Glencoe waterfall

The Glencoe waterfall is a scenic waterfall in the Glencoe Valley, along road 82, in Scotland (UK). The waterfall is also known as “the meeting of the three waters”.

The waterfall is clearly visible from a popular parking place in a cutting of the A82. Parking is for free and at both sides of the road (gps 56.662712, -4.965257), but it can get a little busy in the summer season. There is a viewing spot along the roadside where yiu have an awesome view on the Glencoe waterfall and the mountains of the Glencoe valley in the back

Two streams meet here and the waterfall is on a stream called the Allt Lairig Eilde which flows into the main River Coe at this point with a modest height of appr. 4-7 meters. Unfortunately the waterfall does not have an official name. On Internet often the waterfall is referred as Glencoe waterfall. After heavy rainfall the Glencoe waterfall becomes a roaring and violent waterfall with a great power.

It always though that “meeting of the three waters” was somewhere else. I thought it was situated in the floor of Glen Coe below the mouth of Coire Gabhail. As the name suggests it is a place where three different streams meet. Not very remarkable you might think, until you see the very straight courses that the streams take to their meeting place. There is also a parking nearby if you want to visit this remarkable place. But according to Google and many many people “meeting of the three waters” is the same as the Glencoe waterfall.

Glencoe Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. Located in the Highlands, the valley is known for its stunning scenery, including towering mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. If you want to go hiking, the parkings can be crowded in summertime. We parked our car at one of the bigger parkings (for free) and we had the last spot. The car park is called “viewpoint on the three sister” (gps 56.667720, -4.986486). If you want any suggestion about a nice hike, you can checkout the website of Komoot.

The valley was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The mountains that surround the valley are some of the highest in Scotland, including Buachaille Etive Mor, Bidean nam Bian, and Aonach Eagach. The River Coe flows through the valley, and its waters are a popular spot for fishing and whitewater rafting.

In addition to its natural beauty, Glencoe Valley is also home to a rich history. The valley was the site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692, when government troops killed 38 members of the MacDonald clan. The massacre is a dark chapter in Scottish history, but it is also a reminder of the region’s turbulent past.

If you don’t want a serious hike in Glencoe Valley, there is another great waterfall in the area of Fort William worthwhile a visit and that is the Steall falls. I think I even liked the surrounding more and the hike to the Steall falls is of great beauty. Many people have their base at Fort William (great place with several good restaurants) and the Steall gorge/Ben Nevis with several waterfalls are closeby.