SCOTLAND // Think spectacular mountain scenery and you might imagine alpine villages or fairy-tale forests. Well, Glen Coe is nothing like that: it's just a desolate expanse of rock, heather and thistle. Cosy it is not, but this is a land of rugged poetry. Its boggy lower reaches are spotted by trees, moving up past waterfalls to snow-dusted Munros that rise sheer along the valley. Yet this apparently barren wilderness has stories aplenty. It's home to legends of Celtic heroes and cattle rustlers, and was the site of the massacre of Glencoe (named after the glen's main settlement), where 38 members of Clan McDonald were massacred by British forces who had been billeted with them. Today, winter hikes, scrambling routes, wild camping spots and the Glen Coe ski area pull in the visitors. However you trace this Highland glen's legendary topography, its weatherworn beauty is not easily forgotten.

Why is Glencoe famous?

Glencoe is the site of an infamous massacre in 1692, still remembered for the treachery of Clan Campbell soldiers who treated their hosts, the MacDonalds, as government militia. According to Highland law, a clan must shelter anyone, even its sworn enemy.

What happened at Glencoe?

On a dark, winter night in February 1692, members of the MacDonald clan were murdered while they were sleeping by the forces of the Campbell clan. Thirty-eight men, women and children, acting under government orders, all died in an episode in Scottish history that remains controversial to this day.

Is Glencoe a volcano?

The Glencoe region shows ancient volcanic roots that have been dissected by natural forces over millions of years, culminating in successive glaciations that ended only 11,000 years ago. It has been recognized as a classic area of British geology for almost a century.

Is it worth visiting Glencoe?

Is Glencoe worth visiting? Yes, you don't want to miss out on the true beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The things you will see in Glencoe were formed centuries ago, they are all still intact, the things you will witness were there 100 years ago.

How many people died at Glencoe?

38 men
Apparently, some soldiers warned the families and gave some of them a chance to escape. However, 38 men, women and children were killed in the attack and many more died of exposure.

Why should I visit Glencoe?

The picturesque village of Glencoe is the perfect base for a weekend getaway or a lively holiday in the West Highlands. Enjoy wonderful days combining outstanding scenery, nature, heritage and outdoor activities.