Glencoe National Nature Reserve
In line with Scottish Government restrictions, the visitor centre and toilet facilities will reopen on 30 April. Please see the Planning your Visit section for more information.
About this place
Dramatic mountains, rare beauty and haunting history in the heart of the Highlands
- Don’t miss our eco-friendly visitor centre, your gateway to exploring Glencoe.
- Follow in the footsteps of the Clan MacDonald and the tragic Massacre of 1692.
- Get close to nature with our rangers on a wildlife Land Rover Safari.
- Climb (or just admire) one of the eight Munro mountains that tower above the glen.
- Discover a world-famous film location featured in Harry Potter, Outlaw King, The 39 Steps, Braveheart, Rob Roy and Skyfall.
No description can re-create the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of the most famous places in Scotland, known equally for its awe-inspiring views and sorrowful past.
Glencoe is a place of history, wildlife, adventure and myth. The mountains were formed through violent volcanic eruptions, and then sculpted by massive glaciers. Fingal, the legendary Celtic hero, is said to have made his home among these towering mountains, while his poet son, Ossian, found inspiration in the landscape.
On 13 February 1692, 38 men, women and children of the MacDonald clan were murdered by a regiment of soldiers (acting on behalf of the government) whom they had welcomed into their homes. The tragedy of the Glencoe Massacre still has the power to evoke powerful emotions.
The Trust has cared for Glencoe since 1935. We work to maintain footpaths, look after the fragile biodiversity and keep the landscape as precious and wild as it was when it first came into our care.
In 2021, work commences on the reconstruction of a 17th-century turf and creel house, just outside our visitor centre. Using traditional building crafts and informed by archaeological investigations in the heart of the glen, it’ll give a flavour of life in Glencoe for the MacDonald clan who once made their homes here.
Highlights
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