Some say they can still hear the screams when they visit Glencoe – a place in Scotland that not only boasts outstanding beauty, but also a tragic past. One of the bloodiest events in history can never be forgotten due to its brutality, echoing through time as if hoping to change the past. As a result, the Glencoe Orbital Path offers the spookiest walk in Scotland, taking visitors straight to the bloody site where Clan Macdonald of Glencoe was brutally massacred.
Glencoe Orbital Path was also named the seventh spookiest walk in the UK by GO Outdoors, with the Two Marina Walk at Conwy Castle in Wales taking the first spot on the list.
A brief history of the Glencoe massacre of 1692
It was still deep winter in the Highlands on February 13, 1692, when a group of soldiers acting as amicable visitors came by the village of Glencoe, seeking shelter. When night fell, and people were sound asleep, the soldiers massacred 38 men, women and children of Clan McDonald in their own beds. While some people managed to escape, the harsh winter conditions eventually claimed them, leaving no survivors.
Nowadays, people who visit the massacre site tell tales of the screams they heard coming from the glen, as well as the massacre itself being replayed in front of their eyes, especially in February. So, only visit if you dare!
Glencoe Orbital path
As the spookiest walk in Scotland, the Glencoe Orbital path offers stellar mountain views, taking hikers to Glencoe village and the Massacre memorial, as well as Loch Torren and the Clachaig Inn. Plus, Harry Potter fans can also take a wee side quest to Hagrid’s Hut near Loch Achtriochtan.
The walk is around 8 miles (12.75km), and takes around two and a half hours to complete, starting at the Glencoe Village car park. Plus, there are no high mountains to climb, yet there are still superb vistas to take in.
To find out more about the spookiest walk in Scotland, you can check out the WalkingHighlands website.
