Carved by ancient glaciers and ringed by dramatic peaks, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. And it’s easy to visit as a day trip from Fort William, even without a car.
Here’s how to get from Fort William to Glencoe by bus, what to see, and how to make the most of your day in this legendary glen.
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Quick Facts: Fort William to Glencoe
- Distance: 16 miles
- Journey time: 30 minutes by bus
- Bus frequency: Six or seven times a day
- Return fare: Around £12
- Recommended time: Full day (6-8 hours)
Getting from Fort William to Glencoe by Bus
Glasgow-bound CityLink services stop at Glencoe Junction (for Glencoe village) and at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, one mile out of town. They leave from Fort William’s bus station next to Morrison’s supermarket.
In 2026, the return bus fare is around £12. Book in advance at busy times – I found that midweek services were fully booked a few days ahead in June.
PRO TIP: Pick up supplies for the day at Morrisons before leaving Fort William. The supermarket café is also one of the best and cheapest breakfast spots in town.
Glencoe organised day tours
Another option is to visit Glencoe on an organised day tour. However, most of these depart from Edinburgh or Glasgow, not Fort William.
Here are some options through GetYourGuide:
FROM EDINBURGH
FROM GLASGOW
Alternatively, check out Rabbie’s tours. I have done a few of their excellent day tours. Group sizes are small and the knowledge and humour of their drivers/guides are first-rate.
What to Do in Glencoe in One Day
Glencoe is hiking central, and there are walks to suit all levels of fitness. But you don’t need walking boots to appreciate this dramatic landscape.
Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre
The Glencoe Visitor Centre, run by the National Trust of Scotland, is free to enter.
A short film tells the story of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, when 38 members of Clan MacDonald were killed by government forces who had accepted their hospitality twelve days earlier. It remains one of the most infamous episodes of the Jacobite uprising.
The Pioneers of the Peaks exhibition chronicles Glencoe’s mountaineering history, and there’s a monument to the fallen MacDonalds in Glencoe village itself.
Walk from the Visitor Centre
The centre maintains 60 km of walking trails, though information is surprisingly limited. There’s a topographical map in reception and some inexpensive trail maps for sale.
Easy options include a two-mile woodland walk and the slightly more challenging An Torr walk to Signal Rock, where the signal was sounded to start the massacre.
From the visitor centre, you can walk along the footpath parallel to the A82 into Glencoe village..
Explore Glencoe Village
The village is small but worth a quick stroll. If you have time, visit the Glencoe Folk Museum, an 18th-century heather-roofed cottage on the main street with an eclectic collection celebrating local heritage.
Walk along the River Coe
This is my favourite easy walk in Glencoe. It proves you don’t need to be a serious hillwalker to enjoy the area’s beauty.
Starting at the war memorial in Glencoe village, cross the humpback bridge and take the first left to follow the river. After ten minutes, take a short detour up a steep path to your right for Glencoe Lochan.
This path leads to Glencoe House, a former stately home now a hotel. Follow the path behind the stables and through a wooden gate to reach Glencoe Lochan.
The Earl of Strathcona landscaped these grounds to resemble the Canadian Rockies after his time as Governor-General of Canada. Although I struggled to see it, others have commented that the lochan resembles Lake Louise.
Return to the riverside path and continue to Invercoe campsite. From here, follow the road back to Glencoe Junction for your return bus.
View the Three Sisters
One of Glencoe’s most iconic sights is the Three Sisters viewpoint on the A82. The three peaks – Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh – loom dramatically over the road.
This viewpoint is difficult to reach without a car (you’d need to ask the CityLink driver to stop, which is at their discretion). But if you’re on an organised tour, you’ll likely stop here
When to Visit Glencoe
Glencoe is a year-round destination, but visit between May and October for the best chance of dry days. Midsummer brings long daylight hours.
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Even if the forecast looks good, pack waterproofs, layers and decent waterproof shoes. When I visited in June, the weather was mixed, but the countryside was lush, and wildflowers were in full bloom.
Winter brings snow and stormy weather, but it attracts climbers from around the world.
Practical Tips
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Layers
- Waterproof walking shoes
- Snacks and water
- Camera
Food options
- Limited in Glencoe village (pick up supplies in Fort William)
- Café at Glencoe Visitor Centre
- Glencoe Café in the village
Getting around
- The village is walkable
- A footpath connects the Visitor Centre to the village (parallel to A82)
- Some scenic spots require a car or a tour
Where to Stay
Staying in Fort William
Fort William is the practical choice if you’re using public transport. It has good accommodation options and is a transport hub.
Premier Inn Fort William – I stayed at this solid budget choice. Clean, functional rooms and in a good location near the train and bus station.
MacLean Guest House – Excellent reviews, and in a great location less than 5 minutes’ walk from town centre and stations. Rooms have fridges and tea/coffee facilities.
Alexandra Hotel – 3-star hotel between the train station and town centre, featuring a guest lounge with an open fire in season. Single rooms available.
Staying in Glencoe
If you prefer staying in the landscape itself and don’t mind limited transport options, Glencoe village has fewer but more scenic choices.
Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery – Three miles from Glencoe village, this lochside hotel has a 17th-century bar serving over 50 gins, 60 single malt whiskies and craft beer.
Glencoe Youth Hostel – Around 30 minutes’ walk from Glencoe Junction. This alpine-style hostel run by Hostelling Scotland has dorm beds, private rooms and a guest kitchen.
Why Visit Glencoe
Glencoe’s beauty has made it a shooting location for films from Harry Potter to Skyfall. The dramatic peaks, deep lochs and moody skies create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Britain.
But it’s the combination of natural beauty and tragic history that makes Glencoe so compelling. Walking through this glen, you’re following in the footsteps of the MacDonalds who lived, hid and died here centuries ago.
Few places in Scotland rival Glencoe’s epic scenery or compelling story. Don’t make the mistake of simply driving through on your way to Skye.
READ NEXT:
- Best Things to Do in Fort William & Beyond: 3-Day Itinerary (Without a Car)
- A Perfect 3 Days in Inverness: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- 10 Best Day Trips from Inverness Without a Car
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.