounds: from scaling the mountain challenges of Ben Nevis to sailing for open water from Loch Linnhe.   For those of gentler persuasion, the walks and rambles are unrivalled and there are a host of sites to visit by car within a 50-mile radius.

Walks and Other Worthwhile Adventures

The Lochan Glencoe Scotland
Bucaille Etive Mor from the Devils Staircase, Glencoe Scottish Highlands

The Glencoe Lochan

A reflective paradise – built by Lord Strathcona of Glencoe House for his homesick Canadian bride in the 19th Century. There are 3 optional trails for you, all short walks through gorgeous woodland and well sign posted. (20 minutes)

The Devil’s Staircase

A steep, but enjoyable climb to the highest point on the West Highland Way! (Scotlands most popular long distance walking trail) – and a great place to catch a sunrise (or sunset!) on the infamous Buchaille Etive Mor mountain, Guardian of Glencoe. (2 hours) 

Stags in the glen at Glencoe Scotland
Bishops Bay walk from Woodlands Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

Glen Etive

One of Scotlands most scenic Glens, Many people venture here in seek of Deer as they are well known for their friendly nature and abundance. You’ll also be able to have your very own Bond moment as this is the site of some very well known filming locations. We kindly ask you DO NOT feed the deer when you go and visit! – they are wild animals! (2 hours)

Bishops Bay 

An easy wander from your lodge door to this quiet picturesque bay. If you’re lucky enough to venture during low tide you can walk out onto the island in the bay for a lovely view point up Loch Leven framing the Pap of Glencoe. (40 minutes)

Rosie the dog enjoying dog walks at Woodlands Glencoe pet friendly lodges with hot tubs

The Glenachulish Horseshoe

A lovely but challenging walk into Glenachulish Valley. Simply follow the RiverBeds river up and up – until you find it’s source! The walk opens up to beautiful views of the valley and has several picture perfect waterfalls along the way – as modelled by our lovely Rosie. (2 hours)

kayaking-arisaig-rockhopper-woodlands-glencoe-highlands-scotland-2400x1600

Kayaking with Rockhopper 

We recommend an aquatic adventure around the Sound of Arisaig with a professional and friendly guide. Better still, Rockhopper can do you a day trip a little closer to home – exploring Loch Leven by kayak. Check them out here. 

Fantastic Sights and Where to Find them

We really are based in one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world – and after having a look at our suggested day trips, i’m sure you will agree! 

Mallaig Day Trip

The drive to Mallaig is beautiful and perfectly positioned along the way are amazing viewpoints and interesting things to see – plus some of the best white sand beaches in Scotland! The best bit? Mallaig is a fishing village so the options for mouth-watering fish and chips are endless!  Must we say any more? Here are some of the lovely things you can see on the way to your fish supper! 

The Jacobite Steam Train Glenfinnan Scotland

The Jacobite Steam Train

Perhaps better known as ‘The Hogwarts Express’. This steaming classic departs Fort William twice a day during the summer months. If you’re not up for the train ride, look out for the train as it follows the same route to Mallaig as the road! 

Glenfinnan Church Highlands of Scotland

Saint Mary & Saint Finnan Church 

A historic stone church built in 1873 which stands proud up on the hill on Glenfinnan. It’s high vantage point affords it beautiful views down Loch Shiel and across to the majestic mountains that line it’s eastern shores. On a clear day you just might spot Hogwarts…

beach-morar-woodlands-glencoe-highlands-scotland-2400x1600

The Silver Sands of Morar 

When you think Carribean beaches you don’t exactly think of the West Coast of Scotland… but maybe you should! The shoreline between Arisaig and Morar shelters an abundance of beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue water (sadly not up to Carribean temps). The beaches look out towards the Isles of Eigg and Rùm and on a clear day you can even see Skye! 

seal-wildlife-woodlands-glencoe-highlands-scotland-2400x1600

Western Isles Cruises Wildlife Tour

A one hour voyage aboard the MV Western Isles where you get the opportunity to see a variety of birds, seals, porpoises, basking sharks, whales and dolphins. And the best news? They have a whisky bar on board!

Oban Day Trip

Another famous West Coast fishing village with – you guessed it – amazing options for fresh fish and chips (can you see a theme developing here?). Oban derives from An t-Òban, meaning “The Little Bay”. Oban is also known as the “Gateway to the Western Isles” as it has a bustling ferry port with ferries leaving regularly to Mull and the Outer Hebrides. Here are our top picks for a magical trip to Oban.

Castle Stalker in Loch Linnhe, Highlands of Scotland

Castle Stalker

A stunning example of a really beautiful Scottish castle. Castle Stalker floats majestically on it’s own island in Loch Linnhe. Originally built in 1320, the Castle is a must see on any trip to the Highlands!

McCaigs Tower

McCaig’s Tower

Perched high above Oban Bay you will find McCaig’s tower. Built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig, the landmark is the perfect place for an after lunch walk – where you can enjoy views down to Oban town and out towards the Atlantic ocean. 

Fresh seafood at the Seafood shack on Oban pier, Highlands of Scotland

The SeaFood Shack

Think fresh lobster sandwiches and seafood platters brimming with oysters, langoustines and cockles – Perhaps the reason for Obans title ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’. Enjoy some of the very best Scottish food in a casual setting.

Sunset at Ganavan Sands, Oban from Woodlands Glencoe, Scotland

Ganavan Sands

A beautiful white sand beach and idyllic viewing platform from which to watch the CalMac ferries go by. Maybe a great place to sit with your fish and chips… Lovely dunes to wander between and watch the sunset over the Isle of Mull.

Whisky tasting at Oban Distillery from Woodlands Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

The Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery boasts one of Scotland’s finest malts – and has been making it almost longer than anyone else – since 1794! Oban itself has been built around the distillery, a sure sign of the ages and the Whisky is largely unchanged since the 18th century. The Whisky here is a fine example of Single Malt from the West Coast. Bold, Peaty & Punchy. Not for softies, although they have a range of Whiskies for everyone and the Distillery is very welcoming, with a well laid out bar upstairs, the beginning point for tours and most likely point you’ll find yourself by the end of your visit. 
oban-chocolate-woodlands-glencoe-day-trip-explore-highlands-scotland-2400x1600

The Oban Chocolate Company

Voted amongst the ‘Top Ten Most Delicious Chocolate Shops’ in 2015 – The Oban Chocolate shop is a must see if you love the sweet stuff. Serving up great coffees and legendary hot chocolates (oh, and did we mention their chocolate waffle stacks?!) .

Fort William Day Trip

Everywhere has a “Town”, and Fort William is ours! The closest main hub with lots of shops and even a brand spanking new cinema! The Wildcat café is a favourite for lunch and a coffee or if you’re looking for something a little more substantial the Achintee Inn sits at the foot of Ben Nevis and does hearty food and great local beers! 

Nevis Range

Nevis Range Gondola Ride

Enjoy a gondola ride up Aonach Mòr mountain (Britain’s third highest mountain!) boasting spectacular views across Fort William and beyond. In winter this is a great place to go ski-ing! You can check the mountain report here . In the summer, Nevis Range is home to the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and riders can be seen rapidly descending the gnarly trails at almost unfathomable speed – not to be missed!

steall-falls-day-trip-idea-glencoe-woodlands-highlands-scotland-2400x1600_2

Steall Falls 

Make the steady climb into the Nevis gorge to find a cascading waterfall nestled amongst giants. The waterfall is a single drop of 120 metres which places it amongst the highest of falls in Scotland. There is a fun wire bridge that you can cross – if you’re feeling brave – and you will find yourself at the base of the waterfall. (2 hours)
Highland Cinema in Fort William, near Woodlands Glencoe, Scotland

The Highland Cinema 

A new build for the high street, the Cinema is a great place to grab a coffee and a scone – or  a wood fired pizza and a cocktail! Plus, it is a functioning cinema too! You can check what movies are on here

Inchree waterfalls near Woodlands Glencoe, Highlands of Scotland

Inchree Falls 

A perfect walk to end the day – short and steep, the climb to Inchree falls is well worth the effort. A series of eight falls dropping over 100 metres – the falls are a true spectacle! The car park is also a great little spot to do some red squirrel watching!