The Lost Valley

Having taken one of our favourite drives down through Fort William towards Glencoe, Stuart and I wanted to make the most of our time surrounded by some of Scotland's most spectacular mountains. While we didn't have a whole day to spare, we had a good few hours, so we decided to don our climbing boots and find the Lost Valley of Glencoe. It sounds a bit like something from the Goonies. While it's not quite as exciting as finding hidden treasure, the scenery is well worth it.

Historically known as Coire Gabhail, this is supposedly where the Macdonald clan used to hide the cattle they had borrowed / pinched from their neighbours, but it staggers me how they managed it - it's quite a tough climb! The valley can only just be spotted from the main road, but you need to really be looking in the right place to find it.

From the outset, the scenery is fantastic. As you draw into the car park, you will be rewarded with a fabulous view of the Three Sisters.

Top Tip - We did discover that this car park can be absolutely swamped with tourists! We had to wait a little to get a decent parking space. In hind sight, we should maybe have arrived a little earlier. We got there about lunchtime, so I'd recommend starting in the morning if you want to avoid masses of people abandoning their cars randomly to take pictures on their iPads! Look out for the piper though - he's fabulous.

Once parked, we were ready to head off, down into the spectacular valley.

Stage One: Walk down into the glen on a well trodden path until you come to a very steep metal staircase that takes you down near to the River Coe, far below.

You will then cross a bridge before arriving at a huge sheer rock. Having been a little hesitant, I saw a wee kid manage in front of me, so I grabbed the rope railing and hauled myself up. Looking very much like an ungraceful amateur, I did manage the climb - but take great care if it's wet!

Stage Two: I have to say that I was then feeling even more wary as at this point the path is quite narrow and it has sheer drops to the left, which left my legs feeling a bit like jelly. My advice is to keep your head up, concentrate on going forward and you'll be fine. (Note: this is why there's no photographs at this point. Too scared. haha!) There have been known to be fatalities here - so just be extra careful! The path then heads up and through a birch wooded area.

Stage Three: The path opens up into a wooded gorge, which lays between Gearr Aonach and Beinn Fhada. This is slightly more rocky, but there are many rocks placed out like steps, so it's not too challenging here. You will pass with the river on the left and swoop under a few giant boulders on the way.

Stage Four: You must pay attention to then cross the stream on some vague stepping stones. We had a bit of a laugh at some others getting soaked in front of us - it's way deeper than it looks! I had a major wobble but managed to stay dry. Here's Stuart crossing them on the way back! 👇🏻

Stage Five: There's then another bit of scrambling to do, up a large rocky rake, which has another sheer drop the left. It looks a bit daunting to the non-climber, but once you start it's totally fine. Coming down it is another story, but like many before me, I negotiated it on my bum - it's way less scary than standing up! (Note: again, I had a no photography spell, which I'm sorry for). The path is then made up of boulders, which provide a good staircase up the final ascent.

Stage Six: Suddenly the path opens up onto the great lost valley and it's amazing! A completely flat expanse which would be absolutely terrific to camp on. Having caught our breath, I then questioned the whole cattle hiding story again - I mean, how exactly did they manage that climb?!

At the far end of the valley, it is possible to continue and climb the munro - Stob Coire Sgreamhach....not for us today, but maybe in the future with the Lost Valley as an ideal base camp.

The decent is exactly the same route, only backwards. Once we got back up near the car park, we were pretty chuffed as the rain came on just as we left. Team Lost Valley 1 / Scottish weather 0!