The West Highlands of Scotland has some of, if not the best hikes in the United Kingdom. Debates can be made between what is best, but there is no doubt that these rugged, ancient hills hold a mystical presence not found anywhere else.
This is a list of the best day hikes in the West Highlands, I have completed each of these day hikes and the photographs used in the blog are almost entirely taken by me, as proof of my knowledge and understand of the walks.
Before we start, I have put these hikes in no particular order. A chart will be provided that helps with beauty level, difficulty, accessibility, how long the walk takes and other important elements of the day hike. I hope you enjoy.
- The Pap of Glencoe
- The Hidden Glen
- Am Bodach
- The Devil’s Staircase
- Sgorr Dhearg and Sgorr Dhonuill
- Achnambeithach, Waterfall.
- The Three Sisters
- Glencoe Valley Trek
- Glencoe Mast and Ballachulish Forest
THe Pap of Glencoe
Sgnorr, na Ciche, also known as the Pap (the tit) is one of Glencoe’s most iconic natural monuments. Soring into the old and often wet Scottish atmosphere, this monument has a unique look. A singular, rounded off head to the otherwise wide bodied mountain that somewhat resembles the breast of a homo-sapien female, though it is my opinion that most mountains resemble a tit.
This day hike rewards you with one of the most dramatic views of the Glencoe valley. On the climb up, you have a fantastic outlook over Glencoe village and the valley in which the infamous massacre took place in 1692. To the South you can see the looming fierce face of Bidean Nam Bian, to the West Loch Leven, Loch Linnhe and the towering foothill that guard the more scenic highlands.
The trail isn’t an easy one. The first half of the hike is a steep rocky climb that can become slippery when wet, and must be ascended in crampons if you are lucky enough to catch snow. The second half is more forgiving, though can prove difficult in less desirable weather.
The second half of the trek begins after turning left at the paths fork. Left takes you to the Pap, right will take you towards Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh, a much more difficult and dangerous hike, one that you shouldn’t attempt as a beginner.
The second half levels out for the first part, the hike becomes a shallower gradient and the path is easier to follow. Only on the approach to the iconic tip of the pap, will the gradient once again incline. This becomes a, low tier scramble in some areas, though it is a stretch to say a scramble at all.
All in all, with a good level of fitness and good conditions, the Pap shouldn’t take longer than three and a half hours without breaks.
| Height | 742m |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 3.5 – 4 hours |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| View | 9/10 |
| Accessibility | 9/10 |
| Gradient | Steep |
| Terrain | Rocky/Boggy/Trail |
To access the Pap, one can either park in Glencoe village and walk East on Gleann Comhann until reaching Anamchara on the left hand side. This is the quickest way to start the accent. Or you can park in the Clachaig Inn car park and head West along the Gleann Comhann and access the same access point at the Anamchara.
In my opinion the Pap is a great gateway into mountaineering and mountain hiking. The steep climb is difficult enough for beginners to cut their teeth on, but easy enough to recover from if need be. It is a quick, entry level hike that offers all of the glory and rewards from a mountain trek, without the dangers and longevity of most mountainous hikes.
With multiple car parks and Glencoe village being a short walk away from the Pap, the cushion and safety of your vehicle or shelter is never far from you. Not that this will be needed, as the Pap is overall a safe and quick hill to climb.
Although there are taller hills, the pap is a personal favourite for a quick, rewarding hike. The view is spectacular, especially for a hill that is modest in height and relatively easy in difficulty.
The Hidden Glen
Nestled between Gearr Aonach and Beinn Fhada, two of the three sisters, beyond the meeting of the ‘three waters’ rises a hidden glen. Down ancient stone steps, across newly built bridges and up into misty mountain woodlands a valley lay still. While the valley is no longer a secret, the beauty there remains available only to those that wish to make the trek.
This day, or afternoon hike is perfect for those that have limited time in Glencoe. While the mountains and surrounding hills are a temptation for us all, sometime, life, or the weather doesn’t always allow for such adventures.
Starting at the famous and beautiful ‘Three Sisters Carpark’, halfway between the Kingshouse Hotel and the Clachaig Inn. The trail is simple, and easy to follow. Aim between the two big hills and cross the river over the bridge.
While this is by far one of the best walks in the area when it comes to timing, beauty, the thing that makes this walk stand out, is the adventure.
The secret glen is guarded by steep rocks, misty forests and shallow river crossings. This atmosphere makes you feel like an explorer, pushing into uncharted territories. The path is easy to follow, but the obstacles forces the inner child to come out.
| Height | 450m |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 3 and a half hours |
| Difficulty | 6/10 |
| View | 8/10 |
| Accessibility | 7/10 |
| Gradient | Steep and scramble |
| Terrain | Pathed and rocky |
At the top of the trail, mountaineers can continue up the track to summit any of the three sisters. For those looking just to explore for the day however the ancient valley, formed by glaciers in the last ice age sits quietly and undisturbed.
It truly is a mini Himalayan experience. A small river rushes through the valley, a large flat area marks perfect room for tents and picnics.
The walk is somewhat impossible for anyone unable to clamber up rocky surfaces, as the start of the walk begins with a vertical scramble. Do not fear, or let this put you off, it is no more than a short scramble that has been made somewhat easier with a number handrailing to hold onto, this is not a climb, its just essential to mention this for those unable to do very low tier scrambling.
Following this, it is uphill and across rivers till you reach the destination. I’d urge people to stick to the low passage on the way up, it provides and incredible explorer experience close to the raging river that cuts the valley in two. On the way back, take the higher road, it provides some incredible views of the valley and adjacent mountains.
I also would recommend this as the starting point to access the three sisters, for any mountaineers reading this. Not only for the beauty of the hike, but also due to the camping spot available in the valley, and the accessibility to the summits.
Am Bodach
Standing at 1032 meters, Am Bodach, meaning ‘the old man’ is without a doubt the best view of the ‘three sisters’. While the car park below is beautiful, the true majestic beauty of them can not be truly awed upon without altitude and a little hard work.
This is the first official Monroe on the list, and it deserves it. While there are bigger mountains in Scotland, and in the area, non quiet have the panoramic view that is offered by this old man.
On a clear day, the summit reveals miles of West Highland beauty. From the three sisters, to the famous Glencoe ridge, all the way to the Blackwater reservoir. The mountain allows you to see everything, there is little hidden to those that have summitted Am Bodach.
| Height | 1032 |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 4 hours |
| Difficulty | 6.5/10 |
| View | 9/10 |
| Accessibility | 9/10 |
| Gradient | Steep, minor scramble |
| Terrain | Rocky/trail/uphill |
The trek begins at the foot of the mountain, in a carpark just before the iconic ‘three sisters carpark’, or just after should you be heading in from Fort William or Glencoe village. A small, track welcomes you with a instant climb that doesn’t stop until the top.
The track splits, not far into the walk, a right turn is offered, this right turn returns back down the mountain and towards one of the many scars on the face of Glencoe. Two structures, one of these is the house of ‘Jimmy the beast’. For you dark tourists, this may be a spot for you to explore one of the UK’s most horrific citizens.
Moving on swiftly, the path takes you up into the cool winds of the West Highlands. At your back, a incredible view that allows you to truly spectate the gravity, and beauty of Scotland’s wonder.
This is not an easy climb, if you are a beginner I’d recommend summiting ‘the pap’ first, before delving into Am Bodach. However, it is by no means an impossibility for new comers. I’d say it was a tier above the pap, only because of the time it takes to complete the walk, and the exposure at the top.
The Devil’s staircase
There are few treks in Scotland as famous as the Devil’s staircase, and the most famous, the West Highland Way, passes through the staircase and adding to its spectacular beauty with aching legs and sore knees.
Of course there are far more valiant and visually epic treks in this list, but nothing beats the feeling on conquering this staircase on a sunny day.
If you are in a rush, haven’t yet hit todays step count and or want to get out one last time before hoping in the car home. The Devils staircase is a quick, but challenging trek with enough uphill to burn off last nights Haggis and whiskey.
| Height | 550 meters |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| View | 7/10 |
| Accessibility | 9/10 |
| Gradient | Steep |
| Terrain | Pathed |
This long, winding and zig-zagging path was first built in the 18th century. It was built for military maneuverability during the Jacobite rebellion. Military power and resistance to the rebellion was often stunted by the wet, harsh landscape, one of Scotland’s most formidable defences.
The Devil’s staircase takes a walk that would pass down through Glencoe valley, into the village and then along Loch Leven into a simple mountain pass crossing. Cutting a days walk into a couple of hours.
The name ‘Devils staircase’ was given due to its brutal calf burning, quad flaring, and lung busting verticals. Overtime however, the name was cemented by folk tales and dark tales of devilish deeds.
The trail is simple, it starts at the carpark of Altnafeadh, on the North side of the A82, just to the left of the woodland square. Behind you, as you ascend, the picturesque ‘Wee white house’ can be seen falling behind and under you.
Sgorr Dhearg and Sgorr Dhonuill
The one that got away. I never got to complete this summit, and each time I attempted to do so the weather was so poor I either turned back or continued onto one of the other treks listed in this post.
If you are here for a run through of the trek, I would look elsewhere as I have not completed it. However, if you are here just to gather some intelligence on the mountains and perhaps some understanding on why I have still included this in the list then please read on.
This mountain teased me like the cheese board at a family gathering. It watched over every trip in and out of Glencoe. Every shopping trip to Fort William, every car ride over to Kinlochleven, it stood magnificent and ready. Yet, like the cheese board, each attempt was countered by a inconsiderate situation.
Bad weather, snow and poor conditions swarmed around this mountain like my fat cousin and judgemental auntie. I must have attempted the trek three times before deciding it wasn’t on the cards for this years trekking.
| Height | 1345 meters |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 5.5 hours |
| Difficulty | 6.5/10 |
| View | 8/10 |
| Accessibility | 10/10 |
| Gradient | Steep, uphill, tracked |
| Terrain | Pathed |
The two mountains are connected by a ridge. Depending on the course you choose, determines if you will be climbing the ridge up, or descending down to the other peak.
Starting points include the Coop in Ballachulish, or at St John’s Scottish Episcopalian. It depends which of the two mountains you are aiming to summit first.
Achnambeithach, Waterfall.
By far the shortest of all walks on this list, the Achnambeithach waterfall is still a tranquil, peaceful and worthy walk for all those that seek a little Scottish peace. I have always stated that Scotland is the only country in the world that looks as pretty in summer skies as it does in torrential rain, Achnambeithach waterfall is a prime example of this.
A short walk from The Clachaig Inn, this waterfall is a destination for the easy goers, the ones who prefer solitude over the rushing crowds of mountain tops and famous glens.
The walk itself is no longer than 45 minutes each way. A short uphill hike towards the looming shadow of both Bidean Nam Bian and Ossian’s Cave, past the famous white house known often as ‘the world’s loneliest house’.
| Height | N/A meters |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | 4/10 |
| View | 6/10 |
| Accessibility | 8/10 |
| Gradient | Steady uphill, small scramble |
| Terrain | Path and off path |
After leaving the Clachaig Inn car park, heading South towards the A82, you will see clearly the destination looming above. White waters spray from the mountain side, causing a majestic and surreal view. If it has been raining day prior, which it almost definitely has been in this part of the world, eight, nine, and sometimes more, water sources sprout from the hillside. I advise doing this walk after heavy downpours, the scenery although already dramatic, turns into a fantasy land of wonder.
While walking from the Clachaig, be sure to marvel at the old bridges and white water rapids that often host swimmers and kayakers alike. When arriving at the A82 carefully cross to the Southern side of the road. At the end of the protective barriers, towards Glencoe village there is a path that takes you up to the waterfalls.
On a summers day, with a couple beers or a picknick, this spot would be ideal for swimming/bathing. A small, but deep pool sits under the crashing waterfall. Don’t expect a relaxing time, the crashing water is far more powerful than a shower, and doubly as loud.
To get to the falls themselves, you must leave the path just following flat ground some 20 minuets or so into the ascent. From there, one must scramble to the waterfalls base. This is not sign posted, at all.
When it has rained, this triple waterfall can turn into something truly spectacular. More waterfalls spill from the vertical mountains, each pouring into the gully that has formed from millions of years of water erosion and ice ages long gone.
The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters, Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh are without a doubt the crown jewel of the Glencoe valley. The structure and placement of these mountains are without a doubt the most iconic and picturesque in the United Kingdom.
It is THE tourist attraction of the West Highlands, thousands upon thousands of people journey across the world and end up here taking pictures of this magnificent landscape. However, out of those hundreds of thousands, only a small percentage of people attempt to walk the Three Sisters.
It is not an easy trek, and like all those mentioned throughout this article, everyone should be prepared and ready for the chance of hazards. Check out the prepare for hiking in Scotland list here: ______ for more information.
The most southernly of the three sisters is Beinn Fhada, meaning ‘the long hill’. Named after it long protruding ridgeline that guards the southern flank of the Glen. The middle Geaar Aonach, meaning ‘the short ridge’, and of course Aonach Dubh ‘ the Black Ridge’.
There are multiple routes to access the peak of these three mountains, easy varying in difficulty. As I only attempted one of these possible routes, I will only concentrate on this throughout the article. If you wish to access one of the other routes I’d recommend looking at another website.
The route in question is suggested as one of the more difficult of the routes. Although it is not one where climbing is involved, or too much scrambling.
| Height | Beinn Fhada: 811m Geaar Aonach: 750m Aonach Dubh: 880m |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | Entirety: 6 hours |
| Difficulty | 6.5/10 |
| View | 10/10 |
| Accessibility | 7/10 |
| Gradient | Steep |
| Terrain | Pathed with ridges |
I approached the three sisters from the Hidden Glen. Continuing through the Glen, sticking to the right of the river and following the path towards Bidean Nam Bian.
The path is easy to follow in clear conditions and required the bare a slightly higher fitness level than it would take to climb to the Hidden Glen.
Each attempt I had at making it to the top of Bidean Nam Bian from here was blocked by snow, and thus I was unable to make the trek until my last week in Scotland. The Three Sisters is not a trek to be laughed at, or snubbed. It is and can be a very dangerous climb for those without the experience.
Once reaching Bidean Nam Bian and summiting. Once there, the paths taken to each summit can be done in whichever order you feel most fitting.
The ridge walks are stable, yet footing and drops are dangerous, especially on Geaar Aonach and Aonach Dubh.
I’d personally advise walking the most Southern first and working your way North
Glencoe Valley Trek
This is the longest walk in this article. It is a beautiful single track walk that provides walkers with historical sites, beautiful mountain scenery, film locations, coffee, food and a full day of walking the most iconic valley in Scotland.
Although this is a single track route, there is a split on the return so one can visit the famous Harry Potter filming location, Hagrid’s hut, and pass by the well known 400 year old Inn, the Clachaig.
The walk follows the A82, from the famous Glencoe Village, all the way to the Devils staircase and the famous white house, and should you want, beyond.
| Height/Elevation | Not a lot |
| Timing up/down (clear conditions) | 5/6 hours |
| Difficulty | 2/10 |
| View | 8/10 |
| Accessibility | 10/10 |
| Gradient | Slow incline |
| Terrain | Path |
Park in the village of Glencoe, and follow the path adjacent to the A82. As you come into view of the incredible mountain ‘Bidean’, and past Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh. You will come across the Glencoe visitors centre, a great stop for come coffee, and to see some history of the area.
In 1692, Glencoe was subjected to a massacre orchestrated by the King, William, and carried out by the Campbell clan. Here at the Glencoe visitors centre, everything that you need to know about this massacre can be found in the impressive, modern interactive walk through. You can even visit a replica traditional hut.
After the Cafe, and history lesson, continue up the valley, following the same path as before. Through woodland, past rushing rivers, and past seer mountain rises.
This next section of the walk follows the river Coe. Traditionally, I’d follow the same path all the way from the visitors center to Loch Achtriochtan, and beyond. However, if you have time, energy and willingness to divert, you can also visit Signal Rock. A mythical, and historical site that is clamed to be the meeting location of clan MacDonald, the victims of the massacre.
Go get there, when you arrive at Signal Rock car park take a left turn and follow the path into the woodlands, over the crashing river. Although it is a pleasant, and somewhat polarising walk through the woodland, this isn’t essential to the Glencoe Valley trek.
The rest of the walk is surrounded by steep mountains, dramatic waterfalls and poetic ridges. From Loch Achtriochtan and beyond, there isn’t a moment of hideousness. Beauty, and the highland weather are all found here.
A lot of the walks mentioned throughout this article are accessible from this day trek. So if you are looking to extend this walk, perhaps make it a multiday trek by adding on others mentioned, this would be easy to accomplish.
Once you get to the Three Sister’s car park, some half way up the valley. Take a moment to sit and enjoy the view. There are multiple hills, and paths you can follow to get the best possible angel. This really is a special place, and deserves some time in silence and contemplation.
From the Three Sister’s carpark/viewpoint, the path becomes trickier to follow. The best way to continue is by crossing the road, with the three sisters at your pack, and following the path leading from the car park (Aonach Eagach Car Park) some three hundred meters away. This will take you to another Glencoe valley site. The path follows uphill, and then taking a swift right after a hundred meters or so.
The valley of Glencoe is filled with wonder, as we have already seen, though there is also scars scratched into its beauty. Scares that are hard to look past. While you started this trek with a massacre, here over the hill and following the path from Aonach Eagach Car Park, you will meet two ruined houses. One of which holds an evil secret.
Jimmy Saville’s house. Any dark tourists that may be reading this. Perhaps this will interest you… I dare not linger on this anymore than I have already.
Next stop. Ralston Cairn, a grave to a young hiker, whom died in 2000. Although the grave marks the end of a man’s life, there truly is a beauty, and poetry to it. Here, you can start to make out the waterfalls of the river Coe, across from it the McDonald Stones.
This is beyond half way, and though there are still lengths to go. This is the final spot I would recommend a break, look down over the Glen before turning your back and heading East. Here is the last location you can see all the way down the valley to where you started before you turn back.
Finally, after a long days hike, and with only one last location on the Glencoe Valley trek list. We arrive at the ‘wee white house’ at the bottom of the Devils staircase.
You can either continue to the Kings House, turn back and visit the Harry Potter Hagrid’s hut set location (hut is gone) or walk over the Devils Staircase to Kinlochleven and get a bus to your car in Glencoe.
If you are returning to the Harry Potter set, simply return the way you came, but take a right after Loch Achtriochtan, at the bottom of Achnambeithach, Waterfall and towards the Clachaig Inn. Some, one hundred or so meters after the Inn, Hagrid’s Hut was once perched on a outcrop hill.
In my opinion, this is the best walk on the list. It is a full monty of Glencoe and has some incredible locations. If you have limited time in Glencoe, this is the hike for you. In one day, you can see everything there is within the valley in one swoop. Of course summiting is fun, as is hill climbing, but here is a full day and more.
Glencoe Mast and Ballachulish Forest.
Parking up at the Glencoe Visitors centre, the path to the mast is a long, steep one. Head north, past the campsite and into the woodland hill pass. Bare to your left, and follow the track continuously until reaching the mast.
The path winds in and out of wooded areas, through the trees and long gaps of grassland, the view of Glencoe is spectacular, and one not to miss.
The best time to hike up, is early morning. The sun rises through the the mountains in the East, over the Three Sisters, beaming light through the valley and showing the spectacular reds and greens of the vibrant highland plant life.
There are sections of the path that are used for timber, the trees are planted, grown and cut down in a environmentally friendly fashion. So do not be alarmed when faced with patches of dead trees.
As you climb, the view reveals itself in a grandeur. Behind, the Glencoe valley extends itself with deeper horizons. Mountains peak from behind others and the A82 can be seen worming its way through the valley like a snake, besides it a glowing river.
The beautiful forest view does not gradually appear. It waits behind the summit, crouching waiting to surprise you as you reach the mast.
It is a shame the walk isn’t longer. A sun rise, sun set walk that could take a full day so that one could watch the sun rise and set, while being on a single hill. The gleaming river through the valley, would turn into a fiery Loch as the sun dips in the West.
Once reaching the mast, follow the path down into the Ballachulish valley. Opposite you, the mighty proud mountain Sgorr Dhearg watches over the small village. The trees fellow echo a silence, and beauty found only in the Scottish highlands. Follow the path down, keeping on the main trail with the village to your back, and the mountain to your right.
The Highlands.
The truth is, every walk, every car park and village in the magical landscape is privileged to have some of the best walks within arms reach. There are literally hundreds of treks across the area that produce quality trails and beautiful sunsets and rises.
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Uncharted Thoughts. 
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