Time Out has named Glen Coe as Scotland's most beautiful place to visit, highlighting its 'jaw-dropping road' and dramatic mountain scenery. The area, located within the Lochaber Geopark in the Scottish Highlands, is known for its towering peaks and glacial valleys, which have also served as a backdrop for major film productions.
Dramatic peaks and 'jaw-dropping roads'
The landscape of Glen Coe was formed by volcanic eruptions and carved by glaciers. It is home to the jagged peaks of the Three Sisters of Glencoe and the pyramid-shaped mountain of Buachaille Etive Mòr. Despite its popularity, the Time Out team noted that "no amount of hype can prepare you for this mighty, majestic valley."
They highlighted the A82 road north from Glasgow and the Trossachs as "surely one of the most jaw-dropping roads in Britain," opening out with views of Glen Coe's rounded peaks and sweeping glacial half-mile-wide crevasse. They added: "There's a reason the route has so many places for cars to park in and embrace the vista."
In addition to the road views, there are ample walking trails, including the famous zigzag path The Devil's Staircase, which takes ramblers over the ridge of Aonach Eagach from Glen Coe to Kinlochleven. One hiker shared on TripAdvisor: "This is badly named: Devil's Staircase makes you think it will be a tough one, but in reality it is not. Not easy, but also not too hard. Moderate really. You can go as far as you want on the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven before turning around."
Majestic film location
Glen Coe has been used as a major film location on numerous occasions. The James Bond movie Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, was filmed around Glencoe and the nearby Glen Etive valley. Scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were also shot in Glencoe, with film sets reportedly built near the bottom of Clachaig Gully and across the road from the Clachaig Inn. Hagrid's Hut appeared in the area for scenes, complete with a pumpkin patch, and a bridge was built as part of the set before being dismantled and removed.
Charming town with an award-winning pub
The small village of Glencoe sits at the foot of the Glencoe mountains, where the River Coe meets Loch Leven. It offers B&Bs, holiday lets, and designated picnic areas. The historic Clachaig Inn has been named the Best Pub in Scotland by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), as well as Les Routiers' UK Real Ale Pub of the Year, and the UK's best beer garden by Enjoy Travel. The pub offers Scottish craft ales, 365 malt whiskies, and more than 100 Scottish distilled gins, with the travel comparison website noting it has "everything you want in a traditional Highland pub."
