3 Night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
Glen Coe is arguably one of the most celebrated glens in the world with its volcanic origins, and its dramatic landscapes offering breathtaking scenery – magnificent peaks, ridges and stunning seascapes. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Scottish Highlands. Easy walks of 3-4 miles with up to 400 feet of ascent are available, although if you’d like to do something a bit more demanding walks up some of the lower hills are also included in the programme. Our medium option walks are 6 to 8 miles with up to 1000 feet of ascent whilst harder options are 8 to 10 miles with up to 2,600 feet of ascent.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the Scottish Highlands at a relaxed pace
- Visiting towns and villages packed with history
- Admiring the views from “Hospital Lochan” in Glencoe
- Discovering walking routes with your experienced HF Holidays Leader
- Staying in the comfort of our country house
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Hospital Lochan and the Glencoe Visitor Centre
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 550 feet (160m)
We’ll begin with a walk up the peaceful main street of Glencoe Village passing the local museum and the Glencoe Massacre Monument – a memorial to the 30 members of Clan MacDonald murdered by government forces during the Jacobite Uprising in 1692. Crossing the old Bridge of Coe, we’ll head through the woodlands that surround “Hospital Lochan”, an 18th century manor house that served as the local hospital for many years. After a circuit of the lochan, we’ll follow the Glencoe Orbital track to the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre where there’s free time to check out fascinating exhibits on the history and wildlife of the area.
Option 2 - Hospital Lochan and the Clachaig Inn
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
This walk follows the same route as option 1 to begin with but makes a complete circuit of the lochan to take in several superb viewpoints. On descending to the Bridge of Coe, we’ll walk through a glen along the lower slopes of the Pap of Glencoe. We’ll continue on the Glencoe Orbital track until we reach the Clachaig Inn - a former climber’s hotel steeped in mountaineering history.
Option 3 - Glencoe Lochan's and Signal Rock
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
Starting at the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre, we’ll have time to check out the exhibits that give a fascinating insight into the wildlife and history of the area and what we will see on the walk. We’ll initially follow the same route as option 2 but before reaching the Clachaig Inn, we’ll turn right to visit Signal Rock. This small but distinctive summit amongst the trees is reputed to be the place where the signal was made to start the infamous Glencoe Massacre.
Option 1 - Nevis Range Gondola, Gleann Domhanaidh to Distillery
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
Today’s walks all start with a ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. We’ll ascend to a height of 650m and enjoy impressive views of Lochaber. After descending, we’ll take good paths and gravel roads through the forest towards Fort William. Following the bed of a former railway line, a short section of path takes us alongside a stream to the Ben Nevis whisky distillery. Whisky production began here in 1825, and the distillery's original blend, known as “Long John’s Dew of Ben Nevis”, was famous throughout Victorian-era Britain. Though it's now in the hands of Japanese owners, it still has a solid reputation for quality Highland single malt whisky. The prospect of a wee dram at the end of the walk will keep spirits high throughout the day.
Option 2 - Gondola to Viewpoint, Gleann Domhanaidh to Distillery
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 550 feet (180m)
After riding the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, we’ll take an easy path north to the viewpoint of Sgurr Finniosgaig. Thanks to the far-reaching views, this route gives the feeling of a high-level walk for much less effort. Then, descending through the forest and along an old railway track, our walk ends with the option of a whisky distillery tour. Alternatively, continue the walk to Inverlochy Castle, stopping along the way to find out about the 15th and 17th century battles fought here.
Option 3 - Gondola to Viewpoint, Gleann Domhanaidh to Fort William
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
Following the gondola ride, we’ll take a long-but-easy path west to the viewpoint of Meall Beag for extensive views over both Loch Eil and Loch Linnhe. Then, descending through the forest and along an old railway track, we’ll pass by the Ben Nevis whisky distillery before continuing to ancient Inverlochy Castle. Heading across the fields where the battles of Inverlochy were fought, we’ll skirt along the shore of the River Lochy Estuary and finish in Fort William where, if time allows, you’re free to explore.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Alltschellach 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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
About your stay
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Alltshellach
Getting to Alltshellach
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Alltshellach
Onich
Fort William
Invernesshire PH33 6SA
Tel: +44 (0)1855 821357
By shared transfer
If you are travelling to or from Alltshellach on Saturdays or over the festive period you can join our group coach transfer from Glasgow's Buchanan Street Bus Station or Glasgow Airport.
2024 prices are £70 per person for a return transfer or £48 per person for a single transfer. 2025 prices are £85 per person for a eturn transfer or £55 per person for a single transfer.
Outward journey: Depart Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station at 15:15 or Glasgow Airport at 15:45; arrive at Alltshellach at 18:30.
Return journey: Depart Alltshellach at 08:30; arrive at Glasgow Airport at 11:30 or Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station at 12:00.
Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:
HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
By train
The nearest station is Fort William.
Or you can take the train to Glasgow then the Scottish Citylink bus or our group coach transfer to Alltshellach.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The journey from Glasgow city centre is 97 miles, which takes around 2.5 hours.
By bus
Scottish Citylink bus numbers 914 or 915 run from Glasgow Buchanan Street and Glasgow International Airport.
Ask the driver to stop at the north side of Ballachulish Bridge. From here you’ll need to walk 400m to Alltshellach.
By car
From Glasgow take the A82 towards Crianlarich then Fort William. Once you reach Ballachulish go straight on at the roundabout over the steel bridge and take the second right on to the B863 towards Kinlochleven. Alltshellach is 400 yards on your right.
By air
The nearest airport is Glasgow International Airport.
You can take the Citylink bus 915 (2.5 hours) or join our group coach transfer (2.75 hours).
If you fly into Manchester Airport, there are direct and indirect trains to Glasgow. Approximate journey time is four hours plus your transfer to Alltshellach.
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
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
- First-aid kit
Alltshellach Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
30 Apr - 03 May 2025 3 nights |
Gentle Walks Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
Save £35 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
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61Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More