Glencoe Visitor Centre

The National Trust for Scotland

Glencoe, Ballachulish, PA39 4HX

01855 811 307

Although it is often remembered as the scene of the massacre of part of the MacDonald clan by soldiers of King William's army in 1692, Glencoe offers a dramatic backdrop for some of the finest climbing and walking in the country.   Red deer, wildcat, golden eagle and rare artic alpine plants can be found among the breathtaking peaks and spectacular waterfalls in the glen. Its name means 'narrow glen', and it was formed by volcanic action followed by glacial erosion, resulting in the steep-sided mountains which can be seen today.   At the Visitor Centre there is a display on the history of mountaineering in the glen, a video programme on the massacre, a shop, a snack-bar and a picnic area.   Open: Visitor Centre, Shop and Cafe: 1 to 31 Mar, daily 10-4; 1 Apr to 31 Aug, daily 9.30-5.30; 1 Sep to 31 Oct, daily 10-5; 1 Nov to 28/29 Feb, Thu-Sun 10-4. Site: all year, daily.   Travel Directions: A82, 17 miles south of Fort William. Bus services from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fort William pass the Visitor Centre.