4 Night Scottish Highlands Self-Guided Walking Holiday

The Scottish Highlands are home to some seriously spectacular landscapes. This self-guided holiday is the perfect introduction to the region’s towering mountains, deep lochs, and dramatic coastlines. You’ll be rewarded with incredible walking trails, big-name attractions, comfortable accommodation, and the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on foot
- Taking the opportunity to bag a Munro
- Riding on the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig
- Visiting Mull and Iona
- Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations
- Staying at Alltshellach, our country house in North Ballachulish
What’s included
- 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
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
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.
Gallery
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Alltshellach range from 2.5 to 5 miles and visit popular areas such as Glenfinnan, Kinlochleven, and Lismore.
These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Alltshellach range from 4 to 9 miles and visit popular areas such as Steall Falls, Kentallen, and the Lost Valley.
These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Alltshellach range from 4.5 to 11 miles and visit popular areas such as Ben Nevis, the Ballachulish hills, and Glencoe.
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 surrounds. 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 |
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 InformationEssential information
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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
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 | ||
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2024 | ||||||||
12 Mar - 16 Mar 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
19 Mar - 23 Mar 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
26 Mar - 30 Mar 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
02 Apr - 06 Apr 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £535 £490 Double from £535 £490 pp |
from £535 £490 pp |
from £535 £490 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
06 Apr - 10 Apr 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £535 £475 Double from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
16 Apr - 20 Apr 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £615 £590 Double from £535 £510 pp |
from £535 £510 pp |
from £615 £590 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
23 Apr - 27 Apr 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £535 £475 Double from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
27 Apr - 01 May 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £545 Double from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
07 May - 11 May 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £560 Double from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
14 May - 18 May 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
21 May - 25 May 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £580 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
25 May - 29 May 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £805 £780 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £805 £780 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
04 Jun - 08 Jun 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £685 £660 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £685 £660 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
08 Jun - 12 Jun 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £805 £780 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £805 £780 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
18 Jun - 22 Jun 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £560 Double from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
25 Jun - 29 Jun 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
02 Jul - 06 Jul 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £685 £660 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £685 £660 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
09 Jul - 13 Jul 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £545 Double from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
16 Jul - 20 Jul 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £580 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
23 Jul - 27 Jul 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £560 Double from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
30 Jul - 03 Aug 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £580 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
10 Aug - 14 Aug 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £545 Double from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
20 Aug - 24 Aug 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £580 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
27 Aug - 31 Aug 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £560 Double from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
03 Sep - 07 Sep 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £685 £660 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £685 £660 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
10 Sep - 14 Sep 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £560 Double from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 pp |
from £605 £560 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
14 Sep - 18 Sep 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £580 Double from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 pp |
from £605 £580 |
Save £25 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
24 Sep - 28 Sep 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £590 Double from £605 £590 pp |
from £605 £590 pp |
from £605 £590 |
Save £15 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
01 Oct - 05 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £605 £545 Double from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 pp |
from £605 £545 |
Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
05 Oct - 09 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £535 £520 Double from £535 £520 pp |
from £535 £520 pp |
from £535 £520 |
Save £15 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
15 Oct - 19 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
22 Oct - 26 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £535 £475 Double from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 pp |
from £535 £475 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now |
4 nights
from
£535pp
£475pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
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