The Scottish Highlands hike that ends at 'Scotland's cosiest pub'
As many Scots know, Glen Coe is one of the most picturesque beauty spots in Scotland. The glen, which cuts though volcanic rocks in the Highlands, has long been a popular destination amongst hillwalkers.
However, given its huge area of around 56.3 kilometre squared, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That is why the Daily Record's latest Walk of the Week is a short and sweet hike in Glen Coe that can be completed in less than two hours.
An Torr and Signal Rock is one of only a few shorter walks in Glen Coe. It is an idyllic hike through coniferous plantation to Signal Rock, which is said to be a gathering place for the MacDonalds of Glencoe.
Leading you through peaceful woodland within the central part of the glen, the route is just under two miles in length. All in all, it should take between 90 minutes and two hours to complete.
The hike begins at a car park on the north side of A82, from where you follow a tarmac path through willow and alder scrub. From here, you will cross a wooden bridge over the River Coe and enter the An Torr woodland.
Keep following the path, and eventually you will climb to Signal Rock. You will find an interpretation board here, as well as glimpses of incredible views across the glen through the trees.
Once you are done, it is simply a matter of retracing your steps. Before you go home, though, there is one detour that is definitely worth the extra steps.
The Clachaig Inn is an award-winning hotel and pub that serves up both refreshing drinks and hearty food. It has even previously been described as one of the "cosiest pubs in Scotland" by Absolute Escapes.
Read on for a few photographs that show why Signal Rock is a great hiking destination. More information about the hike can be found on the Wild About Lochaber website.
Meanwhile, some of the Daily Record's past Walks of the Week can be found below:
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.
More On
Walking and climbing
Glencoe
Food
Pubs, bars and nightclubs
Discover Scotland
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brand new way to travel the NC500 launched – and you'll never get stuck in traffic
Scroll down to see the pricetag SKY HIGH Brand new way to travel the NC500 launched – and you'll never get stuck in traffic Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW NC500 experience has been launched. And it's the ideal way to see the iconic route - which has been named among the best trips in the world - without getting stuck in traffic. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The NC500 has become an iconic trip 6 Travellers can now see it from the air 6 Links House is offering the service 6 Inverness Castle is one of the highlights The five-star Links House at Royal Dornoch is launching a 'Sky-to-Shore' adventure flight experience. Links House has teamed up with Highland Aviation for the new one-hour plane trip from Dornoch airstrip aboard a Piper Cherokee Warrior II plane. During the flight, guests will be given the opportunity to see the stunning coastline and North Highland landscapes from above, some of which features in the famous NC500 road route. Highlights include breathtaking views of Royal Dornoch Golf Links, Dornoch Firth, Dunrobin Castle, which is affectionately known as the 'Jewel in the crown of the Highlands', and Loch Ness. The route also takes in Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Cape Wrath, The Kyle of Durness and John O'Groats. The UNESCO Flow Country, which is the UK's newest natural World Heritage Site and was named one of the best places in the world by the New York Times, is another stunning spot to see on the journey. And Sandwood Bay, recently picked out as one of the UK's best beaches, can also be seen from the sky. When guests come back down to earth, they can take a stroll along Dornoch beach, just a few minutes' walk from the airstrip, where the sand and sea showcase the area's natural beauty. Guests complete their 'Sky-to-Shore' experience with a fine dining experience at MARA, the award-winning restaurant at Links House. Freshly prepared by head chef Theo Creton, the seasonal menu celebrates the very best local and seasonal produce from around the Dornoch Firth including wild Ardgay venison, Portmahomack lobster and freshly picked herbs from the hotel's very own kitchen garden. Stunning Scots island with gorgeous 'Caribbean' beaches and crystal-clear blue waters and it's only an hour from Glasgow But the trip does come with a hefty pricetag. A two-night 'Sky-to-Shore' break at Links House in Royal Dornoch starts at £1,300, based on two people sharing a double room on a dinner, B&B basis. Links House holds the most northerly Michelin Key in the UK and has two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The NC500 has been a popular route since it launched in While travellers praise the stunning sights along the way, locals say the infrastructure has not kept up with demand. And some visitors do not treat the area with respect, according to irate householders including some who were recently branded scum for the mess they left behind. 6 The Flow Country is also on the trip
Powys County Times
15 hours ago
- Powys County Times
King begins Balmoral residency with military ceremony
The King greeted tourists from across Europe at the gates of Balmoral as he marked the official start of his summer residency in Scotland with a military ceremony involving a Shetland pony. On Monday morning, Charles arrived in the Aberdeenshire castle in his state Bentley and inspected regimental mascot Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony, as it stood with handler Corporal Rory Stewart as the monarch inspected his Royal Guard. A Guard of Honour was held by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) to officially welcome the King to Balmoral, although he attended a church service there on Sunday in a private capacity. After the ceremony, there was a performance from the Pipes and Drums, formed by soldiers from across the regiment, including from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Battalions, in a display of pageantry which was closely linked to this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Charles is the Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and wore his relatively new King Charles III tartan which was designed on the date of his coronation, May 6 2023, and is restricted for the exclusive use of the Royal Family members. The King greeted tourists and holidaymakers from France, the Netherlands and Germany in temperatures which reached 23C. Cruachan IV, the mascot since 2012, was wearing a regimental horse rug in Government 1A tartan worn by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and embellished with medals. The pony, which lives in Edinburgh, was on its best behaviour during an inspection by the King. A crowd of around 60 people waited to try to speak to Charles at the castle gates. Officer Commanding Balaklava Company, Major Tommy Blair, said: 'Balaklava Company has the unique privilege of supporting His Majesty The King and The Royal Household during their Summer Court in Scotland. 'It's a huge honour to command this parade today marking His Majesty's arrival at Balmoral, and we're looking forward to spending the coming months in Royal Deeside.' Pipe Major Davies, 2 SCOTS said: 'It is an honour to be taking part in this year's arrival parade at Balmoral. For the first time since the regiment's formation in 2006, members of 2, 3 and 4 SCOTS pipe bands are on parade for this high profile ceremonial event. 'As we are all taking part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we thought it would be a good opportunity to showcase the regiment's strong piping and drumming traditions, performing a colourful and musical spectacle for His Majesty and the public.' Drum Major Muir, 3 SCOTS said: 'It is always an honour to welcome His Majesty The King to Scotland, as our head of state we take great pride in welcoming him to Balmoral.'
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Small town dubbed 'most depressing place to live' defended as 'wee gem'
This Scottish town was named among the most "depressing" places to live in the country, but has been defended for its impressive houses and architecture Scotland is brimming with hidden treasures, and while Edinburgh and St Andrews often steal the spotlight, there are numerous lesser-known locales that are equally enchanting. And while every Scottish city, town, and village boasts its own unique charm, some have faced criticism from locals or visitors for various reasons. One Scottish village in particular was dubbed the "bottom of the world" in an online critique. In a similar vein, another location was labelled as one of the most "depressing" places in Scotland. In 2024, Alloa was ranked among the "most depressing places to live in Scotland". The Clackmannanshire town was placed fourth on a list compiled by ILiveHere, which assessed the least inviting places in the nation. It comes directly after UK's five worst seaside towns were named - including a resort with a one-star beach. Alloa was condemned in the ranking as "culturally devoid and one of the most deprived places in Scotland", even earning the title "Scotland's first entry on our depression succession." In response to this unflattering portrayal, then-MP for Ochil and South Perthshire John Nicholson spoke out against the list, instead praising Alloa as a "wee gem". Speaking to the Alloa and Hillforts Advertiser, Mr Nicholson said: "I love Alloa. With its cute wynds, grand merchant houses, and majestic civic architecture, it is a sometimes-overlooked wee gem. Like any fine gem, Alloa could benefit from a polish too at the hands of the descendants of the skills craftsmen who built and enhanced it. "Aside from the fact this poll is mean-spirited, it is also nonsensical as anyone who lives in or visits the town can attest." As Nicholson points out, there's no shortage of attractions and activities around Alloa. Though it has previously been branded amongst Scotland's " most depressing" locations, it's certainly worth exploring. Alloa sits roughly eight miles east of Stirling city, housing approximately 14,000 residents. The town flourished during the industrial revolution, with glassmaking, textiles, and brewing forming its main commercial sectors, reports the Daily Record. The town is perhaps most famous for Alloa Tower, a tower house thought to originate from the early 14th century. As one of Scotland's oldest and most substantial tower houses, this historic structure has been meticulously restored and features prominently on the region's 'Tower Trail'. Additional must-see spots in Alloa include the Town Hall and St Mungo's Parish Church. The Town Hall holds Category C listed status, whilst the church was constructed in 1819. The town also boasts a number of picturesque parks, with Greenfield Park and West End Public Park being the standout attractions. Greenfield Park is home to a play area equipped with a variety of play equipment and the three-storey sandstone Greenfield House, while West End Public Park is a dog-friendly spot perfect for a stroll with your four-legged companion. Furthermore, Alloa offers a plethora of popular dining options. The town is peppered with a variety of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and more. The Royal Oak Alloa is one of the premier spots in the area, serving both food and drink and featuring live music. Meanwhile, The Old Brewery, a former brewery, is famed for its friendly service.
