If you’re planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Fort William make the perfect base for adventure. With epic Glencoe hikes, waterfalls, and iconic film locations, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here’s how I spent 3 days exploring this stunning corner of Scotland.
Day One | Ben Nevis
After spending the previous night in the heart of Glencoe, I set off to tackle the UK’s tallest mountain: Ben Nevis. The drive from Glencoe to the car park takes about 30 minutes, but as there’s only one main road between Glencoe and Fort William, it can often become congested, especially during peak hours.
Once in Fort William, I parked at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre (£4 for the day) and prepared for the long climb ahead. The route up Ben Nevis can be split into two sections. The first part leads to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a picturesque loch that roughly marks the halfway point. Many hikers stop here and turn around, so don’t feel any pressure to go further. In fact, I found this to be the most enjoyable section of the climb.
If you decide to continue, prepare for the iconic winding path to the summit. This section is mentally challenging and feels almost endless at times, but persistence pays off. On a clear day, the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding Scottish Highlands.
Even though I enjoyed great weather for much of the climb, I was met by snow at around the 1,000-metre mark, in June! So remember to check the conditions at the peak before hiking and pack appropriately, as several hikers in shorts and trainers were forced to turn back.
After reaching the summit, I got a quick photo at the peak before swiftly retreating down the mountain. About six hours after starting, I was back at the car park — tired but happy. Dinner that night was at Wetherspoons in Fort William. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot after a long day on the mountain.
Day 2 | Glenfinnan & Steall Falls
After conquering Ben Nevis the day before, I opted for a slower-paced day, indulging my inner child with visits to a few Harry Potter filming locations.
I left the campsite around 9 a.m. and drove just under an hour to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Parking costs £5, and I found a good spot on the hillside to catch the iconic Jacobite steam train (Hogwarts Express) as it crossed the bridge. The train passes twice daily, at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. I chose the morning service, which left plenty of time to explore Steall Falls later in the day.
After watching the train sweep across the viaduct, I followed the footpath from the viewpoint to the Glenfinnan Station Museum. The small museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of the West Highland Railway Line, and entry is by donation (contribute whatever you feel appropriate). From there, I made a quick stop at the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates the Jacobite uprising, before heading off to my next destination.
A 45-minute drive brought me to Steall Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Scotland. Though less famous than Glenfinnan, sharp-eyed Harry Potter fans might recognise the landscape from several film scenes. The out-and-back trail to the falls takes roughly 90 minutes and begins through lush woodland before opening into a broad glen framed by steep cliffs. Parking here is free.
Note: If you’d like to view the train head-on, it’s best to stand at the east viewpoint or visit for the 3:15 p.m. crossing.
Day 3 | The Pap of Glencoe
Day three turned out to be my favourite. I started the morning with another mountain climb — this time, The Pap of Glencoe. Though smaller than Ben Nevis at 742 metres, it’s a steep and rewarding challenge. The trail is demanding, particularly in winter, so proper gear is essential.
Conveniently, the trailhead was within walking distance of my campsite in Glencoe, though there’s parking nearby if you’re staying elsewhere. The hike can be done as an out-and-back or loop route. Despite its more modest height, the summit offers arguably the best views of any peak in the region, with panoramic vistas of Loch Leven, Ben Nevis, and the surrounding mountains.
After descending, I stopped at the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut before heading home. Although the hut itself was removed after filming, the views from the area are remarkable and shouldn’t be missed by any hiker or Harry Potter fan.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved my time in Glencoe and wished I’d had another day or two, maybe even enough time to reach the Isle of Skye. There’s so much to do here, from big mountain hikes to exploring Harry Potter filming locations.
I stayed at the Red Squirrel Campsite in Glencoe (£15 per person), which had great facilities, amazing views, and a convenient location for everything I did. If you’re planning a trip, summer is the best time to go, just be ready for unpredictable weather and plenty of midges!
I’ve added a map of the main places mentioned, plus a few extra spots worth checking out if you’re exploring further.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out my other travel blogs.
