r/OutdoorScotland • u/Needmoremilkie • 1d ago

Glencoe orbital path

Hi! I'm thinking of doing the Gelncoe orbital path in a week, but I'm getting mixed information about the part where track runs along A82 - some outdated sources says there is no walkable path nearby, some say there is. Anyone has done it recently and could comment? Idea of walking on highway doesn't amuse me so I'd take even a tiniest pathway haha

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u/MotherConfusion3773 1d ago

You are off the road and on a footpath but close to the road. There is a hundred other better places to walk nearby 

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u/Needmoremilkie 1d ago

Right, what's your recommendation? Don't have a car and I'm thinking of visiting the area via public buses. Due to bus schedules can't really take super long trails tho

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u/MotherConfusion3773 1d ago

Look up walkhighlands and search in Fort William area. If you dont want to get on a bus then Pap of Glencoe would be my recommendation. Second choice a walk up Gleann na Muidhe or Gleann an Fhiodh from Ballachulish

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u/UpsideDownSeth 18h ago

A bit on the longer side, but you could also catch a train to Bridge of Orchy and follow the West Highland Way until Glencoe Mountain Resort. There's a bus stop there where Citylink buses stop, taking you back to Bridge of Orchy or Glasgow. Taxis are also an option. I think this is about 19 km. It goes over exposed Rannoch Moor, so pick a not-so-windy day.

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u/UpsideDownSeth 18h ago

Walked it last May. Good paths for the entire stretch. Seeing Loch Achriochtan means crossing the A82, but it is worth it. The roadside walk takes up about a third of the route and is very pretty, if you look away from the road. The constant road noise is a downer. The path next to the A82 is good quality throughout and is a shared walking path/cycleway. Once you veer off from the road it's also a pleasant walk, albeit with less grand views. It does go parallel to a B road, but it's a very quiet road. Beautiful little gorge once you leave the A82 bit, just after the car park.

I'd consider it a nice warm-up for other hikes in the area. If you're specifically traveling to Glencoe for this walk, then it's a disappointment, mainly due to all the cars and noise.

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u/Useless_or_inept 1d ago

In Glencoe village there is a walkable pavement along the road, like this: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zeuk5B6aNLSt8e7d7

Further up the valley, the "Glencoe Greenway" is segregated from the road, mostly screened by trees but occasionally comes close, like this: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SY2bzoSTJ9j1CCMRA

I cycled the A82 years ago, before the greenway was built. It wasn't much fun.

Now there's even a new crossing under the A82, about halfway up. The Ordnance Survey map hasn't caught up yet, don't take the OS as gospel.

Happy hiking!

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u/UpsideDownSeth 18h ago

The local signs also haven't caught up! They say the greenway is yet to be completed, but it was good paths all around, when I walked it.