Glencoe Tourist Information

The great towering mountain peaks above nearby Glencoe and the surrounding area are magnets for hill walkers, ramblers and serious mountaineers alike. The scenery is rugged and awesome ---- totally captivating.

A short drive to the North is Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (4406ft). There is no more rewarding climb, with magnificent views in all directions. The ski centre at Aonach Mhor, along side Ben Nevis, operates a mountain gondola lift throughout the year. Enjoy a walk on the mountain or relax in the Snowgoose restaurant or bar some 2000ft. above sea level.

On the steep slopes beneath the gondola lift, the World Downhill Mountain Biking Championships take place in May each year. This prestigious event attracts thousands of enthusiasts to the area.

The Jacobite Steam Train follows the romantic Road to the Isles. The line runs from Fort William at the bottom of Ben Nevis through Glenfinnan and on to the West Coast fishing port of Mallaig. Return trip daily in the summer months.

Seal Island Cruises sail from Fort William down Loch Linnhe providing great views of fish farming, seals and North to towering Ben Nevis.

Driving South from Ardno House the lovely ferry port of Oban offers day sailings to the beautiful Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona. Iona is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland and thousands of holidaymakers visit the picturesque island each year. This tour is best in the form of a round trip, returning by the short ferry crossing to Lochaline on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula, a quite spectacularly scenic route.

Visitors to the area can walk around the impressive slate mines in Ballachulish. Ballachulish slate is common all across the UK and many parts of the world and was quarried here from the late 17th century until the middle of the 20th century. The beginning of that century saw the start of aluminium smelting in Kinlochleven. The massive Blackwater Dam and Reservoir powered the smelter. In 2000, smelting moved to Fort William although the electric power source remains productive. The Kinlochleven Library has a small exhibition relating the history and impact of aluminium on the area.

Military roads, built in the mid 18th century, primarily as part of the campaign to suppress the Jacobite risings in the Highlands, and the later 'Parliamentary Roads' designed by Thomas Telford, formed the basis of many present day routes. More modern roads were built in the first half of the 20th century, along with bridges and railways.

For many tourists, the drives through Glencoe, Glen Etive and Glen Orchy will be the adequate reward for their travels. For others, it will be undertaking one or more walks across the landscape of Glencoe and Loch Leven - Ba Bridge from Blackrock Cottage (10 Km), Ballachullis, an overview (1Km), The Ballachulish Headland (1 Km), Ballachulish to Duror (16 Km), A Walk in the Forest behind St John Church (5 - 8 Km),The Devil's Staircase (9 Km), Callart Forest Walk (3.5 Km), Inchree Waterfall and Wade's Road forest Walk (6 Km), The Lost Valley (3.5 Km) ...and more ...further information available form local tourist information points.

For hill walkers and climbers, as noted above, there are a range of walks to suit all abilities. For the more experienced there are unrivalled challenges. If you are seeking more challenging or remote walks, please consider using the services of a number of local qualified guides. Rock climbers come to Buchaille Etive Mor for a range of gradients and some of the best rock climbing in the UK. Aonnach Eagach ridge walk is also a popular climb for enthusiasts.

For Fisherman, we can advise on obtaining permits for fresh water or sea fishing. Salmon, brown trout, sea trout, cod & mackerel are commonly caught.

Sailing. There is an active boating fraternity in Glencoe and you can cruise the lochs in a variety of craft. You can also canoe the local lochs.

For the Cyclist there is a growing route of cycle paths. Glenachulish offers a circular and panoramic experience. you can also cycle from Fort William to Fort Augustus.

Gardens - there are many gardens - some open to the public, that adorn the local area.

Golf: The Summer of 2001 saw the opening of a 9 hole golf course 1 mile from Ardno House with stunning views over Loch Linnhe.