Glen Roy

Glen Roy is a protected valley in the Highlands characterized by three distinctive parallel horizontal lines running across its slopes. These lines mark former water levels of glacier-fed lakes that existed during the ice age.

The valley was shaped by glacial activity during the ice age, when dammed lakes left behind the distinctive lines visible today. Scientific attention came when Charles Darwin visited and documented his observations about the land's geological formation.

Glen Roy holds significance as a place where traditional strength tests were part of local life. Two Scottish lifting stones can still be found here, once used to gauge the physical prowess of men from the surrounding communities.

An unpaved road runs through the valley, allowing visitors to explore the geological features from different vantage points along the slopes. The terrain is hilly, so proper footwear and time for walking are advisable.

The three lines were created around 12,000 years ago at different water levels and remain an unusual example of ice age geology visible to the naked eye. Close observation while walking reveals how dramatically water levels shifted between different periods.

Location: Highland

Location: Kilmonivaig

GPS coordinates: 56.97000,-4.76000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00