Tour Glencoe Scotland
Tell me a little about Glencoe
Glencoe is one of the famous and iconic parts of Scotland. Located in a mountainous area of the Western Highlands and close to Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, Glencoe has much to offer the visitor including a wide range of sporting activities, geology, golf, history, location of the infamous 1692 massacre, photography, mountainous pursuits, relaxation and various other activities and interests. The area offers a wide range of lodgings and accommodation to suit most budgets.
Tell me more about Glencoe
The word glen comes from the Gaelic gleann which is a valley named after the river that drains it, that is the River Coe. Origin of the word Coe is not clear. In addition to the extensive geographical area there is also a village named Glencoe which is of historic interest, particularly relating to the 1692 massacre.
The geology of Glencoe is interesting. Approaching from the south across Rannoch Moor, the road drops down sharply into Glencoe where the area between the Pass of Brander and Loch Lochy affords one of the most spectacular mountain landforms in Scotland. Glen Coe is a deep glacial trough bounded by steep slopes rising steeply from sea level to summit altitudes over 3000 feet (900 m). Glaciers were present until 10,000 years ago and the resultant steep rock walls prove popular with climbers.
Apart from the spectacular scenery, Glencoe is perhaps best known for the massacre which occurred on February 13th 1692 when a detachment of Government troops (comprised of members of Clan Campbell), acting on military orders, turned on their hosts, the MacDonalds of Glencoe and killed at least 38 of the local clan community although the final death toll was probably much higher due to a combination of starvation and hypothermia. The MacDonalds, under their Chief, Alastair MacIain MacDonald, had long been a thorn in the side of the Government and the failure of Alastair to sign an oath of allegiance by a specified date was used as a pretext for the slaughter-and act as warning to any other recalcitrant clan chiefs. To this day there is a degree of tension between the MacDonalds and the Campbells. A local Glencoe hotel has a somewhat tongue-in- cheek notice over reception warning off Campbells. A memorial to the 1692 massacre is located in the village of Glencoe.
For the visitor to Glencoe, interests such as hiking, climbing, walking and photography are very popular. However, there are many other activities and interests for visitors in the area which include:
- Cruising and fishing trips.
- Golf at Ballachulish.
- Horse riding.
- Watersports at Ballachulish.
- Glencoe safaris ( 4 X 4)
- Glencoe National Trust Visitor Centre (emphasis on the landscape and ecology).
- Glencoe & North Lorn Folk Museum.
- Skiing and snowboarding (in season).
- Relaxation and leisure activities.
How can Catswhiskerstours help with a visit to Glencoe?
- Include Glencoe in a private, escorted tour of Scotland.
- Include Glencoe in a self-drive tour of Scotland together with lodgings.
For more information and help contact Nigel-
T 44 (0) 141 638 5500
E ncole67@googlemail.com
Or info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!
