A pretty little village with beautiful views has been named one of the best hidden gems in Britain. The village of Glencoe is tucked away on Loch Leven in the Scottish Highlands.
It is a popular location for hikers and walkers with its rugged terrain and breathtaking hills, perfect for those with an eye on their fitness to take things off-road. The area is a tract of forest located in one of the most idyllic settings. Lord Strathcona created the wood in the 19th century to remind his Canadian wife of her homeland. The area around the lochan is often said to look like a miniature Lake Louise in British Columbia. The picturesque and serene lochan nestles in the centre of the wood, surrounded by majestic, wild, and dramatic conifers and rugged mountains, and there are waymarked trails that pass through the ornamental woodland at the foot of Glen Coe. It’s a busy area for nature lovers, and so it is worth bearing in mind that an early arrival is best as parking can become difficult.
There are benches scattered around the lochside, as well as picnic tables and pontoons, so there are plenty of places to have lunch, relax, take pictures, and enjoy this idyllic part of Glencoe.
It has been dubbed one of the UK’s hidden gems by My Voyage Scotland, which said it was the most photogenic places in Scotland. Several Harry Potter films as well as James Bond’s Skyfall have been filmed at Glen Coe, making the area an ideal for a picturesque backdrop to any social media snaps.
Visitors have left glowing reviews about the area and its bewildering beauty on the tourism website Tripadvisor. One poster said: “Parking can be difficult at the car park as it gets very busy. We walked around it at least five times during our recent stay and saw it in all weathers.
“It was always beautiful. There are three walks: red is the shortest, blue and yellow are a good deal longer and more strenuous. The lochan is popular with dog walkers, must have said hello to dozens of lovely four-legged friends! It’s to be recommended.”
Another left a five-star review, saying: “What a beautiful spot. Three trails to choose from. We started on the woodland trail and came back on the lochan trail. A few other people around, but not so busy as to lose the sense of tranquillity.”
Several places to stay are available in the area, including hotels, B&Bs, and more. The village and the surrounding area also has shops and restaurants. Those wishing to visit Glencoe can get there via car, bus, or train from Glasgow.
