4 Night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 500 feet (140m)

This walk visits several locations associated with the infamous Appin Murder – the 1752 assassination of Clan Campbell tacksman, Colin Roy Campbell, possibly in retaliation for his role in supporting the failed 1745 Jacobite rebellion. We’ll walk up the lane towards Leitir Mhor and along a path to the murder cairn which marks the spot where Campell was killed. Following the former Connel to Ballachulish railway line, we’ll enjoy views over Loch Linnie and, with luck, catch sight of seabirds, seals, or otters. Leaving the cycleway, we’ll continue to Ballachulish Bridge and visit the memorial to James of the Glen – the man wrongly accused and executed for the murder of Colin Roy Campbell.

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

Starting at St John’s Church on the south side of Loch Leven, we’ll take a forest road that rises gently through the trees covering the lower slopes of Beinn a Bheithir – the mountain that can be seen from the windows of Alltshellach. We’ll gain sufficient height for views up to the peak of Sgorr Dhonuil before descending into Gleann a Chaolais. Leaving the forest, we’ll pass the new community owned hydro-electric scheme. From the Ballachulish Bridge look eastwards for over Loch Leven to see the first peak of the Aonach Eagach ridge in the distance and the Pap of Glencoe to its left. The woodlands of “Hospital Lochan” are at its base.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)

Starting from the seaside at Cuil Bay, we’ll have time to enjoy the views over Loch Linnhe to the Isle of Mull. Look out over the rocky shores and sea lochs that characterise Western Scotland, before an easy walk through the former crofting area of Cuil brings us to Duror. Walking north on the cycleway through fields and woodland to Kentallen Bay. Here, the cycleway heads uphill to a viewpoint with information boards on the special geology of the area. Descending to Kentallen village, we’ll rejoin the old railway line and pass by Leitir Mhor to Gleann a Chaolais. We’ll return to Alltshellach via the James of the Glen monument and the Ballachulish Bridge.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

This option begins with a visit to Neptune’s Staircase, a dramatic flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. From here, we'll travel by coach to the large waterfall Eas Chia-Aig, the starting point of our walk. Crossing the bridge over the River Arkaig, where it flows out of the enormous Loch Arkaig, we’ll explore Achnacarry Castle. This Scottish baronial home of the Clan Cameron was destroyed by the Redcoat British Army during the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. However, it was rebuilt in 1802 and later housed the Commando Basic Training Centre for British Special Forces in WWII. We’ll continue via the unusual St. Ciaran’s Church, following much of the route on the Great Glen Way. Our journey then takes us along a forest path on the shore of Loch Lochy, with chances to spot canoes, boats, and ships crossing the Caledonian Canal. We’ll end our walk at Gairlochy.

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

Initially following the same route as option 1, we’ll visit St Ciaran’s Church, before taking the less frequented path through fields and forest. We’ll pass the River Arkaig and the now disused walled garden to reach Achnacarry where there’ll be time for a visit to the museum before making our way on to Loch Arkaig and the waterfall.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

We’ll start by crossing under the Caledonian Canal through the 260ft-long masonry conduit built around 1810 to provide farm access. In storm conditions the tunnel can be wet with excess water from the River Loy but is normally dry. There is no lighting, so a torch is advised to avoid puddles. After just 2.3 miles of easy walking on the canal tow path we’ll reach Gairlochy Canal Bridge. From here, we’ll follow the same route as options 1 and 2 but extend the walk to cross the River Arkaig and continue upstream through the woods. Crossing back over via a foot bridge we’ll pass Achnacarry House and continue past Loch Arkaig to the waterfalls.

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

Starting with a visit to the historic Dunstaffnage Castle, we’ll take the well-made path from Dunbeg across open moorland to the coast at Ganavan Sands - arguably Oban’s best beach. Following the coast south on minor roads and field paths, we’ll pass Dunollie Castle and round a headland by the war memorial. Here, the whole of Oban Bay including the harbour and town comes into view with McCaigs Tower above. After admiring the ferries coming and going to the islands, we’ll walk along the seafront promenade past the cathedral, and enjoy time to explore the piers, cafés, shops, and attractions.

Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

After our visit to the historic Dunstaffnage Castle, we’ll walk through the woods to the nearby beach. Following paths below the sea cliffs, there’s a short-but-steep ascent to the viewpoint at Aonadh Beag where we’ll enjoy panoramas over Appin, Lismore, and Mull. Undulating moorland paths take us to Ganavan Sands where we’ll continue into Oban. From the North Pier, we’ll turn steeply up narrow streets to reach McCaigs Tower for near bird’s-eye views of the town and harbour.

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

This walk begins at Ledaig shingle beach. Crossing Loch Etive via the Connel Bridge, we can look out over the currents and tidal flows that can be seen at all ebb tides. We’ll then head toward Oban through quiet countryside on minor and unsurfaced roads. Descending into Oban allows us to approach McCaig’s Tower from behind and get the full effect of the spectacular views of the town that appear almost suddenly. Finally, we’ll make an easy descent to the seafront for free time to explore.