Signal Rock and An Torr, Glencoe

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One of the few short walks in Glencoe, this ramble explores the woodland in the central part of the Glen, and visits Signal Rock, where according to legend the signal was given to begin the Glencoe Massacre.

Terrain

Good paths throughout; partially waymarked. There is some ascent and descent involved.

Public Transport

Citilink buses along Glen Coe (request stops at drivers discretion).

Start

Signal Rock car park on A82 (former site of NTS Visitor Centre). Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.5km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 91m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN128564

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The car park at the site of the old Visitor Centre is unsigned, but can be found on north side of A82 1km west of turn off to Clachaig Inn. There are plenty of parking bays and an information board on the walks available; the route described here follows all the loops. The walk begins from the far (west) end of the car park on a tarmac path, with great views of Clachaig Gully. The path soon leads to a bridge over the River Coe; there are good views downstream where the river flows through a small gorge, and upstream with Bidean nam Bian as an impressive backdrop.

Stage 2

Immediately over the bridge the path forks; take the left branch up the steps. This reaches a second junction in the forest; take the left fork again, which waymarked blue and black. Ignore a small branch path off to the left, following the Signal Rock sign as the path curves right. At yet another junction, this time with a big tree right at the junction, turn left uphill - waymarked in blue. Remember this point as you must return here after visiting Signal Rock. The path passes through a gate in the deer fence and then descends once more.

Stage 3

Soon you'll pass a junction with a branch path on the right signed for Torren Cottage only. Ignore this branch and continue up the steps to the foot of Signal Rock. This is climbed via steps round the back. Historically, this was the place where the head of the Glencoe MacDonalds would address his clan, and according to legend it is also the place from where the signal was given to the Campbells to begin the Glencoe Massacre. Once it would have had extensive views across the glen, but the forests today mean only brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains are possible.

Stage 4

Return back to the unmarked junction with the tree. Turn left onto a smaller path but before reaching the gate ahead turn right onto a well-made trail. After crossing some streams via planks this trail climbs the hillside ahead in a series of easy zig-zags, finally reaching the top of the hill after passing round the back. This is An Torr, and a better view can be gained by following a short branch path off to the right on the top, where a rocky outcrop has an open view through the trees.

Stage 5

Continue following the An Torr path as it winds back downhill. When it joins another path, turn left (turning right soon rejoins the outward route to Signal Rock) and pass through a deer fence (there is a small gate on the right if the main gate is locked) and then emerges on the minor road in Glencoe. The great mountainside opposite is the western end of the Aonach Eagach - the 'path' that can be seen is the dangerously eroded route beside Clachaig Gully that is out of bounds to responsible walkers. Turn right along the road, passing the Clachaig Inn, where refreshments can be had. Immediately after passing the red iron snow gates beyond the Clachaig Inn turn right onto a well-made path. This heads back to the bridge over the River Coe and the car park beyond.

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