Glencoe in Scotland is bloomin’ beautiful! It’s one of those Scottish landscapes that will blow you away with the mountains, lochs, glens and, if you’re lucky, stags posing for photos. Whilst a lot of people consider the Isle of Skye to be the best place in Scotland for photography, I’d argue Glencoe is even better. It’s easier to get to for one, being just a couple of hours away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh! If you’re planning a trip to Glencoe and are looking for the best Glencoe photography locations then look no further (enjoy the scenery is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Glencoe!). These were some of the places in Glencoe we photographed and loved during our weekend in the Scottish highlands.
Best Glencoe photography locations
The best time to visit Glencoe for photographers is the winter or autumn. In spring and summer, the popular photography areas get super busy which means you’ll be competing with other people for space, or waiting for people to move out of your shot. The winters are cold but they’re not that bad. Plus, you’ll get snowcapped mountains (or more than on the cap like when we went!).
Photographing Glencoe in autumn is also works well. You’ll get that beautiful golden hour light, fewer people and orange hues from the trees.
Glencoe’s white cottages
There are a couple of white houses as you drive through the valley of Glencoe in Scotland. These white houses are fairly typical of the area and there are three in particular that make great Glencoe photographs. The white house with the dark roof stands out against a mountain backdrop and have me wishing I could just move in!
Location: 1) Black Rock Cottage by Glencoe Mountain Resort, 2) near Loch Achtriochtan, 3) just further north up the road (will be on the left-hand side).
Three Sisters Glencoe
The Three Sisters of Glencoe are three iconic mountains right next to each other. You can’t miss them. If you’re driving along the Glencoe valley on the A82 you’re sure to go “wow” and the chances are the Three Sisters are somewhere in that shot. For some of the best photos of the Three Sisters in Glencoe, you’ll want to leave the roadside and take a walk on one of the trails dotted all over the place.
Location: Either Hidden Valley car park or Three Sisters car park and wander around from there
Loch Tulla viewpoint
Not far north from the town of Bridge of Orchy, the road starts to climb uphill and things get more interesting. For photographers, this is where you’ll start to get more excited! The Loch Tulla viewpoint is one of the first super impressive photo spots you’ll come across in Glencoe.
This view looks over Loch Tulla with the mountains in the background.
Location: 4.7 miles from Bridge of Orchy, a large pullout on the left-hand side.
Lochan na h-Achlaise viewpoint
This area was super snowy during our visit but it added a sense of calm to it. The partially frozen lochan (small lake), with the mountains shrouded in cloud in the background made for some peaceful moments as we drove back down to Edinburgh.
Road to Loch Etive and Buachaille Etive Mor
The road to Loch Etive is becoming increasingly well known as a great place to photograph Buachaille Etive Mor. If you’ve seen another photographer’s photos of Glencoe, the chances are they’ve shot Buachaille Etive with a waterfall in the foreground. This is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland and it’s easy to see why.
To find this photography location, take the Glen Etive road for 1 mile and park up on the left after a small dip in the road. Cross the road and there are several small trails which will take you to a waterfall with the mountain in the background. Play around here for some great shots.
While we didn’t actually find this spot ourselves, we loved driving down the road towards Loch Etive. Thom flew his drone and then just as we were about to turn around and come back, I spotted dozens of red deer. We spent some time watching and photographing them before they started to head back into the hills.
Driving all the way down the road leads you to Loch Etive which is worth seeing too. This area is gorgeous and it’s easy to see why Skyfall used Glencoe as a filming location.
Glencoe Valley viewpoint
Our drive north coincided with sunset and despite the fact it was pretty cloudy, this made for some interesting light. We pulled up at Glencoe Valley viewpoint, grabbed the camera and started shooting away. The snowy mountains made it feel like we were back home in Canada or in the Alps rather than the UK!
Coe River waterfall
This waterfall is easy to see from the roadside and there were a few photographers taking photos from the bridge. It’s got a beautiful mountainous backdrop and the waterfall itself is pretty impressive too; look at the colour of that water!
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Not actually in the Glencoe area, but not too far away (especially if you’re heading north anyway), is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films is a feat of engineering but also a great Scottish photography spot!
Where to stay in Glencoe and nearby
These Glencoe places to stay are suitable for all sorts of travellers whether you’re on a budget, looking for something more luxurious and everything in between.
Self-catering in Glencoe
Prefer to find places to stay in Glencoe that offer self-catering facilities? Check these out.
Signal Rock, Glencoe
Signal Rock Glencoe self-catering lodge has everything you need for a remote getaway in the Scottish Highlands and comes at a great price too!
RiverBeds Lodges with Hot tubs
These luxurious lodges in Glencoe include a sizeable outside area with your own private hot tub. What could be more ideal than a hot tub soak with a mountain view after a day of exploring Glencoe? Each cabin comes with an en-suite and kitchenette.
The House in the Wood / Woodland Cabins
The House in the Wood in Ballachulish is a cosy cabin with a kitchen and fireplace. It’s less than 4 miles away from Glencoe Village and has a garden for relaxing in too.
Hotels in Glencoe
The Ballachulish Hotel
The Ballachulish Hotel is in a stunning location between the Glencoe mountains. One of the most famous hotels in Scotland, The Ballachulish includes breakfast and is very reasonably priced.
The Isle of Glencoe Hotel
The Isles of Hotel on the side of a peninsula reaching into , bio-sauna, and an exercise room. Make sure you enjoy a Loch Leven walk if you stay here.
Budget-friendly accommodation in Glencoe
These hotels and glamping in Glencoe are perfect for those of you looking for budget accommodation.
Glamping Pods in Kinlochleven
These glamping pods offer cosy accommodation with free wifi and hot showers. It’s great if you’re looking to do some camping in Glencoe, but don’t want to risk your tent flooding! It’s the perfect location for Kinlochleven walks.
Glencoe Youth Hostel
The Glencoe Youth Hostel is just minutes from Glencoe Village and offers dorms and family rooms. You can pay slightly more for breakfast or make use of this Glencoe hostel’s kitchen. If you’re cycling this is a great option since it has bike storage!
Jim Watson
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
Surprised has not mentioned Glencoe Independent hostel in places to stay which has a fully bunkhouse, bothy/cottages, eco cabins and a log cabin and also caravans so it caters for all budgets and is 30 mins walk Glencoe village and 20 min to Clachaig pub.