Lost Valley Walk, Glen Coe

The Lost Valley walk is a dramatic but difficult walk in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, Glen Coe.

Glen Coe | Scotland

It was in this valley that the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid their cattle during the 1692 massacre. Also known as Coire Gabhail (pronounced ‘Korry Gale‘), the Lost Valley can be reached on a difficult hike that requires negotiating slippery trails and scrambling up rocky slopes. It is the most difficult walk we have done so far but the views, of the gushing river Coe and the mist-strewn Lost Valley, made it all worth it. From the viewpoint, you can see Stob Coire Sgreamhach at the head of the glen, but it is the towering rock walls of Gear Aonach and Beinn Fhada on either side that are the most dramatic.

Glen Coe is famed for its wild landscape and this was no different. Sometimes we just held our breath and gingerly stepped across slippery surfaces or scrambled up steep rocks. Towards the end, there’s a river to ford. If you want to explore the Lost Valley, make sure you arrive early. The weather, like in all of Scotland, can be fickle. We had to turn back from the viewpoint because it had started to rain after what was a brilliant, sunny morning.

TIPS:

– Start early, especially if you are driving as parking spots are limited.
– Be prepared for all types of weather. Dress in layers.
– Wear proper footwear. Parts of the trail are very slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip.
– Carry an extra pair of socks, just in case.
– Trekking poles are highly recommended.

We reached Glen Coe around noon, and after some discussions on whether we were fit enough for a hard walk, we decided to give it a go. From the car park, which offers a gorgeous view of the Three Sisters, the trail goes down to the valley and soon descends a stairway to cross the River Coe, far below in its gorge. We cross the footbridge and encounter our first hurdle: A solid rock slope with wire cables for support. After a few minutes of wondering if were really up for it, we scramble up! Phew! The path then heads steeply over rocks and heather. From here, you can see back across the glen to the serrated edge of Aonach Eagach – the Notched Ridge – opposite. We continue through a gate in the deer fence before cutting round the base of Gear Aonach.

We continue through the sparsely wooded glen. The Lost Valley walk path climbs up along the forge between Beinn Fhada and Gear Aonach. Stupendous rock walls tower on each side. We continue the ascent, climbing some more rocky grounds and tiptoeing over a slippery slab of rock hanging over the gorge. The Allt Coire Gabhail, ice cold, breaks into waterfalls and we stop to take photographs. Be extra careful of the sprawling roots along the way; tripping here can cause serious injuries.

Also read: Read about one of our favourite walks here: Walking The Arbroath Cliff Trail: From Auchmithie to Arbroath.

To reach the Lost Valley, you have to cross the burn. We almost missed the spot, so look out for rough stepping stones on what is a flat-ish stretch of the burn. There is another crossing a little way up where the burn is narrower but it requires a serious scramble over a smooth rock face. Because the water level wasn’t too low, we had to take off our shoes and socks to cross the burn. The water was icy and the stones felt like needles on our soles; the seconds-long crossing felt like hours!

Up and up again and another challenge: A climb up a rocky rake with a steep drop on the right or a scramble up a massive boulder. We waited for some walkers to go ahead to see which one they pick. The rake has been well-polished by the countless walkers who have descended it on their bottoms, so we choose the steeper but less exposed alternative: the boulder scramble. It is difficult to get a foothold, particularly if you are short like me, so Aninda had to haul me up. On the way back, it was even more difficult, and funnier, for he had to lift me up like a child as I half-lay on the damp rock, then set me on firm ground!

Also read: For a short relaxing day trip, see our guides to the charming seaside town of North Berwick and the historic town of Culross.

Up through some shrubs and more rocks and we reached the viewpoint where the path begins to descend into the ‘Lost Valley’. Unfortunately, the weather had turned by then and it had begun to rain and we decided to return. The flat area of the Lost Valley is littered with fallen rocks. From the viewpoint, we could see the cloud-crowned peak of Stob Coire Sgreamhach standing tall at the head of the glen. There was snow on its slopes and the burn meandered through the rock-strewn glen. It was very, very scenic.

The return walk is by the same route but some of the rocky descents felt harder on the knees than they felt on the way up. Take great care, particularly if it is raining, as surfaces can get slippery.

Difficulty: Hard
Itinerary: Linear route from the car park in Glen Coe
Distance: 4 km
Time: 2-3 hours (spring/summer)
Public Transport: Glasgow – Fort William and Skye buses passes along the A82(T)

NOTE: We did this walk in March. Winter conditions may be different; if you are planning to do this walk in winter, see the Walk Highlands Winter Skills and Safety page.

We were absolutely thrilled to have completed this walk, our first “hard” walk considering our questionable fitness levels. It was amazing and Glen Coe is truly magnificent; can’t wait to return and explore more.