Glencoe Lochan A delightful autumn stroll suitable for all

THIS column is dedicated to walking and ramblers’ groups, where they can suggest the best routes to enjoy. See the panel at the end of this story if you want to get involved.

THE trails around Glencoe Lochan were made by Lord Strathcona in the late 19th-century for his homesick Canadian wife. North American trees were planted in a bid to create a cheering reminder of the landscapes she missed. The mountain trail offers glorious views to Loch Leven and beyond. Glen Coe is renowned around the world for its beauty with the lochan offering a delightful peek into it – accessible for all ages and abilities.

Route: A mixture of three forestry tracks allow you to take in the best features that the lochan has to offer. From the car park, follow the blue waymarked mountain trail first to your right. This section is steep and slightly uneven but can be left out by heading straight to the lochan itself.

Take another right and follow the path steeply uphill through the forest until you come to a picnic bench and a clearing. From here, you are offered sweeping views down Loch Leven on clear days.

Continuing on, the route quickly descends back to the lochan. Take a right to follow the wide-open path around the water, often busy with families and folk of all ages.

Early in the morning, the mist can roll down the hills over the lochan giving it a mystical and otherworldly feel. Views of Beinn a’ Bheithir (Mountain of the Thunderbolt), as well as the unmistakable Pap of Glencoe – accessible from Glencoe Lochan – are visible as you slowly make your way around.

Along the shores wooden platforms once used for fishing are accessible for a closer look and can be a good spot to meet the friendly ducks.

Once you reach the other end of the lochan, you will see yellow trail markers. Following these will take

you around a slightly uneven track through a woodland area of Douglas firs and sequoias.

You will come across another viewpoint, pass a water lily-covered pond, then finally return to the car park.

Don’t miss: Crafts and Things in Glencoe Village for a welcoming coffee (or wine!) with a light lunch, followed by a wander through the

gift shop filled with local crafts and artwork.

Useful information: Scottish Women’s Walking Group meet and walk together all over Scotland. Membership is free and open to all ages and abilities. For details of how to join, visit swwg.co.uk

Do you have a walk you would like to suggest? Email susan. swarbrick@theherald.co.uk

Glencoe Lochan has sweeping views Pictures: Lawrie McMillan