Holidays
7 Night Scottish Highlands Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

7 Night Scottish Highlands Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

Walking with sightseeing in Scottish Highlands

7 nights

Grades 2

131kg CO2

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Call to Enquire

Groups of 10+

020 3974 8865

These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-6 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the Scottish Highlands with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an HF Holidays Leader.

What You’ll Love

Discovering history of Glen Coe
Visiting the 11th century Dunstaffnage Castle
Riding the Nevis gondola for fabulous mountain views
Staying in the comfort of our country house

What's Included

Tickets for the Ben Nevis Gondola & Loch Shiel Cruise
Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
Daily packed lunches
Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
Guided walks and sightseeing visits with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
All transport to and from walks and sites of interest
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See More Info tab for details.

Trip Suitability

This is trip is graded Activity Level 2, Walks are up to 6 miles (10km) with up to 800 feet (250m) of ascent; walking is on field paths and hillside tracks, across open countryside and along the shoreline.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

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Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Following the shores of Loch Lochy, we walk along the Caledonian Canal, the route of the national trail - the Great Glen Way. Our route takes us into the Achnacarry Estate, the family seat of the Cameron Clan and a Second World War commando training centre. We've time to visit the Clan Cameron Museum before continuing out to the Eas Chia-aig waterfalls and Loch Arkaig where we end our walk. A scenic drive then takes us along Mile Dorcha, and to the Commando War Memorial at Spean Bridge.

4½ miles (7½km) with 500 feet (160m) of ascent.

We start with an introduction to the area at the fabulous NTS Visitor Centre in Glen Coe with some excellent displays on the history of this famous valley. After a short coach ride we then walk into Glencoe village and along the scenic trails up to and around Glen Coe Lochan (also known as "Hospital Lochan"), before continuing to the well renowned walkers bar at the Clachaig Inn. For anyone with extra energy, there's the additional option of extending the walk to Signal Rock too.

4.5 miles (7.5km) with 650 feet (200m) of ascent.

Discover more about Alltshellach and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

Today begins with a visit to Dunstaffnage Castle, dating from 1220 and inextricably linked with the struggles to control the western approaches. We enjoy a coastal walk across Ganavan Hill, with views out to Lismore, Mull and Kerrera, finishing in Oban – the acclaimed ‘Gateway to the Isles’ – where there will be plenty of time to explore, perhaps visiting the Oban Distillery or the War & Peace Museum.

4 miles (6km) with 400 feet (120m) of ascent.

The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola carries us effortlessly up to the north face of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest mountain in Britain. A short walk gives us breath-taking views of the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and out to the Inner Hebrides, before we descend again and begin our walk from the ski centre, through the forests, to our day's finale - the Ben Nevis distillery. We've time to sample a wee dram or two, or to take a tour of the distillery.

4.5 miles (7.5km) with 250 feet (80m) of ascent and 550 feet (160m) of descent.

A photo stop at Loch Linnhe and then we're bound for Glenfinnan and its famous viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films. After exploring the station, we follow a trail that takes us up to a fantastic viewing point, hopefully in time to see the train cross the viaduct. We then head down to the shores of Loch Shiel for a cruise to discover the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie, leaving time in the afternoon to visit the Glenfinnan Monument.

2½ miles (4km) with 600 feet (180m) of ascent

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Accommodation

Alltshellach

For a combination of mountain views, olde-worlde charm, and somewhere comfortable to sleep, this stately Scottish house in North Ballachulish has an enviable setting right on the shores of Loch Leven. The walking opportunities here are as every bit rugged and romantic as you’d expect, especially around Glen Coe, the Mamores, Kinlochleven, Bidean nam Bian, and Ben Nevis – the 1,345-metre-high peak towering above glistening lochans and glacial valleys in the north-west Highlands. You can also spend time in Fort William and ride the Hogwarts-esque Jacobite steam train as it makes its way through beauty spots such as Loch Eil, Glenfinnan, and Arisaig to the fishing port of Mallaig.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

• 38 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 50 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival) • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • 2 travel cots & 2 high chairs • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Indoor pool • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Three lounges • Lawns and wooded grounds leading down to Loch Leven • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point

Scottish Tourist Board - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Alltshellach has 38 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: Room 21 for its extra space, corner position, and gorgeous views across Loch Leven. Equally fabulous is Room 23 (known as the Bishop’s Room) on the second floor.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.

Room supplements

Superior	Premium single	Premium double/twin	Choose your room
£25 pppn	£20 pppn	£20 pppn	£30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location

*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am 16:00pm – 18:30pm

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Alltshellach

View more details View holidays here

More Information

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
Waterproof overtrousers 
Gloves and a warm hat
Rucksack with waterproof liner
Flask for hot drinks  
Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
Sunscreen 
UV sunglasses

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

spare warm clothing
spare high energy food
head torch and spare batteries
please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended 

Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) 
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters 
First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
Sit mat  
Waterproof pouch for valuables 
Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
Wallet/purse 
Camera
Walking poles
Midge net

Carbon Footprint - 131kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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