For me, there is no doubt that Glencoe is the most beautiful place in Scotland. Especially, when the weather is nicer than usual. The mix of clouds and sunshine adds contrast to the green slopes of the Three Sisters. I visited Glencoe several times in the past, but each time I was on a tour, which limited time spent at this majestic place. So this time, I decided to spend a night in Glencoe.
We left Glasgow around 10 am and took A82 to go through the Trossachs National Park along Loch Lomond. On our way we stopped at Starbucks in Milton and had some nice bread with strawberry jam and cappuccinos.
The park and Loch Lomond are huge and worth separate attention, but we were in a hurry, so we stopped only twice to look around and stretch our legs.
Glencoe & Lost Valley
Our goal for the day was to complete a hike to the Lost Valley. However, we could not get to the trail for some time because we had to make photo-stops.
Coire Gabhail – Lost Valley
Eventually, we made it to the Three Sisters parking lot, where the trailhead to the Lost Valley hike is located. It was packed, and we had a hard time finding a spot. It was early Saturday afternoon and, of course, there was a lot of tourists.
From the parking lot we went down and to the left and basically followed the path from there on. The trail goes mostly up. Not challenging but not easy either.
The first part mostly goes through some wooded area.
The trail is straightforward except one part where we had to cross a stream from the right bank to the left. We did not know where to cross it and if we should cross it at all. At that point there was no clear indication of where to go. At first we went up along the stream but soon realized that there was no way we could cross the stream or go up any further. We went back and crossed the stream at a flatter spot where some large stones could be used as the stepping stones.
Finally, we made it to the point where saw it, the Lost Valley. It appeared to be flat and a good place to hide cows. Otherwise, it was pretty unremarkable, especially compared to the path that led to it. However, it left us wondering how it was possible for clan McDonalds to make cows go all the way up that path and then down that valley. That is still a mystery to us.
By the time we get back to the parking lot it was much more empty. We were tired and decided to go directly to our hotel. Back in Glasgow, when we shopped for sim cards for our phones, a salesperson in the store asked if we were going to travel around Scotland. We said yes. Then he said, you should dine at Clachaig Inn in Glencoe because it is the best place to experience a Scottish meal. Well, we said, we are not just going to stop there for dining, we have booked a room there. He was impressed that we knew that place and we were impressed that we booked the right place.
After we checked in and took our luggage to the 2nd floor, we went back downstairs to experience a Scottish meal. I remember that I had Highland game pie that included a variety of meats like pheasant, venison, mallard, pigeon, and was cooked with berries. It was very good. I took a picture of it on my phone. However, the real treat was their Ecclefechan tart with fruits and nuts. Simply out of this world.
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