Getting Around
The wide and varied terrain in the Glencoe and Loch Leven area means that transport is an essential part of every visitor’s experience.
This is a remote part of the Highlands. And that’s why many of our visitors choose to come here. The majority of travellers come by car as this gives the most flexibility to get around.
CAR
Parking is widely available throughout the area and there are two fuel stops here – in North Ballachulish and Glencoe village. For owners of electric vehicles you can check out where charging is available using the live map facility on chargeplacescotland.org
However, it is feasible to explore the area without a car…
FOOT
Many folk arrive here on foot, for instance whilst walking the classic long distance footpath – the West Highland Way, which will take you over Rannoch Moor, and drop you down directly into Kinlochleven then continue into Fort William. Why not make a real holiday out of the journey and stop over a few nights in Kinlochleven or Glencoe to experience more of what the area has to offer.
Another very popular option is to arrive directly in Glencoe or Ballachulish via the Citylink service, lots of accommodation options in the village to make getting around easy.
CYCLE
If two wheels and pedal power is more your thing, then our area is at the heart of the 234 mile-long The Caledonia Way which runs from Campbelltown to Inverness and has to be one of the most scenic cycle routes in the country. Most of the route is purpose-built and forms part of a national network – this is Sustrans route 78.
If you like to explore on two-wheels there are many paths – on and off road around the area. The landscape offers challenges and cycle paths for every level and type of bike. Lochaber hosts the UK Mountain Biking World Cup each year, so the tracks are pretty good…
Different types of bike suitable for exploring the roads or trails of the area are available for hire from a number of businesses in the area. Woodlands provide e-bike hire and Glencoe Mountain Resort mountain bike hire.
COACH
Getting around Scotland by coach is popular and Citylink run services from all the major towns. The main route from the south for the Glencoe area is the Glasgow to Skye coach which runs regularly throughout the day during the summer season with a slightly less frequent service in the winter. There is also an Inverness/Fort William/Oban route if you’re coming here from an island ferry or the north. Plan your Citylink.co.uk route here.
LOCAL BUS
There is a bus service (no 44) between Kinlochleven and Fort William, stopping in Glencoe, Ballachulish and other villages en-route. The bus also goes to Duror and Kentallen, check Sheil Buses for the most up to date information.
West Coast Motors also run a service between Oban and Fort William stopping at many places enroute. Check the timetable here westcoastmotors.co.uk
TAXI
Taxi service for transport to and from accommodation is possible but best booked in advance.
Glencoe – Glencoe Taxi – [email protected], 07793 258335
Fort William – Jim’s Taxi’s – 01397 703335
There are others and you can find these via a google search.
TRAIN
If you’re coming from further afield, then getting a train to the area may be appealing – the main station here is Fort William.
The journey here will take you through some stunning scenery, it really will form part of your holiday experience. Click here to see the timetables.
If you doon’t want to waste a day travelling how about trying the Caledonian Sleeper Service? This runs on a daily basis from London Euston to Fort William. Using the Highland Route, a trip to the Highlands for the weekend from London is totally possible. Arrive at both ends fully rested on the sleeper.
FERRY
Ferries can become important in planning excursions as you travel around the area – or if you’re coming here from Ardnamurchan.
If you’re heading over to Ardnamurchan for the day then the Corran Ferry will quickly take you over the short stretch of water to Ardgour cutting short a long drive round the coast (though it is a lovely drive if you have time).
Day trips from Oban to Mull and Iona are possible as are excursions from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye. Calmac operate ferries on these routes click here for more information on timetables.
ISLAND/CITY HOPPING
Look out for The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass which allows you to travel across the whole of Scotland, offering great deals on ScotRail, CalMac and coach travel.