Coire Gabhail, Glen Coe, near Ballachulish, Scottish Highlands. The route starts from a car park in Glen Coe
Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
route · Countryside walk
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A rough, dramatic walk climbs from Glen Coe into Coire Gabhail, the enclosed valley where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid rustled cattle. The reward is a strikingly enclosed corrie beneath steep rock walls.
The Lost Valley turns a short route into a real mountain adventure: cross the River Coe gorge, negotiate rocky steps and scrambling, then emerge into a hidden-feeling corrie enclosed by steep walls. Its dramatic landscape and cattle-smuggling story make it more than a viewpoint stop.
Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapCoire Gabhail, Glen Coe, near Ballachulish, Scottish Highlands. The route starts from a car park in Glen Coe
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The experience
A challenging 4 km out-and-back walk into Coire Gabhail, with a river crossing, steep rocky sections and mild scrambling. Allow 2–3 hours and take care on the rough terrain.
Things to do
Cross the River Coe gorge
Descend to the bridge over the River Coe, then pay attention to the change in terrain as the route becomes rocky and rough.
Part of the 2–3 hour route
Climb into Coire Gabhail
Continue up the rocky path and stone steps, passing through birch woodland before reaching the level ground above the gorge.
Part of the 2–3 hour route
Take in the enclosed corrie
Follow the route into the valley and look up at the steep rock walls on either side. The corrie’s enclosed setting is the defining landscape experience.
Part of the 2–3 hour route
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 2–3 hours
Quick escape: reach the Lost Valley
- 01
Start from the Glen Coe car park at grid reference NN170569.
- 02
Follow the route down to the old track, then cross the River Coe gorge and continue over rocky, steep ground.
- 03
Climb into Coire Gabhail, take in the enclosed corrie and its steep rock walls, then return by the same route.
- 04
Allow extra time and turn back if conditions or the scrambling feel beyond your ability.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: take in the Three Sisters viewpoint
- 01
Arrive early at the Glen Coe car park and take in the view of the Three Sisters across the glen.
- 02
Walk the Lost Valley route at a careful pace, allowing time for the rocky approach and the corrie.
- 03
Return the same way and check current local options before planning any additional stop.
Verified history
Coire Gabhail is described as the hidden valley where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid rustled cattle. The route itself passes through a gate in a deer fence and climbs into the corrie; the supplied source does not give a date for the cattle-hiding history.
Folklore & legend
No distinct folklore or legend is established by the supplied sources. The cattle-hiding account is presented as local history, not folklore.
Hidden details
The cattle-hiding corrie — The name Coire Gabhail is associated with the valley where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid rustled cattle. The enclosed corrie gives the story a strong connection to the landscape visitors walk into.
The route’s rocky rake — On the return route, notice the rocky rake described as polished by the many walkers who have descended it. It is a steep section with a drop to the right, so treat it as a terrain feature requiring care, not a photo stop to linger on.
When to go
· Early in the day, when the Glen Coe car park is less likely to be busy; check conditions before departure.
The supplied route information does not identify a best season. Steep, rough terrain makes checking current conditions important whatever the season.
Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out. The route is steep and rocky, includes mild scrambling and has sections where care is needed.
The route
- ascent
- 335 m
- stiles
- Not specified; check before visiting.
- surface
- Steep and rocky path, stone steps, a bridge crossing and stepping stones; mild scrambling.
- distance
- 4 km / 2.5 miles
- duration
- 2–3 hours
- difficulty
- Rough, steep walk with mild scrambling; do not underestimate the terrain.
- waymarking
- Not specified; check before visiting.
- route shape
- Out and back, returning by the same route.
- start point
- Car park in Glen Coe, grid reference NN170569.
- parking start
- Start at the Glen Coe car park. It can be busy later in the day; arrive early if possible. Check current parking arrangements.
- View of the Three Sisters from the car park
- Crossing the River Coe gorge
- Birch woodland and stone steps
- The steep-sided, enclosed corrie of Coire Gabhail
- The rocky rake on the route
Worth pairing with
Three Sisters viewpoint
The route’s Glen Coe car park offers a view across the glen to the Three Sisters, making this a natural short stop before or after the walk.
What to look for
Notice the transition from the River Coe gorge and birch woodland to the steep-sided corrie. Look for the rocky rake on the approach and the dramatic rock walls enclosing the valley. The cattle-hiding story belongs to Coire Gabhail’s recorded local history, not a claim that cattle remains are visible.
The story
Folklore & legend
Best time to go
Check conditions before going; no particular season is established by the supplied sources.
Try to arrive early: the Glen Coe car park is often busy later in the day. Check weather and route conditions before setting out; the rocky, steep path needs careful footing.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Route at a glance
Duration
Half day
Terrain
Valley, Hills
Parking / start
The route begins at a car park in Glen Coe, grid reference NN170569. The car park can be busy; arrive early if possible. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A steep, rough mountain walk with rocky ground and mild scrambling; the exposed-feeling rocky rake and steep drops require care. Check current access, conditions and parking before setting out. Not suitable for anyone unable to manage uneven, steep ground.
Check before visiting
Parking
The route begins at a car park in Glen Coe, grid reference NN170569. The car park can be busy; arrive early if possible. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. The route is steep and rocky, with scrambling and uneven ground; the source describes it as unsuitable for visitors with mobility issues. Check conditions and suitability before setting out.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
