Glen Coe, Mountain valley in Highland, Scotland
Glen Coe is a mountain valley roughly twelve kilometers long in the Scottish Highlands, crossed by a river flowing westward that forms several waterfalls along its course. The surrounding slopes show different rock formations that reveal the volcanic origin of the region, and in some places sheer cliffs rise directly beside the valley floor.
In February 1692, royal troops under the command of Robert Campbell killed 38 members of the MacDonald clan here after enjoying their hospitality for several days. This event later became known as a massacre and intensified tensions between different Scottish families and the government in London for decades.
This location takes its Gaelic name from the steep rock faces that rise above the valley floor, and climbers use them today for demanding routes. Many walking trails follow the river and give access to the surrounding summits, which continue to draw mountaineers from across Europe.
The National Trust for Scotland runs a visitor center with exhibits and a café that also provides information about walking trails and climbing areas. Many routes begin near the main road, but some ascents require several hours and experience in rough terrain.
The mountain slopes support rare mosses and liverworts that have adapted to the harsh highland climate and grow in damp rock crevices. Botanists visit the valley to observe these species, which are rarely found in other parts of Britain.
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