STORY SCOTLAND
GLENCOE

The story

Devil's Staircase reinforcement route

Wild historic site

Landscape context for the route used by delayed government reinforcements.

Why this place matters

Landscape context for the route used by delayed government reinforcements.

The story on the ground

A verified Glencoe story stop and historic route: government reinforcements travelled this way during the 1692 operation. Present it as a substantial wild hillwalk, not a quick roadside photo stop.

What the evidence supports

A verified historic route, but a substantial exposed hillwalk rather than a roadside stop.

Before you go

  • Start at the Altnafeadh lay-by on the A82 (grid reference NN 220 563). The signed West Highland Way climbs on a clear old military road. Allow roughly 1½–2 hours for an out-and-back visit to the pass; the full one-way route to Kinlochleven is about 9 km / 3 hours and requires return transport.
  • Altnafeadh A82 lay-by, grid reference NN 220 563. Cross carefully to the signed West Highland Way path and return by the same route unless onward transport from Kinlochleven is arranged.
  • Limited roadside lay-by beside the busy A82. Cross with extreme care. The path rises to about 550 m and is exposed to rapidly changing mountain weather; wear proper footwear and carry suitable clothing. No toilets or facilities on the route.
Before opening directions: Limited roadside lay-by beside the busy A82. Cross with extreme care. The path rises to about 550 m and is exposed to rapidly changing mountain weather; wear proper footwear and carry suitable clothing. No toilets or facilities on the route.
Directions

Explore further

Sources — National Trust for Scotland; Discover Glencoe; ScotWays