Let’s go glamping in Glencoe
If you’re dreaming about going glamping in Glencoe, I reveal all about my experience staying in The Calder Pod at Glencoe Youth Hostel, as well as my top things to do and places to eat in the area. This post was written as part of a paid campaign with Hostelling Scotland.
The rain was pouring in an impressive stream from the sky, weighing down every leaf within its reach and bouncing off the roof and wooden decking outside in the most meditative of melodies. Not satisfied with the already high volume of the watery soundtrack, we opened the door and side window too for a full, immersive experience; minus the getting wet part.
Our summer trip adventure in Glencoe provided only teasingly short glimmers of hot sunshine. We had high hopes of doing some big hikes, but the weather had other ideas. While this had the potential to put a literal dampener on the trip, we didn’t let it. Instead, we used it as an opportunity to get cosy in our glamping pod and explore the area from the comfort of the car, while sneaking in lots of wee walks and delicious food along the way. Let me tell you all about glamping in Glencoe.
Introducing Glencoe
If you live in Scotland, or have travelled to the Highlands, Glencoe probably needs no introduction. Either way, I am here to tell you that this is an incredibly special part of Scotland.
If you have conjured up images of quintessentially Highland scenes, with rugged peaks, blooming heather, crystal-clear rivers, and rich history, Glencoe is exactly that.
‘Glencoe’ refers to the whole area and the village, while ‘Glen Coe’ refers to the actual glen within that area; a ‘glen’ is valley and Glen Coe is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in Scotland, formed by volcanic activity and glaciation. In my opinion, its wild good looks are best appreciated under moody, atmospheric skies.
Glen Coe is where the infamous Massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692. The MacDonald’s of Glencoe were slaughtered in their beds by government red-coat soldiers, under the orders of William of Orange, after staying in their homes for 12 days and taking advantage of their Highland hospitality. All under the pretence of collecting taxes. Learn more about the history around this tragic event here.
Glamping in Glencoe: A shiny-new pod
The Calder Pod has landed in the grounds of Glencoe Youth Hostel and it is a very welcome addition to the area’s glamping options. The glamping pod is much more affordable than other accommodations in the area; some of them are actually ridiculously overpriced, thanks to the premium, scenic location. The pod is not! It is perfect for those who like to be close to nature, but don’t want to deal with the packing and practicalities of a camping trip; I honestly could not imagine camping in the weather we had!
The pod sits a good distance away from the hostel entrance, down a wavy gravel path, facing outwards towards the scenery for privacy and bonnie vistas: it’s positioning gives the illusion of being more secluded than it is.
The proximity to the youth hostel means that you can dip in to the hostelling experience if you fancy, without staying in a dorm. It was nice to see other visitors milling around and we loved our chats with Thomas, the Hostel Manager. His team member Becky was also really friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. Having a local at hand to offer tips and recommendations is invaluable.
When it comes to the level of comfort and the facilities in the pod, it’s not the one-step-up-from-camping kind of glamping – a convenient shelter with a long walk to the toilet and BYO sleeping bag – but it’s also not luxury glamping with a TV, sofa and kitchenette. It sits nicely somewhere in-between and benefits from these thoughtful, handy touches:
- A proper bed with bedding and towels provided
- En-suite toilet and shower
- An electric heater
- Armchairs
- A kettle with mugs and teabags
- A storage unit, shoe rack and coat hooks for your belongings
- An outside porch area with a table and chairs
Even if it’s too cold or wet to sit outside, the pod has a glass door for your viewing pleasure. I loved waking up in a such a scenic location and we only had to roll up the blind to appreciate it. Once we finally decided to emerge from the comfort of the bed, we picked up our continental breakfast bag and instant coffee from Reception (this is an optional add-on for £5.95) and had a wee pod picnic, before packing the leftovers to take with us on our day out.
It’s worth noting that, at the time of writing this blog, the self-catering kitchens had not yet re-opened, as a safety measure to reduce the spread of Covid. We didn’t mind not having this option, as we usually prefer to discover local eateries on our adventures.
GLAMPING IN GLENCOE: TOP THINGS TO DO IN GLENCOE
Glencoe Chairlift
Climb a mountain without having to actually climb a mountain. Ascend the mountainside on the chairlift at Glencoe Mountain Resort with your feet dangling above waterfalls flowing through great creases in the landscape. Once you’ve reached the top, follow a short trail to the summit of Creag Dhubb (2450ft) for jaw-dropping views of Glen Etive, the wilderness of Rannoch Moor, and the strapping Buachaille Etive Mòr.
- £13.20 for adults and £8.80 children
Glencoe Lochan
Glencoe is a playground for anyone who loves a scenic walk or mountain hike, and there are some pretty hardcore adventures to be had for those who like a challenge: the notorious Aonach Eagach Ridge for one. The Hidden Valley hike is a popular one too, so much so that we were advised against doing it during the summer months – just too many people.
My go-to walk in the area is the Glencoe Lochan Trail; a short, flat and easy woodland walk, looping around a tranquil lochan with wooden jetties and mountains rising up beyond the trees, and often reflected in the glassy-still surface of the water on a windless day.
The views on this walk are often likened to Canada, and that’s because Lord Strathcona planted North American trees across the landscape in the 1890s as a grand gesture to bring some comfort to his homesick wife from Canada. So romantic!
- A loop of the lochan can be completed in under an hour.
- For more details on the walk and how to get there click here
Rugged Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) seems to be everyone’s new favourite hobby, and for good reason. Once you find your balance and stop wobbling, it’s a fun and relaxing experience. Rugged Paddleboarding operate from the Isles of Glencoe Hotel which sits right on the shores of Loch Leven. You access the water via the sheltered harbour behind the hotel and the loch is yours to explore.
It was absolutely chucking it down the morning I had booked my SUP hire but I decided to go for it anyway. There was something very serene about the raindrop ripples on the water and the eerie mist which loomed over the mountains: the Pap of Glencoe was almost completely concealed.
I paddled over to Eilean Munde, a burial ground for Scottish clans – including the MacDonalds of Glencoe – and the site of a ruined 16th century chapel. Since I was already soaking, I went for a swim back in the harbour before returning the SUP and heading back to the pod for a hot shower and change of clothes.
- 2 hour paddleboard hire (only for experienced paddle boarders) = £35
- 2 hour guided paddleboard tour (for all levels) = £55
- For more information or to book click here
Glencoe Folk Museum
Housed within traditional 18th century thatched cottages in the heart of Glencoe village, this wee gem of a museum is a treasure trove of interesting items, displays and photographs which tell the story of the area: its past and its people. Opened in 1972, after nearly being demolished, the museum exhibits household items, clothing, tools, toys and medicines of years gone by.
I always enjoy learning about the history and the way of life in the places that I visit and I loved reading about the Jacobites, the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, and the old Ballachullish Railway. Look out for the replica of the order signed by William of Orange to execute the Massacre of Glencoe; an item which makes this sad history all the more real.
One of my favourite people on Instagram, the lovely @catanddug_ is the museum curator, so be sure to say hello if she’s working and give her a ‘follow’ for stunning images of Glencoe, featuring adventures with her wee legend of a dog, Logan.
- Entry to the museum is £3 per adult and free for under 16s
- For more information and to check opening hours click here
Kinlochleven
Take a scenic drive around Loch Leven, stopping in at the village of Kinlochleven at the very tip of the loch. The road from Glencoe to Kinlochleven is elevated above the loch and the views are stunning! Kinlochleven itself isn’t the most inspiring place, but it is home to the National Ice Climbing Centre and a wee museum about how aluminium was produced in the area.
The village also sits on the famous West Highland Way, so you will nearly always seeing walkers having a few pints before they start the final leg of the walk the following day. We had planned to walk to the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, but the weather was against us. Maybe you will be luckier.
- Kinlochleven is a 17 minute drive from Glencoe Youth Hostel
Ardgour
Venture off the popular tourist trail with a visit to the West Highland Peninsulas. For just a day trip, I recommend Ardgour reached by a short ferry crossing over Loch Linnhe from Corran, which is just outside Fort William, or by driving the long way round on the road to Glenfinnan. We decided to do both, on a loop via Fort William and Corpach, then returning on the ferry.
We stopped for a look at the popularly photographed Corpach Shipwreck, on the shore of Loch Linnhe just beyond the Caledonian Canal at Corpach. Built in 1975 as a shipping vessel, it was forced ashore into its current position after breaking away from Kinlochleven Pier during a storm in 2011. It’s now an iconic feature on the shoreline with Ben Nevis in the background.
Once on the Ardgour peninsula, we stopped in at Ardgour Ales. The owner, Fergus, is originally from my home area of Leith, but has now turned his hand to brewing in a massive shed on the land next to his house in Ardgour, powered usually only by hydro-electricity. Lots of local hotels and restaurants stock his ales, and we picked up some ‘souvenir’ bottles to enjoy back at the pod.
For lunch, we went to the Nomad Caravan Café, a brand-new, female-owned business tucked away in the wee village of Clovullin. Anna serves gourmet toasties, Argyll Coffee Roasters coffee, and amazing homemade cakes and brownies. We enjoyed our toasties and coffees in the car (the weather turned) and took a huge chunk of carrot and courgette cake back to the pod with us. We were still talking about the onion bhaji toastie with smoked cheese and mango chutney later that day!
Afterwards, I took a stroll along the pebbly beach on Loch Linnhe while we waited in the queue of cars for the ferry from Ardgour to Corran. Then it was back to the pod to relax!
- The ferry is a turn-up-and-go service, the crossing takes around 10 minutes, and the cost is £9 per car each way. You can view the timetable here.
- To follow our route for the day, view the map here
GLAMPING IN GLENCOE: TOP PLACES TO EAT IN GLENCOE
Lochleven Seafood Café
If you like seafood, this place is an absolute must. Despite being constantly busy, the staff are fantastic and our large order of food arrived quickly; all freshly prepared and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed every single dish but the highlights were the seafood pâté, the grilled clams (a first for me) and the scallops. Book in advance by telephone to avoid disappointment.
- The café is a 20-minute drive from Glencoe Youth Hostel
- For more information visit their website
The Clachaig Inn
Known for its hospitality, hearty food and scenic location, this historic inn is hugely popular with visitors and hillwalkers, and is super-busy during the high season; we were unable to get a table during our summer visit. I’ve loved my previous visits, tucking into haggis, neeps and tatties in the cosy Boots Bar. There are over 400 kinds of single malts on offer and you might be lucky to catch some live music too.
- The Clachaig Inn is just under 1 mile on foot from Glencoe Youth Hostel
- Check out their menu here
The Laroch
For a high standard of locally sourced food in an unpretentious setting, The Laroch definitely fits the bill. Local young people provide excellent, friendly service in front of house, and the kitchen is run by Michelin Star Chef Allan Donald, who has crafted a varied menu (almost too many options!) of quality dishes served in generous portions. The pork belly with scallops and black pudding was fantastic, as was my lamb with dauphinoise potatoes.
- The restaurant is a short drive from Glencoe Youth Hostel or a 50-minute walk
- To check out the menu and for contact details to book click here
Glencoe Café
This humble wee café is one of my go-to spots when I’m staying nearby or taking a journey further north, for a warming bowl of soup and one of their delicious cheese and chive scones: simple, satisfying and inexpensive. The café also serves baked potatoes, burgers, and home-baking. There’s a wee gift shop inside the café too.
- Glencoe Café is a 30-minute walk from Glencoe Youth Hostel
- For more information, visit the website here
The Bothy Bar
Sometimes you just need a big, tasty burger and nothing else will do. The Bothy Bar in Kinlochleven is the perfect place to satisfy such a craving. The bar, which is part of the MacDonald Hotel, boasts lovely views out to the loch through the floor-to-ceiling windows and from outside on the decking. We both ordered The Brave Heart, which is topped with beef chilli, cheese and Sriracha mayo. The homemade ‘cumberpickles are a really nice touch!
- A car is required to get there from Glencoe Youth Hostel: it’s a 20-minute drive
- Advanced booking is recommended and you can view the full menu here
Glencoe Gathering
Although not on our original wish-list of places to eat, we were very pleasantly surprised with the food, after making a last-minute visit when we couldn’t get a table at the Clachaig Inn. We joined the long queue for takeaways, and noted how well the staff were managing given how busy it was. We ordered fish & chips and venison salami and wild mushroom pizza. Both were excellent and we would definitely return when next in the area.
- Glencoe Gathering is a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Glencoe Youth Hostel.
HOW TO BOOK THE POD
If you’re feeling ready and inspired to go glamping in Glencoe, the best way to check availability for The Calder Pod at Glencoe Youth Hostel is to email [email protected].
- The pod currently costs £80 per night
- You can add on breakfast for £5.95
HOW TO GET TO GLENCOE YOUTH HOSTEL
- Driving – Glencoe Youth Hostel is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Edinburgh and 2 hours 10 minutes from Glasgow.
- Public transport – it is possible to go glamping in Glencoe by bus and to explore some of the area, if you are willing to do a lot of walking. Take the Citylink 914 to Fort William or 915 to Skye and get off outside The Glencoe Inn which is a 35-minute walk from the hostel. You can view the bus timetables on the Citylink website.
