Devil's Staircase
Devil's Staircase
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BillPNo1
Friendswood, TX690 contributions
Sep 2019
The Devil's Staircase on Thhe West Highland Way looks very formidable on the trail maps. In reality, I didn't find it either that steep, or as twisty as represented on the maps.
It was a nice hike up and over; and the views along the way, and especially from the summit, were very nice.
This section of the WHW was very crowded, mostly with dayhikers and locals; but not unbearably so. I did pass many people on the ascent - which is normally not my standard - but I was intent on avoiding a potential rain storm if possible.
The summit is rather obvious but there is no permanent marking of the summit.
It was a nice hike up and over; and the views along the way, and especially from the summit, were very nice.
This section of the WHW was very crowded, mostly with dayhikers and locals; but not unbearably so. I did pass many people on the ascent - which is normally not my standard - but I was intent on avoiding a potential rain storm if possible.
The summit is rather obvious but there is no permanent marking of the summit.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hepatacyte
Northallerton, UK743 contributions
Sep 2021
This is badly named: Devil's Staircase makes you think it will be a tough one but in reality it is not. Not easy but also not too hard. Moderate really. You can go as far as you want on the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven before turning around.
There is a lay by at the foot of the walk which gets quite busy so get there early. We went on a poor day when the cloud cover was very low so did not get to see much.
Tip: go early whilst the WHW hikers are still striking camp and you will have the walk to your selves. We were alone going up but coming down it was like a motorway. Many of the WHW hikers stay at the nearby (3 miles) Kingshouse Hotel so have bit to do before getting to the staircase.
There is a lay by at the foot of the walk which gets quite busy so get there early. We went on a poor day when the cloud cover was very low so did not get to see much.
Tip: go early whilst the WHW hikers are still striking camp and you will have the walk to your selves. We were alone going up but coming down it was like a motorway. Many of the WHW hikers stay at the nearby (3 miles) Kingshouse Hotel so have bit to do before getting to the staircase.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CeliacExplorer
Waco, TX58 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
There's a reason movies are shot in Glencoe. It's beautiful. I would have loved to have suspended time and just stayed for a spell.
This climb will either shame you about neglecting the gym (me) or make you so glad you're in shape (hopefully you). The great thing about this hike is that you would have to try really, really, really hard to get lost, because you are following the only obvious trail up the side of a hill from where the parking pull out is. The tough thing with this hike is that it is straight up the side of a hill. Easy enough to deal with though. I stopped every few turns--the hike is a series of switchbacks--and it still only took me 45 minutes to reach the top. I was out of breath, but the views were beautiful. I wish I could have lingered longer or had the stamina to hike another half hour or so to the next hill over, but I'm so glad I at least climbed this staircase. I took pictures, but they pale in comparison to the reality. One of the best uses of my time and energy during my trip.
I did have trouble parking as the pull-out parking area was full when I went, but there's a dirt lot across from it as well as a dirt road that you can park in /alongside of. It's bumpy with some deep-ish holes, so drive carefully, but it's manageable. (And, again, worth it!)
This climb will either shame you about neglecting the gym (me) or make you so glad you're in shape (hopefully you). The great thing about this hike is that you would have to try really, really, really hard to get lost, because you are following the only obvious trail up the side of a hill from where the parking pull out is. The tough thing with this hike is that it is straight up the side of a hill. Easy enough to deal with though. I stopped every few turns--the hike is a series of switchbacks--and it still only took me 45 minutes to reach the top. I was out of breath, but the views were beautiful. I wish I could have lingered longer or had the stamina to hike another half hour or so to the next hill over, but I'm so glad I at least climbed this staircase. I took pictures, but they pale in comparison to the reality. One of the best uses of my time and energy during my trip.
I did have trouble parking as the pull-out parking area was full when I went, but there's a dirt lot across from it as well as a dirt road that you can park in /alongside of. It's bumpy with some deep-ish holes, so drive carefully, but it's manageable. (And, again, worth it!)
Written July 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
traveldoc65
Cockermouth, UK2,181 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
I chose this route as I was walking solo and there is a well marked easy to follow path. It is a boulder strewn rocky path rather than stairs , with excellent views. The walk is easily achievable by the moderately unfit whose habitual level of activity is a bit of light urban dog walking such as myself.It is a relentless path that snakes uphill and takes about 45 minutes to the top. The path heads on towards Kinlochleven and is part of the West Highland Way. If you continue on the path for an additional 15 minutes or so there are great views over the Blackwater reservoir. There are no big brown tourist attraction signposts. There is a rather subtle green signpost pointing the way from the lay-by. Heading west the parking is on the left 2.3 miles after the Glen Etive turnoff. Heading East it is 7.4 miles from the Glen Coe visitor centre as you head out of the Pass of Glen Coe.There is additional off road parking on the opposite side of the road.There are no facilities.
Written March 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan1Bangor
Bangor, UK536 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
On your way down Glen Coe you will see lots of cars parked at a particular spot (look out for the Devil's staircase sign). This is where the famous West Highland Way comes down along the Glen and then climbs up over the Devil's staircase to Kinlochleven and Ben Nevis beyond. The path is rocky and steep and there are hundreds of steps but if you want a great view of Glen Coe and beyond then you must stop here and climb the "staircase". You'll need sturdy walking shoes and lots of breath! Not for the fainthearted.
Written May 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wpgdocs
85 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Glencoe is a magical place in Scotland, which deserves its reputation as a must-see area. The scenery typifies what most people think of when they imagine the Highlands. We drove northwards from Oban through the valley, stopping at the visitor center and then at various viewpoints along the road for photos. We had planned to hike the Devil’s Staircase, given the degree of difficulty, the time we had and our experience level. Fortunately we had purchased waterproof pants the day before, as 10 minutes into our uphill climb the skies opened and rain starting pouring down. Mixed with the wind the nearly sideways drops pelted us, but we stayed almost totally dry as we continued our climb. The stopping point for many was the cairn at the top of the ridge, about 30-40 minutes up from the parking lot. Continuing west the trail is part of the West Highland Way, leading to Kinlochleven. We instead hiked due south, up to the summit of Stob Mhic Mhartuin, which overlooks the valley and offers commanding views. The hike up from the cairn is relatively steep and was boggy in places, but not dangerous or particularly difficult. The terrain is soft to walk on, due to the heather under foot, providing a soft bounce to your steps. The hike down was easy, although near the bottom the rocks can be slippery, especially when wet. We spent just under 2 hours hiking from the road to the summit and back, with a number of short stops to change clothes, take photos, catch our breath and enjoy the scenery. If you were in a hurry and fit/experienced, this could be done in under 90 minutes, but why rush? This was one of our favourite hikes on our trip, despite the rain (which was excellent at keeping the midges at bay). Highly recommended.
Written August 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave M
Alkmaar, The Netherlands234 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Parking was easy to find, in line with the small white cottage, and there were not too many cars. An easy to follow zig zag climb, which takes around 50 minutes, and that is while taking photo's and stopping for breaks. Stunning views all around and you are swallowed up by the size of the mountains, making you feel very small and humble. Take time and enjoy this very special place on the planet and refrain from trying to " fit it in " and make it just another walk ticked off the list. I would recommend anyone visiting the Glencoe are to do the walk. It will stay with you forever.
Written June 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scotlandmac
Glasgow, UK12,548 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Good stony track, bit of huff and puff but the ever improving views are well worth the effort.40 mins or so to the highest point of the Staircase and then another 15 mins on a fainter path will take you to the deserted, even better viewpoint of Stob Mhic Mhartuinn.This is the knobbly outcrop of rock in the mid distance (check a map).Great place for a picnic, far from the madding crowd.
Written November 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beatties75
Motherwell, Scotland, United Kingdom92 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
The climb is a bit tough but well worth it - the views are beautiful on the way up, at the summit and on the descent.
Written June 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
molly
Greater London, UK230 contributions
Oct 2022
Walked up in rain and down in sunshine. Beautiful views, gradient is not too bad as it zig zags up the side of the mountain.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
reesern
Baltimore, MD1 contribution
How do you get there by car, where everyone parks at? Is the Devil Staircase the place where the steps go into the water? Also, doing the hike, are you able to walk the staircases down to the water?
traveldoc65
Cockermouth, UK2,181 contributions
No this is really just an uphill hike . There are no steps as such - just a roughly hewn path with some stone steps. You can hike across to Kinlochleven but it doesn’t really go down to water. I’m not sure where you are thinking of - perhaps the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland.
verowim
Aalter, Belgium4 contributions
wij gaan binnen 14dagen deze wandeling maken, ik wou eens zien hoe zwaar ze is deze wandeling
