Location Spotlight
GlencoeOne of the most scenic and historic Glens located in the Scottish Highlands. The Glen is famous for its dramatic landscape of steep-sided mountains, craggy peaks, and winding rivers. The Glen is also steeped in history, having been the site of a famous massacre in 1692.
The weeping glen
Glencoe is located in the in the western part of the Scottish Highlands. It is situated about 100 miles north of Glasgow and 20 miles south of Fort William. The glen is surrounded by towering mountains, including the Buachaille Etive Mor, Bidean nam Bian, and Aonach Eagach ranges. The Glen itself is approximately 12 miles long and runs from the village of Glencoe in the west to the expanse of Rannoch Moor in the east. The A82 road runs through the Glen, connecting Glasgow with Fort William, and provides easy access to Glencoe’s many outdoor activities and attractions.
A little bit of history
So why is it sometimes poetically called the weeping glen? The Massacre of Glencoe took place on 13 February 1692, following the Jacobite uprising of 1689–92. An estimated thirty-eight members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by government forces billeted with them, with others later alleged to have died of exposure, on the grounds they had not been prompt in pledging allegiance to the new monarchs, William III of England and II of Scotland and Mary II.
In the village of Glencoe you can visit a cross that was erected in 1883 by a Macdonald in memory of clansmen who perished in the massacre. An annual wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Monument to commemorate those who fell in the massacre.
Movies shot in Glencoe
Glencoe’s stunning natural beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies and television shows over the years. Some of the most famous movies that have been shot in Glencoe include:
- Skyfall (2012) – This James Bond film features scenes filmed in Glencoe and nearby Glen Etive, in which Bond and M drive through the glens on their way to Bond’s ancestral home.
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – Glencoe was used as a filming location for several scenes in this Harry Potter film, including Hagrids hut with the set constructed near the Clachaig Inn.
- Rob Roy (1995) – This historical epic was partly filmed in Glencoe, and features stunning shots of the glen’s rugged mountains and dramatic scenery.
- Braveheart (1995) – While most of this epic film about Scottish hero William Wallace was shot elsewhere in Scotland and Ireland, some scenes were filmed in Glencoe.
- Highlander (1986) – Many scenes for this classic fantasy movie featuring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery were shot in the Glen.
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – This classic comedy features a scene shot in Glen Coe, the bridge of death over the chasm of doom.
These are just a few of the many movies that have been shot in Glen Coe, which continues to be a popular filming location to this day.
Things to see and do in Glencoe
Glencoe is a beautiful and rugged valley in the Scottish Highlands, with plenty of activities and attractions to offer visitors. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Glencoe:
- Hiking: Glencoe is a popular destination for hikers, with many trails that wind through the glens’s stunning landscapes. Some of the most popular hikes include the Buachaille Etive Mor, the Lost Valley, and the West Highland Way.
- Scenic drives: The A82 road runs through Glencoe, providing spectacular views of the glen’s mountains and rivers. There are also many scenic routes that branch off from the A82, including the Glen Etive road.
- Skiing and snowboarding: In the winter months, Glencoe is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, with the Glencoe Mountain Resort offering a range of runs for all skill levels.
- Photography: Glencoe’s dramatic scenery makes it a paradise for photographers, with endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes.
- History and culture: Glencoe is steeped in history and culture. As well as the visitor centre you can see the memorial to the Massacre and take the wooded walk to the Signal Stone where Clan MacDonald used the high rock to warn of approaching enemy.
- Camping: Glencoe has many campsites at its more wooded west end but you may be able to camp up in one of the many car parks through the Glen, waking up to one of the most stunning places in Scotland.
- Climbing: Glencoe offers a variety of climbing opportunities for experienced climbers, including some of the most challenging and iconic peaks in Scotland.
- Entertainment: If you fancy a coffee, lunch and a pint then we can also recommend the Clachaig Inn. You can also expect some live music at night on the weekends. It might also be possible to set up camp with the Land Rovers here but please check in advance.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Glencoe, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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