Pass of Glencoe (A82)

📌 Scenic road between Bridge of Orchy, Argyll & Bute and Glencoe, Highland
★★★★★

Glencoe hardly needs introducing as one of Scotland’s most dramatic and famous glens, and every time we pass through it our jaws unhinge again. Its fame is done no harm by awe-inspiring views even from road level (just imagine what they must be like from above!). Approaching from the southeast, the A82 climbs via wide hairpins onto a fast road across the barren expanse of Rannoch Moor, dotted with lochans which are often frozen in winter. Gradually, majestic peaks begin to rise out of the flat landscape ahead: Glencoe Mountain ski centre on Meall a’ Bhùiridh the first main landmark. The crowning jewel is next in line: Buachaille Etive Mòr – possibly Scotland’s most iconic mountain, showing off its best side to motorists. The glen narrows progressively with the road forced through a rocky defile at The Study, where there is a waterfall to delight eastbound passengers. Further peaks and ridges tower on either side, with the magnificent Three Sisters viewpoint perhaps the highlight, usually full with tour buses and cars. Following this the rocky walls relent a little by the shores of Loch Achtriochtan, before the pass reaches sea level at Glencoe village on the shores of Loch Leven.

🌍 Location

📌East end is at Bridge of Orchy

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NN 298396

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.517859,-4.768670

△ Western summit is near Altnafeadh

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NN 215560

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.661384,-4.915380

📌 West end is at Glencoe village turnoff

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NN 097587

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.681433,-5.107589

🚌 Buses pass along the glen floor | 🚆 Bridge of Orchy at east end of pass

🚗 Surfaced A-road, suitable for all vehicles, with various car parks / laybys

📝 Key info

▶ 38 km / 24 mi | ▲ 340 m

⌚ Always open except after exceptional snowfall

🎫 Free