Bucket list experience:
Today, Glencoe is an adventure playground for skiers, mountaineers (munro-baggers) and walkers but this magnificent brooding glen was once the scene of one of the bloodiest massacres in Scottish history.
Thirty-eight unarmed members of the MacDonald Clan were slain in 1692 by forces loyal to King William III. The treacherous soldiers had been fed and sheltered by the Clan for 2 weeks before suddenly turning on them – just one of the many fights and switching of allegiances in the feudal clans that held power in the day.
The state-of-the-art visitor centre has exhibits and displays that depict the gruesome event, plus information on the area’s geology, wildlife and mountaineering history.
After Glencoe, stop by the MacDonald monument in the village, erected as a tribute to those slain in the massacre here.
For great Highland views, take the chairlift up into the mountains from the ski area base station at Glencoe. You’ll soar 2,200ft in 12 minutes. There’s also an in-house ranger service that can advise you on going for a walk in the Glencoe hills.
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Destination Guide >The visitor centre has interactive displays and exhibits about the local wildlife, geology, and history, including a 15-minute video presentation about the famous battle. There’s a café on site serving home-made soup and sandwiches.
The visitor centre is open daily, all year round, apart from mid-December-Christmas.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]
A grand Victorian mansion surrounded by heart-stopping scenery with a distinctive all-suite in-room dining concept, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
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Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[19.3 miles]
Luxurious 19th-century castle hotel in stunning scenery offering an extensive range of traditional country pursuits.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.
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Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]
The highest mountain in Britain, ‘The Ben’ is a challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[16.6 miles]
One of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys – 165 miles (5 hours) through Scottish mountains, moors and lochs from Glasgow, Fort William and finally Mallaig.
Best for ages: 6+ | £15 | 4-5 hours
