For me Glencoe and all that surrounds it is Paradise. The natural beauty of the scenery and majesty of the mountain tops rising up one after another that suffuse across the landscape into the distance, provide an ingrained visual fruition in a calming way. Glencoe Village lies in the shadow ... Read review
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Advantages: The Memories will Linger Disadvantages: Midge's Will Feast on You in the Summer
For me Glencoe and all that surrounds it is Paradise. The natural beauty of the scenery and majesty of the mountain tops rising up one after another that suffuse across the landscape into the distance, provide an ingrained visual fruition in a calming way. Glencoe Village lies in the shadow of the Pap of Glencoe(Sgurr Na Ciche in the Scottish Gaelic tongue), this conical shaped mountain lies on the north side of Glen Coe and guards the western bank ... ...the breast. On entrance to Glencoe this mountain provides a classic view and for the adventurous it has numerous walks and climbs to suite all from novice to the more experienced. Starting at an unclassified road between Glencoe Village and the Clachaig Inn you will find the least complicated route of ascent, on the door of the Inn you will find a sign saying no (Hawkers or Campbells). One Kilometre west of the youth hostel you will find a path that ... more
For me Glencoe and all that surrounds it is Paradise. The natural beauty of the scenery and majesty of the mountain tops rising up one after another that suffuse across the landscape into the distance, provide an ingrained visual fruition in a calming way. Glencoe Village lies in the shadow of the Pap of Glencoe(Sgurr Na Ciche in the Scottish Gaelic tongue), this conical shaped mountain lies on the north side of Glen Coe and guards the western bank of the river Coe at the very point the river merges with Loch Leven.
THE PAP OF GLENCOE
The elevation of the Pap is 742m (2434ft), the word pap translates as rocky peak of the breast. On entrance to Glencoe this mountain provides a classic view and for the adventurous it has numerous walks and climbs to suite all from novice to the more experienced. Starting at an unclassified road between Glencoe Village and the Clachaig Inn you will find the least complicated route of ascent, on the door of the Inn you will find a sign saying no (Hawkers or Campbells). One Kilometre west of the youth hostel you will find a path that leaves the road heading up through the forest and onto the hillside and reaching the Bealach between Sgor Nam Fiannaidh and the Pap, you can if you choose at this point climb the Pap. once up there the last one hundred metres requires a mere scramble. The view from the top of Glencoe and across Loch Leven is truly staggering. The distance of the walk is 8KM to a height of 742 metres and takes around 210 -240 minutes(4 hours). At points the walk becomes quite strenuous and with little respite to help the aching muscles except to stop periodically to admire the awesome view. Once at the summit which is marked by a large Cairn the all over aches and pains and in some cases cramp are justified by an overwhelming sense of achievement.
THE RIVER COE
The river flows out of Loch Achtriochtan and is approximately 3 miles long. Graded In flow, depth and drop as 3-5 it consists of picturesque waterfalls, slow shallows, deep dark peaty pools and fast torrents. Passing through woodland and open countryside the river provides a nice easy tranquil walk that will suite all. Flowing down through Glencoe Village this is where the river draws its name from and at this point you are at the place of the Bloody Jacobite Massacre. continuing ever onwards the river enters the sea Loch, Loch Leven and eventually through to Invercoe where it joins the Atlantic Ocean.
THE SECRET VALLEY OF GLENCOE
There are two valleys that lie between the three sisters, the sisters dominate the South side of Glencoe. The western valley known as (Coire Nan Lochan) is entirely open and easily accessed whereas the Eastern valley or (Coire Gabhail) as it is known was cut off by a landslide of massive proportion at the mouth of the valley and as a result became a secret hiding place and it is said that this is where the MacDonald's hid all the livestock that they stole from the Campbell's and other Clans. Today it provides a wonderful and sort of easy walk depending on the usual physical factors.
GLENCOE VILLAGE
Over Rannoch Moor and through the Pass of Glencoe Lay's the Village of Glencoe, this was one of the scattered villages of the MacDonald's where in 1692 the famous massacre of Glencoe took place. the village lies at sea-level and with a good choice of accommodation, a folk museum with a traditional thatched roof, shops and amenities you will find Glencoe a bright and friendly place to stay. The local business' provide water sports, mountain guides, coffee shops and even traditional musical instruments. The original settlement started to develop at Invercoe on the North bank of the river and was not commonly known as Glencoe until the late 18th Century. From Invercoe to Callert House during the mid 17 hundreds a ferry operated helping people and livestock to cross Loch Leven but this became obsolete when a new road was formed at the South shore and followed the North bank of the River Coe all the way to Kingshouse which lies on the edge of Ranoch Moor.
THE CLAN MACDONALD
The year is 1098 an agreement between Edgar the King of Scots and Magnus Barefoot the King of Norway was made. Magnus Barefoot had arrived in Scotland to re-establish the power of Norway in Celtic Lands. The Scottish King agreed that Magnus Barefoot could settle for all the Islands of the West coast that he could reach with his boat rudder in a fixed position, Magnus Barefoot had is men tow him to all the Islands and even the Peninsula known as Kintyre and claimed them all under the conditions of the agreement.
Fifty years later, around 1148 the Islands and the peninsula were taken back by King Somerled. in 1164 when King Somerled was killed fighting Malcolm lV he was succeeded by his son and heir Dougal, from Dougal comes the Clan MacDougal and from Dougal's son Ranald came a Grandson who was named Donald. And so starts the beginning of the Mighty Clan MacDonald.
The MacDonald Clan of Glencoe was founded by Iain Abrach MacDonald the Son of Angus Og MacDonald the Chief of Clan Donald. The MacDonald's gained control of this land through marriage, Iain MacDonald married into the MacEanruig family. The land however was an ever inhospitable and hostile environment and due to poor soil conditions and the fact that all the Highland Chiefs were falling increasingly into debt, the Donald clan of this area had little choice but to raid and steal Cattle from their neighbours and they hid them in the Secret Valley. And with their alliance to the Stuart cause they became even more unpopular, Especially with King William lll.
MacDonald Tartan has a Red backdrop with Dark Blue and Dark Green lines that make up the famous check pattern of the clans-folk. the clans tartan is sold as Maclain/MacDonald, but through the confusion of both Clans being known as Mclain it is often sold as MacDonald of Ardnamurchan. The Glencoe clan no longer has a Chief as they are represented by the High Chief of MacDonald.
Other Sept's of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe: Henderson, Johnson, Kean, Keene, Mac Henry, Maclan and MacKean.
THE CLAN CAMPBELL
The name Campbell in Gaelic reads Cam Beul which translates as Crooked Mouth, recognised as a powerful family the users of this name have been around since the time of the old kingdom of Dalriada. Gillespie of East-Central Scotland who had lands in this area granted to him in 1263 is the earliest Campbell to be found in written records. the MacDougal lords of Lorne had Jurisdiction over the Campbell's and they killed the founder and Campbell Chief of the Argyll family, Sir Cailean Mor of Loch Awe. However when his son Sir Neil a was allowed to marry the sister of Robert the Bruce due to the great support he gave to the Bruce Sir Neil was able to exact his revenge for the murder of his Father, for his Patriotism he was granted extensive lands that were taking from the lords of Lorne and others in Argyll who had been enemies of the Bruce. The power and supremacy of the Clan Campbell accelerated from here.
On a small Island called Innis Chonaill on Loch Awe stood the Campbell family home, a strong Castle that covered the whole Island and behind it rise the climbing peaks of Cruachan Beann, this is where the Campbell war cry is taken from.
In 1474 The First Earl of Argyll moved away to Inveraray on Loch Fyne. The First Earl was instrumental in destroying the power of his long-time rivals the MacDonald's, Lord of the Isles. The feud was to continue and by the time of the Eighth Earl, the Campbell's were persecuting the Highland Catholics, when in 1645 the Marques Montrose arrived and with a combined army of 1500 men made up of MacDonald's, MacLean's and other Catholic Clans some of which were from Ireland they managed to turn the tables for a while after defeating the 3000 strong Campbell force at the Battle of Inverlochy.
Campbell of Argyll Tartan
Dark blue backdrop, thick dark green crossed lines Slightly opaque edged with faint black with a thin white piping through the green stripe.
Other Sept's of the Clan Campbell of Argyll: Arthur, MacArtair, MacArthur, MacCarter.
The present Campbell Chief is the Twenty-Sixth and the Twelfth Duke of Argyll.
KING WILLIAM lll (1650-1702),
King of England, Scotland and Ireland (1689-1702) was an able Soldier and astute politician with a cold personality.
William lll otherwise known as William of Orange was born at the Hague after his Fathers death and became the stadtholder, Captain General and Admiral for life of the United Provinces of the Nederland's, after Louis XlV precipitated an invasion against Jan De Witt, who had gained power and control over the Nederland's when De Witt suspended the office of the Stadtholder following the death of William ll.
The French hold over the Nederland's could only result in war and after ensuing war with the French William was able to drive the French from the Nederland's. Not long after this he made Peace with England and eventually he made peace with France in 1678 and to prevent further aggression from France he formed the European Coalition.
In (1677) having married Mary ll the English Princess and Daughter of James the Duke of York, soon to become King James ll William Decided to keep close contact with the opposition to the King. William and Mary were both Protestant whereas James was Roman Catholic and after a Son was born to James in 1688 the Protestant Nobles of England invited William to England and seize power from the Catholics.
The Glorious Revolution started when William lll landed on the shores of Devon with an army that was 15,000 strong and began his advance to London, James was totally unprepared for this and could offer no opposition so he decided to flee and William allowed James to escape to France. Early in 1689 William and Mary jointly accepted the English Crown that was offered to them by the Convention Parliament and the Glorious Revolution was over and it was accomplished without Bloodshed.
The Jacobite's in Scotland were proving to be a different case and they were presenting violent resistance until in (1689) when William met them on the battlefield at Killiecrankie and secured a decisive victory over the Jacobite forces, at this point he was able to secure Scottish Presbyterianism. Then in 1690 and the defeat of the exiled James By William and the Treaty of Limerick in (1691) William increased the severity of the Penal Laws against Roman Catholics.
FEBRUARY 12th 1692 MASSACRE AT GLENCOE
Because of their alliance to the Stuart cause and the failure to sign the oath of allegiance to King William lll of England, Scotland and Ireland on time the MacDonald Clan had put themselves in a very serious position and having stolen cattle from their neighbours for years and all the clans being in debt the King had no shortage of Clans to do his dirty work.
August 271691 and an offer of pardon was issued to all the clans who had been involved in the Jacobite uprising of 1690. The conditions of the pardon were as follows: to take the oath in front of a magistrate before the 1st January 1692, that is all they had to do. The Clans contacted James ll who is now in exile in France asking James what they should do, James told them to wait as he expected to be back on the throne before the end date of the pardon but having realised that this would not be possible he gave orders to the Clans to go ahead and take the pardon. Most of the Clans responded immediately except for the MacDonald's of Glencoe and a few others. Alistair MacIain, 12th Chief of Glencoe waited until the very last day before setting out to take the oath.
On December 31st 1691 having arrived at Fort William to take the oath from the Governor (Colonel Hill) was to find that his journey was in vane as Colonel Hill was not authorized to receive the oath and he instructed MacIain to quickly go to Inveraray and make the oath in front of Sir Colin Campbell, Sheriff of Argyll. MacIain was given a letter of protection and an explanation also on paper telling Sir Colin that the spirit of the oath was shown and within the allotted time, but in the wrong place and to the wrong person and Mac Iain was told that no action would be taken against his Clan without giving them the opportunity to defend themselves before the King or the King's Privy Council.
The harsh Winter weather combined with the fact that MacIain had been detained for a day at Barcladine Castle by the Earl of Argyll's company of 1st Regimental Foot at the command of Captain Drummond and thus ensuring MacIain's lateness and then forced to wait at Inveraray for a further 3 days for Sir Colin Campbell to return. When Sir Colin returned he was reluctant to accept MacIains oath, the was eventually accepted and MacIain left feeling satisfied that the spirit of the oath was fulfilled and as such he thought that his Clan was safe from further action from the King. However some elements of the Government saw this as an ideal opportunity to with one stroke make a severe example of the MacDonald Clan and remove some enemies at the same time.
Early February 1692 around 120 men of the Earl of Argyll's 1st and 2nd foot regiments under the command of Captain Robert Campbell headed for Glencoe and were received by the MacDonald's in the hospitable tradition of the Highlands. Captain Campbell was billeted in the house of MacIain as he was related to MacIain through marriage. Captain Campbell visited Alexander MacDonald the son of MacIain every morning for about 2 weeks. Alexander was the youngest son of MacIain and he was married to the Niece of Campbell who was the sister of Rob Roy MacGregor. The final order for the massacre came from non other than Colonel Hill the very man who helped MacIain in the first place.
The following is an accurate copy of the order passed down from Robert Duncanson on his Majesties Service.
Ballcholis Feb. 12, 1692 Sir: You are hereby ordered to fall upon the Rebels, the MacDonald's of Glencoe, and put all to the sword under the age of 70. You are to have special care, that the Old Fox and his Son's do upon no account escape your Hands, you are to secure all the avenues that no man can escape: this you are to put into Execution at five a Clock in the Morning precisely, and by that time or very shortly after it, I'll strive to be at you with a stronger party. If I do not come at five, you are not to tarry on me but fall on. This is by the King's special command, for the good and safety of the Country, that these miscreants may be cut off root and branch. See that this be put in execution without Feud or Favour, else you may expect to be treated as not true to the King or Government nor a man fit to carry High Commission in the King's service. Expecting you will not fail in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe these with my hand. Signed Robert Dunanson For Their Majesties Service To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon.
5AM February 12th 1692 the massacre starts, one of the first to Die was Alistair MacIain who was killed whilst trying to rise from his bed by Lt Lindsay and Ensign Lundie, MacIains sons managed to escape. Simultaneously three of the Glencoe settlements were attacked and a total of 38 Clans-folk were killed, and another 40 Women and Children died of exposure after their houses were burned to the ground. The reinforcements that were to block the escape roots arrived late, these two detachments consisted of 4 Hundred men each but being late to take up their position's allowed the Clans-folk to escape. speculation has it that these soldiers did not want to have anything to do with such a heinous crime. Soldiers from both companies found ways to warn their hosts and others took insubordination further and broke their swords so they could not carry out their orders, amongst them were Lt Francis Fraquhar and Lt Gilbert Kennedy. They were arrested and imprisoned for this act but later exonerated and gave evidence at the trials of their Superior Officers.
Under Scottish Law this act of murder came under a special category known as Murder Under Trust, this massacre fell into that category and somebody was going to be punished for the crime.
King William although he signed the order was not seen to be to responsible, in 1695 the blame was to fall on the Secretary Dalrymple.
The MacDonald Clan were compensated for their loss.
MY EXPERIENCE
A friend, my brother and I set off from our campsite on the edge of Loch Awe and headed to Glencoe for the day, as we entered Glencoe Pass we looked down from the road to a couple of tents that were pitched in what can only be described as an aviation wind tunnel. The mountain-sides rising up at each side forming a steep valley that offered no protection from the elements, and the forces of nature were certainly testing the fabric of both person and shelter, the tents flattened and flapping in the wind gave good indication to passers-by that this was probably not the best place to have a good time, unless you enjoy braving it in a tent.
We stopped in a small roadside car park and exited the vehicle, looking up at the Coire Nan Lochan I said to Dave (my Brother) and Den (Friend) if we take the slope to the left I bet we will be up there in a hour. Not realising how badly I was to have miss- judged this as my assumptions and calculations were based on the hills in the Lake District. We reached the base of the Coire and was just about to start climbing when Den said that he was just going to walk up the centre and follow the tributary. Dave and I looked at each other and decided to go ahead with the climb.
Twenty minutes into the climb Dave said that he did not want to go any further and he was feeling a bit Dizzy, so he returned to the car and I climbed on. about 45 minutes into the climb things changed and took a small turn for the worse, everything that I was touching was just loose and coming away in my hands so I stopped. I surveyed the situation and the only thing to do was to keep climbing as there was no reciprocal path that was safe. I climbed and climbed and eventually realised that my arms were starting to ache more than they should do, still holding on the the mountain I relaxed my arms slowly only to notice that I had started to hang away from the cliff side, it was at this point that I realised that the angle had gone beyond straight up and had started to angle more towards me.
Four hours later I had just about reached the summit when the daylight changed and began to grow dark as if it were going to rain, fortune smiled and the rain held off so climbing on I made it to the top. Thinking that I would find an easy route back down once at the top this was not to be the case, it was just mountain top after mountain top for as far as the eye could see.
I decided to head back down the right hand side and got as far as a small ledge on the cliff face when I stopped for a breather. The ledge had water running over the back edge and as I walked to the end of the ledge it was in-fact a small waterfall spilling off into the valley below.
An uncertain feeling tried to creep across my body and if I had allowed it to take over then I would have been in trouble and possibly very embarrassed, you see I was wearing combat pants, combat jacket and boots. Imagine having to be rescued off of a mountain dressed like that (no thanks), so gathering my thoughts I looked across the valley at the view for a while when I noticed a full grown Red Stag with a full set of antlers just sat chewing on the rough undergrowth of the mountain side and staring over at me as if to say (ha what are you going to do now).
Den that's Den down there, he was making his way back down the bed of the tributary to the car so I shouted him, he stopped and looked up but couldn't see me and this was due to the height I was at and the camouflage clothing, I removed the jacket to reveal the pure white Arran jumper I was wearing underneath and at this point he spotted me.
Den shouted up, the obvious (what are you doing up there), DER what do you think I shouted, I asked him to wait there as I had every intention of getting off of this cliff under my own steam. To the right of me there was a huge slope that went all the way to the valley floor, between the ledge that I was on and the slope was a gap of about six feet that was a sheer drop, donning my jacket and plucking up the courage I decided to let fait take its course so from the point of the ledge furthest from the drop I started to run, as I reached the end of the ledge I jumped as hard as I could and clearing the drop I landed at the edge of the slope and rolled onto it and then back down into the valley.
A great feeling of joy and relief was coursing through my whole body and as I reached Den he passed a rather rude comment to the effect of doubting my sanity. Still ecstatic about what had just transpired I ran off down the small river bed ahead of Den and on reaching the car park Dave jumped out of the car thinking that something had happened to Den (how Ironic).
Sitting in the car looking up at the mountain side that had presented me with one of life's little lesson's, all I could do was smile.
Advantages: Wild, rugged scenery Disadvantages: Can get crowded
GLENCOE is a small ski area and the facilities pretty basic compared to some European resorts although it does offer varied and challenging skiing and snowboarding. It has the steepest piste in Scotland and, if there is enough snow, the longest piste in the country. Glencoe's slopes lie between 305m and 1108m, on the MEALL A BHUIRIDH mountain at the edge of Rannoch MOOR and just east of Glen Coe. The access lift rises to the plateau tow, which provides ... ...COE is the valley and GLENCOE is the name of the village. ********** ------------------------------------------------------
HOWEVER, there's much more to this area than wearing funny clothes and falling on your arse....
One of Scotland's most historic and scenic glens, Glen Coe - the Narrow Valley, is inspiring. With a turbulent history and the most haunting and magnificent setting which rivals anywhere on Earth, it's no wonder people come here ...
proxam 18.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Glencoe
Advantages: Breathtaking Scenery Disadvantages: Access Without A Car Would Be Difficult
...for me.
Location
Glencoe lies on the A82, close to the mouth of Loch Leven, about 15 miles south of Fort William within the Ben Nevis mountain range. It is situated within an area offering some of the finest scenery to be found anywhere in Europe.
It is most easily approached by car as its location is quite remote, but its stunning setting makes Glencoe a fantastic place to use as a base for exploring the surrounding area of the West Highlands.
... ...What's on offer?
Glencoe is a bustling place all year round. During the summer months thousands of tourists flock here to stand and gaze at the fantastic scenery around them and the braver ones amongst them venture into the surrounding peaks. There is fantastic low level walking opportunities including access onto the West Highland Way. Whilst the formidable mountains around offer amazing mountaineering for the more experienced.
There are 43 Munro ...
micksheff 05.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Glencoe
Advantages: amazing scenery, great pub Disadvantages: awful weather
...has a small village of Glencoe which has some amenities. Venture 20 miles up the road to Fort William if you want to go shopping or for a meal however. If staying in Glen Coe you will almost inevitably end up in the Claghaig Inn (which obviously offers acommodation too) which has fine real scottish ales and some good whiskis. There is frequently live entertainment and it is a very merry place. People are generally very friendly but one of the staff ...
roberthart 09.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Glencoe
Advantages: Atmospheric, moody and stunning scenery Disadvantages: Take STRONG insect repelent in the summer!
...have arrived somewhere special. Visually, Glencoe is stunning and its not suprising that many movies, such as Braveheart, Highlander and Harry Potter have chosen here as major filming locations. I have been lucky enough to visit here on many occasions and know the area well. I throughrally recommend by-passing the usual tourist laybyes, dumping the car and exploring on foot. My favourite view of the Glen is from the top of the Hidden Glen path (ask ... ...prepared for any walks in Glencoe as the weather can change very, very quickly - I have seen many tourists in the mountains wearing only flip-flops and a poncho for protection! Although Glencoe is noted for its obvious beauty, it is events from the past which give the glen its eerie, forboding atmosphere. Glencoe has seen its fair share of bloody battles and trechery, especially between the Macdonald and Campbell clans that used to live here up to ...
satchmosmith1978 17.10.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Glencoe
Advantages: scenery at its best Disadvantages: none that I have found
...feelings of history past then Glencoe is a must on your places to visit. Find yourself a lonely spot away from the car parks, breath in the air, imagaine how the famous 'battle' would have looked and sounded. Amazingly easy in such an awe inspiring place. Read up a little before you go to get the best out of your visit. ...
REG 03.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Glencoe
Advantages: Beautiful scenery and lots to do Disadvantages: Expensive
I visited the Isles of Glencoe Hotel in April 2008 with my partner. It was a last minute decision to book a long weekend away to Scotland, and it was by far the best choice we could have made.
The views on the drive up to the hotel from Glasgow airport were amazing, and once at the hotel, the scenery was absolutely breath taking. It couldn't have been situated in nicer surroundings.
There was plenty to do surrounding the hotel, whether it be outside activities or things to do indoors. The facilities within the hotel grounds were also ample, having a swimming pool and sauna provided, as well as outdoor activities on the the loch. There were also many walks and climbs just outside the main entrance. The staff were also extremely friendly and helpful.
The food was delicious, however the service could be quite solw. This was not ...
Advantages: Beautiful setting, lovely views and great food! Disadvantages: Hard to reach in bad weather and midges in summer!
Ballachulish (pronounced Balla - hool- ish!) was one of the places we used as a base during our short tour of the West Coast of Scotland. It is about 14 or 15 miles south of Fort William on the A82.
Personally if someone says "Ballachulish", as in the well known word association game, I say "Ferry", but there is now a large bridge to get you safely across between Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, and it's a lot easier than a ferry.
We had booked a couple of nights at the "Isles of Glencoe Hotel" through Visit Scotland.com and got a reasonable deal. Originally we were going to go there first but as it had a leisure centre we decided we would treat ourselves to some relaxation at the end of our break. It was the right decision as this was a much better hotel than our first choice! As we drove along the side of Loch Leven looking ...
Advantages: Central location to visit other places Disadvantages: Don't forget the insect repellant.
Glencoe in the Highlands, has got to be the place to go to if you want a beautiful destination that is in a central location and has it's own story to tell. We were in our touring caravan at Invercoe Caravan Park and were delighted with the mystery and majesty of The Three Sisters mountain range on our left and the shores of beautiful Loch Levan on our right. There were convenient gates around the site that led directly onto the shore of the lovely sea loch, and we were able to watch the tiny edible crabs in the edge of the loch and walk along the shore at low tide. Nearby is the National Trust for Scotland's Glencoe site with video presentations telling the story of the Glencoe Massacre. If you want to know more you will just have to go there, you won't regret it. ...
