If ever there was a pub with a view—and a story—it’s the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe. Nestled at the foot of towering Highland peaks, surrounded by Munros that challenge the legs and lift the soul, this legendary watering hole has been a haven for walkers, climbers, and whisky lovers for over 300 years.
And now? It’s up for sale. A chapter closes, maybe, but the story is far from over.
From Mountain Pass to Public House
The Clachaig’s roots stretch back to the 16th century when it served as a coaching inn for travellers navigating the wilds of the Highlands. Positioned near the base of Bidean nam Bian, it’s perfectly placed for those ticking off their next Munro—or simply in search of a warm fire and a dram.
And let’s be honest: climbers love their beer. After a day of scrambling up scree and dancing across ridgelines, nothing hits the spot like a frothy pint in a pub steeped in history.
A Warm Fire, A Wry Smile
Inside, the Clachaig is the definition of rustic charm. Stone walls, wood beams, and three bars to choose from: the cosy Snug, the lively Boots Bar, and the brighter Bidean Lounge—named, of course, for the mountain looming just outside the window.
Oh, and make sure to keep an eye out for the infamous sign near the reception desk:
A cheeky nod to the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, when government soldiers (including many Campbells) slaughtered their MacDonald hosts after claiming Highland hospitality. Dark stuff—but that Highland humour endures. The sign used to hang outside. These days, it’s more about banter than blood feuds.
Climbers, Characters & Legends
In 1906, some of the great names in Scottish mountaineering—Collie, Naismith, Munro himself—gathered here. Imagine the tales they told over tumblers of whisky, boots drying by the fire. Since then, generations of climbers have followed suit.
In the 1970s, it was a gritty, no-frills basecamp: bunks upstairs, live music downstairs, and a log fire crackling as muddy boots and tired limbs crowded the bar.
Today, it’s more polished—thanks to the Daynes family, who took over in 1984 and transformed it while preserving its soul. Chalets and cottages were added, menus upgraded, and yet it still feels like the heart of Glencoe.
From Silver Screen to Sláinte
You might’ve already “seen” the Clachaig’s neighbourhood. Films like Harry Potter and Skyfall were all shot in the area. There’s something cinematic about the whole place—those misty hills, that brooding valley. And inside, the stories told over pints feel just as epic.
For Sale: One Piece of Living History
With news that the Clachaig is now on the market, it’s a chance to look back—and forward. This isn’t just a business; it’s a landmark. A Highland icon. A place where hikers become storytellers, where history is toasted nightly, and where the spirit of the glen seeps into every sip.
So here’s to the Clachaig—where the peaks rise bold,
Where stories are traded and drams poured gold.
A refuge for souls with mud on their boots,
And hearts tuned to heather, to legend, to roots.
As new hands await the keys to the door,
The mountains still whisper: “Come back once more.”
