Glencoe

Friday, midday

Check into Glencoe SYHA (doubles from £31, www.syha.org.uk), which sits in an ideal location for exploring Glencoe, lying between the village and the glen.

1pm

The Glencoe Café (www.glencoecafe. co.uk) is located in the village. Savour local produce and excellent homebaking with your free wifi.

2pm

Turn back the centuries at Glencoe Folk Museum (www. glencoemuseum.com), housed in the area’s only traditional thatched cottages. The collection spans the centuries, with some interesting pieces from the Jacobite years.

3:30pm

The National Trust for Scotland owns swathes of Glencoe and the Glencoe Visitor Centre (www.nts.org.uk/visit/ glencoe) delves into the tumultuous natural and human forces that have shaped this most dramatic of glens, including the infamous massacre in 1692.

8pm

Lochleven Seafood Café (www. lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk) stock lobster, crabs, oysters and scallops in their own tanks. They export all over the world, while their café serves boat fresh seafood platters amongst myriad fish and shellfish treats.

Saturday, 10am

The Glencoe area offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Explore the Glencoe lochan, which has three waymarked trails.

Midday

Have a picnic with one of the finest views in the area as the local mountains are reflected off the lochan’s waters.

3pm

Glencoe offers world class hiking, from gentle strolls to epic scrambling adventures. The ideal introduction is the relatively short trek to the Hidden Valley. Local guide Rona Yard (www.ronasramblings.com) can take you safely into some of the most challenging mountains in Scotland.

7pm

Ease your tired legs with a pint of one of the local River Leven Ales at the legendary Clachaig Inn (www.clachaig.com). They offer hearty meals too, with views of the mountains in their lounge, while there’s often live music in the relaxed atmosphere of the Boot Bar.

Sunday, 9am

The area boasts many wee cafes and craft shops. Craft & Things (www. craftsandthings.co.uk) offers both under one roof. The quality of their hearty soup and homebaking is attested to by the plentiful local customers. ■