Mini adventure break - Glencoe, Scotland

This trip was actually from 2019 - that blissful year before Covid came and upended everything for everyone. Also goes to show just how terrible I am at sharing on this blog as I started drafting this almost 5 years ago.

Glencoe is all about the outdoors for me. Even just driving through the area is an experience. The towering Buachaille Etive Mòr naturally pulls your attention but all around is beautiful classic scenery. If you get the opportunity it’s worth visiting this area through all the different seasons. From the lushness and fullness of summer (take a midgie net) to the frosty, snowy scenes of winter. Every season has its beauty.

Driving through Glencoe is an experience in itself. There are several lay-bys for you to pull in safely to admire the view.

The mighty Buachaille Etive Mòr.

The main thing to consider when outdoor adventuring in winter is that the days are short. For us this isn’t a biggie as our walks can only be so long with the children. Instead we head out on mini adventures, accompanied by picnic supplies and hot drinks and return several hours later, ruddy faced, eyes sparkling, adventures had and usually to a big nourishing bowl of winter fodder and cosy up under fluffy duvets with books.

We actually took a walk up the path to Buachaille Etive Mòr, stopping before it became too dangerous, slippy and outwith our capabilities. The kids would have been happier to go on - they love a clamber as opposed to a plain, safe path so this one really suited them.

One of the easiest and most accessible walks to do with a young family is around Glencoe Lochan. The Red Lochan Trail around the lochan is the most straightforward with a beautiful outlook as a reward.

Views from Glencoe Lochan

One morning l left everyone in bed and headed off in the dark to photograph sunrise over the mountains. Climbing up the Devil’s staircase (part of the West Highland Way), the sky turned from soft pink to orange lighting up everything with a golden glow. I wasn’t the only one, even though it was the depths of winter and -5. There were a number of other photographers out and about and a fair few walkers setting off. I definitely have plans for more walks in this area.

Other spectacular walks to consider include the Pap of Glencoe and the Hidden Valley or for a more technical and requiring plenty of mountain experience and quite possibly a guide the Aonach Eagach ridge, famed for being the narrowest ridge on the British mainland.

For a more sedate day, take the 12 mile drive down Glen Etive made famous in the James Bond film - Skyfall. The views are incredible and there are a few places to pull in to take pictures. If the days are long, take a bike instead.

The absolute best place to pick up a proper pub meal after a long day adventuring is definitely the Clachaig Inn. With hearty meals, a roaring fire and regular live music, it’s deserving of its legendary status. A must visit if you are in the area. You can also stay at the Inn or in one of the self catering cottages on site.