Pap of Glencoe (translated into English: Nipple of Glencoe) is one of the more challenging Corbett’s I’ve climbed. Located north of Glencoe, the summits sits at 742 metres (2434.38 feet) above sea level. It’s not the highest I’ve climbed, but it is a long climb as the route starts at sea level. The route then leads you steeply up the mountain for almost the whole 742 metres (2434.38 feet), along rocky mountain paths, and drops at one side. The final leg to the summit leads you up the rocky edge. There is a path, but it’s a steep, rocky path, with big drops. Light scrambling is also required at times.
Even though it is a tough climb, the hard work is all made worthwhile as you reach the summit. The views you are greeted with are just breathtaking! Just make sure you pick a day with a clear summit. After all that work, you don’t want to be greeted with thick, white clouds at the summit and no views!
Before you attempt to climb Pap of Glencoe, make sure you are well equipped with the right gear. Walking boots, lots of warm layers including gloves, wet weather gear, a first aid kit including a survival bag, and a good map. I also use walking poles as this helps my knees on steep downhill descents. The weather at the summit can suddenly change, so you need to be prepared. It is also a lot colder at 742 metres (2434.38 feet) compared to sea level, so warm layers packed in your bag are essential.
The route I did, leads you up and down the mountain in the same way. It is just over 7 miles long. But remember to allow yourself more time than you would to walk 7 miles on the flat. It took us around 6 hours to walk, including lunch, rest, and photo stops.
Location
Pap of Glencoe sits north of Glencoe, at the western end of the Aonach Eagach ridge. Glencoe is just 18 miles south of Fort William and 94 miles from Glasgow.
Parking
We started the walk from the little car park in the centre of Glencoe. It is only small and does get full quite quickly. The parking is free of charge but you do need to get there early to get a spot, especially in peak season. We did notice on the walk, you can park nearer the start of the climb up Pap of Glencoe, on the edge of the forest. Again, there isn’t a lot of space, so I can imagine it can get full quite quickly there too.
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
Starting from the Glencoe car park, go back out of the car park, via the same entrance you drove in. Turn towards your right-hand side and walk up the road to reach a bridge over a little river. Walk over the bridge and follow the road as it curves round to your right-hand side.
2.
Walk along the road for a short while, passing the other car park on your left-hand side. Eventually, you will see a footpath going off to your left-hand side, leading you through some gates.
3.
Take the footpath up the hillside, until you coming to a path junction. Take the footpath leading you off to your right-hand side, over a wooden bridge. Follow the footpath along and up, until you reach the saddle.
4.
At the saddle, follow the footpath, leading you off to your left-hand side, and up towards the summit. Take extra care making sure you are staying on the footpath as you climb up the rocky summit of Pap of Glencoe. The path isn’t clear, but you can just make it out. It’s a steep, but short final push to the summit, when you will be rewarded with some incredible views! There is no trig marker at the summit, but you will know when you are at the top!
5.
Return down on the same route you have climbed up to the summit on. Please take extra care as you descent down the mountain. The rocks can become very slippery when wet. Even when they are dry, we were slipping and sliding at certain points.
If you have enjoyed this walk, please check out some of my other walking guides I have to offer:
For more information on Glencoe, please check out their website:
