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Last updated: 12 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

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.

While you’re there 

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.

Logistics

Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

The visitor centre is open daily, all year round, apart from mid-December-Christmas.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh
*Includes a 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness in the tour price. Explore Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands on this 12-hour tour from Edinburgh. Depart from Edinburgh on a luxury mini-coach and travel out into the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe with your guide. Stop at Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness at marvel at the spectacular scenery, then continue on to explore the Cairngorms National Park. Admire the majestic mountain of Craig Meagaidh and continue through the Drummochter mountain pass to visit the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Group size limited to 16 to ensure a personalised experience.

Price: £82

Min age: 5

Rating 4.71 / 5 [5087 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh
PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 7 ON TOUR WITH US. When exploring Scotland on your 1 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Tour, you will get to experience the very best of Scotland in a jam packed adventure. This tour is perfect for those who might have limited time and want to get the most for their money. With breathtaking scenery and landscapes of unspoilt nature you’ll travel the Scottish highlands, getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Experience Scottish culture through the folklore of Scotland’s myths and legends, historical sites and learn about the history of our wonderful country. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had.

Price: £61

Min age: 7

Rating 4.82 / 5 [4059 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
This 12 hour tour will fit in as much of Scotland as can possibly done in one day! You will witness the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis before you make your way to Loch Ness for a cruise across its deep waters looking for evidence of its renowned resident, Nessie. Enjoy traveling in comfort on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches as you witness the stunning sights that Scotland has to offer.

Price: £62

Min age: 4

Rating 4.45 / 5 [1309 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh
Enjoy a unique experience visiting some of the most charming places in Scotland: Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen and, of course, Loch Ness. This is the best value for money tour you can book in Scotland!

Price: £56

Min age: 4

Rating 4.60 / 5 [731 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh
A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour. The Jacobite Steam Train runs 1st May - 29th September 2023. Out with these dates you will not see the train cross the Viaduct. Please note: The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by another company. We cannot always guarantee that your tour and the train will meet up at the same time.

Price: £62

Min age: 4

Rating 4.52 / 5 [495 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the edge of Loch Awe with brown hills behind

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.