4: Follow the Military Road across Rannoch Moor landing in the jaws of Glencoe
After a quick breakfast in Glencoe Mountain Resort, catch the bus to Bridge of Orchy
Join the West Highland Way in Bridge of Orchy
11 miles (17.5km) walk across the truly remote Rannoch Moor back to Glencoe
Hilly in places but flat for the highlands (499m ascent total)
Hiking boots required
Getting to the Start
The starting point is the Glencoe Ski Centre (POSTCODE: PH49 4HZ). There’s a free car park here, decent toilets and a cafe. From here, you’ll walk down the White Corries Road until it meets the the A82 and flag down the Citylink 914, 915 or 916 bus to Bridge of Orchy. There’s no evidence of a bus stop, but you can easily flag the bus down. The journey to Bridge of Orchy takes 17 minutes and you’ll get off next to the Bridge or Orchy hotel, which is another great place for a coffee or breakfast.
If you’re driving there in the morning, you’re going to want to leave early. Ideally catching the bus from Glencoe to Bridge of Orchy at 10am. This means leaving Edinburgh at 6:30am…. Alternatively, you could stay the night in either the Bridge of Orchy Hotel or Kingshouse Hotel. They are both lovely places to stay.
If using public transport, you’ll have to stay in the Bridge of Orchy hotel the evening before. The hotel is directly across the road from the Bridge of Orchy train station. Easy!
Highlights
The walk starts beside Black Rock Cottage, one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland. With Glen Etive towering behind, it’s the perfect base for the Ladies' Scottish Climbing Club.
The bus journey is a joy in itself. The anxiety of making sure you flag the bus down will keep the kids on their toes! The scenery is stunning. If you catch a clear, crisp day - you cannot beat the feeling of standing on the remote road surrounded by insanely beautiful hills.
Walk Description
This day out makes for an early start if you are starting in Edinburgh. The drive is just under 3 hours. We left at 6.30am and had enough time to grab a morning roll and coffee at the Glencoe Ski Centre before flagging down the bus to Bridge of Orchy.
After hopping off the bus at Bridge or Orchy, head over the bridge behind the hotel. Follow the road briefly and then immediately left onto a signed footpath that climbs up to a gate and enters the forestry.
Eventually the path levels off and then descends to the Inverornan Hotel. Join the road as it veers round to the left, over a bridge and passed a small wild camping area. The road ends at the Forest Lodge.
Go straight ahead at the Forest Lodge, pass through a gate and join the military road. Initially walking up a slight incline, with forestry around you, you’ll eventually open out into the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
Follow this road all the way to Glencoe Ski Centre. Eventually you’ll spot Glen Etive in the distance and Black Rock cottage ahead of you. At this stage, you head slightly back up the hill to the car park.
TOP TIPS
Keep your eye on your weather app to choose the best day possible for this. This is a longish day out and worth avoiding the rain for.
This is a super remote walk. There is one hotel (Inverornan Hotel) on the route but it does not cater for non-residents. Please make sure you bring enough food!
The Kingshouse Hotel (just over the road from the Glencoe Ski Centre) has a bustling and busy bar, which serves great food. You could stop here for dinner after; however, we prefer to stop in at Mhor 84 on the road home.
