The Pap of Glencoe

Summary

Known in Gaelic as Sgòrr na Cìche, the Pap of Glencoe is a familiar landmark around the lower end of the glen and Loch Leven. Despite its modest height, it is a sensational viewpoint and gives a short but steep and surprisingly rough hillwalk.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Steep and boggy climb on a very eroded and rough path to the ridge; the final ascent of the Pap is rocky and almost a scramble.

Getting there

Start

Parking along start of forest track 500m along minor road from Bridge of Coe.

Public Transport

Buses (local and Citilink) to Glencoe village.

Start Grid Ref

NN107587

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 716m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Pap of Glencoe

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Walk Description

User reports (47)

Stage 1

This walk can be started from Glencoe village, but if travelling by car it is possible to park around 500m along the minor road down the glen towards the Clachaig from the village; there is a car park on the first section of a forest track which is on the left, 350m further on from the turning for Glencoe Lochans, shortly after an electricity substation. From here, facing the road, the Orbital path off to the left; this runs through the trees parallel to the minor road, eventually rejoining it. Continue briefly along the road, and after passing a first gate on the left (the entrance to 'Laraichean'), go through the next gate. This leads to a track and passes straight away through another gate. Head uphill on the track, soon with a great view up Glencoe. Before reaching the waterworks, turn right on a wide path over a footbridge.

Stage 2

This crosses the hillside for some distance before fording a stream. Once across the stream, the path becomes narrower and curves round to the left, heading more directly uphill and coming close to the edge of the gorge above the stream. At one or two flatter sections the path has become very boggy and eroded, but it soon begins climbing once more up stonier terrain, now climbing diagonally to the right away from the stream. At about 430 metres the path swings back left and continues the climb, with more boggy sections but wonderful views over Glencoe village to Ballachulish bridge and beyond.

Stage 3

Ignore a smaller path that turns off to the right - this is a descent route from the Aonach Eagach - and continue to the col below the Pap. The stony dome of the Pap is seen ahead.

Stage 4

Continue on the path to its base; from here the going becomes rocky as the path makes the ascent, soon turning sharp left and then later climbing diagonally to the right up the Pap. There are boulders and rocks en route but no real scrambling is required. As the path passes round to the back of the Pap, superb views over Loch Leven to the Mamores are revealed. Once behind the Pap the summit comes into view over to the left and the path turns to head up to it.

Stage 5

The first, large cairn has a stunning view along Loch Leven backed by the great range over the Mamores, whilst superb views of the Ballachulish narrows and Glencoe can be had by continuing a short distance southwest across the small plateau.

Stage 6

Once you've enjoyed the panorama, however, the descent should be made by retracing the outward route to the bealach and back down the path. This is no hardship as the views are outstanding throughout.

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