Glencoe: The Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)

Coire Gabhail, the Lost Valley, is a flat-floored glacial corrie hidden high above Glen Coe between the Three Sisters and sealed from below by a massive boulder dam left by a prehistoric rockfall. The MacDonalds of Glencoe allegedly used the corrie to hide their cattle from raiders, and its concealed nature makes it still feel discovered rather than signposted. The approach is through a boulder-filled gorge following the River Coe upstream, with the river crossed on stepping stones and the path climbing steeply to the corrie entrance. Once inside, the valley opens onto a flat grassy floor ringed by the dramatic ridges of the Three Sisters on three sides.

This is one of the finest moderate dog friendly walks in the Highlands, combining geological drama, historical resonance and outstanding mountain scenery in a compact and accessible package. Off-lead time on the corrie floor is excellent with no livestock and open ground. The gorge section requires care on the stepping stones and some scramble moves which most dogs navigate without difficulty. The river provides excellent swimming access below the boulder dam. The car park is one of the busiest in Glencoe; arriving early significantly improves the experience. The NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre nearby has toilets, a café and the context of the 1692 massacre, which still casts a historical shadow over this remarkable place.