Glencoe Lochan trails

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A gem of a walk following waymarked trails through ornamental woodland at the foot of Glen Coe.The picturesque and serene lochan and its wooded shores contrasts with the wild and dramatic mountains of the glen which are seen across it.

Terrain

Easy waymarked paths.

Public Transport

Bus services to Glencoe village; both local buses and Citilink stop here.

Start

Glencoe Lochan car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Glencoe Lochan car park; to find it, follow the minor road east from the village towards the Clachaig Inn; turn left just after the bridge over the River Coe; the car park is then reached by turning right a short way up this road. It is well signed. There are three short waymarked trails; the route described here combines them all. The blue waymarked 'Mountain Trail' is followed first; this section is steep but could be omitted by heading straight for the lochan. For the mountain trail, take the path on the right and follow the blue markers.

Stage 2

Turn right again to follow the path which climbs steeply uphill. At the top it reaches a picnic table with a view across Loch Leven. The path now descends again, eventually reaching a t-junction beside the lochan. Turn right here, following the trail around the lochan. The woodland here was planted by Lord Strathcona, in an attempt to make his Canadian wife feel more at home in the Highlands; sadly this failed and the couple later emigrated to Canada.

Stage 3

The lochan is very picturesque and there are views across it towards Beinn a Bheithir. The lochside path is accessible to wheelchairs and is very popular, with several wooden platforms built out onto the loch for fishing. The loch itself was created artificially as part of Lord Strathcona's estate; it is often known as the 'Hospital Lochan' as Glencoe House served as the local hospital for many years. Continue round the lake, passing several picnic benches. The views change as you walk around the loch, and soon the Pap of Glencoe is seen, often reflected in the water.

Stage 4

Further round, look out for a yellow waymarked path which turns off to the right. This is the woodland path, and extends the route for a further kilometre or so. It winds between the trees including Douglas Firs and Sequoias. There are various junctions with minor paths, and one viewpoint with a seat overlooking Loch Leven. Keep following the yellow markers (generally bearing left); when the path reaches a larger track turn right and then immediately left by the wooden handrail. Pass a water-lilly covered lochan and return to the start just beyond.

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