Glencoe considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland
By: Lee

Glencoe considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland

Glencoe is famous for its landscape - it is home to some of the most spectacular mountains in the UK. The glen is a U-shaped valley formed by Ice Age glaciation. It is about 16 km (10 miles) long with the valley floor less than 700 m (0.4 miles) wide, with towering mountains rising sharply from the valley floor to heights of around 900 m (3,000 feet). It is a part of the designated National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Loch Leven, in the adjacent area, is a salt water loch connected to Loch Linhe, a sea loch.

The best way to experience Glencoe is to walk. Recommended walks include:

• The Lost valley: A walk into a hidden hanging valley (2 hours round trip)

• Buchaille Etive Moor: This is the big mountain as you enter Glencoe from Rannoch Moor

For the more experienced:

• The Aonach Eagach ridge is regarded as the most thrilling scramble in the mainland UK. On the other side of the Glen are the three sisters of Glencoe and above them Stob Coire am Lochan and Bideann nam Bean. There are numerous walks on this side but be wise and find one from a guide book rather than making up you own route. Bideann has seen more than its share of accidents.

• Glencoe is also an excellent rock climbing venue.

Do not forget that rock climbing is a potentially dangerous activity and it is essential to be well equipped. Advice and maps can be found at the Glencoe Visitor Centre.

• The Glencoe Chairlift - fabulous views of Glencoe to be had. £8.00 per adult. An exhilarating experience.