7 Night Discover More of the Scottish Highlands

Eileen Donan Castle, Scotland
Duration: 7 nights
Interests: All Special Interests
from £1,379pp

Set against a stunning backdrop of Scottish Highland scenery, this tour combines a wealth of classic sightseeing opportunities with plenty of memorable moments. Admire the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as we cruise across Loch Shiel, and keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife including red deer and mighty white-tailed eagles. Watch traditional highland wool spinners at work with a visit to Ariundle Experience Centre and explore the impossibly pretty village of Plockton for wow-worthy views over Loch Carron. There’s also a trip to the iconic castle-crowned tidal island of Eilean Donan and a chance to sample catch-of-the day delights in Oban – gateway to the Hebridean Islands and Scotland’s seafood capital.

What you’ll love

  • Discovering the history of Glen Coe
  • Visiting the castle-crowned tidal island of Eilean Donan
  • Spending time in the charming village of Plockton
  • Outstanding views of the Scottish Highlands
  • Staying in our country house on the shores of Loch Leven
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

What’s included

  • All entrance fees (other than National Trust & English Heritage properties) 
  • 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 sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from sites of interest  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information 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.

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.

Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Our holiday starts with a short walk in the atmospheric glens of Glen Nevis, formed after the last ice age. After lunch we visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre, set in historic Glen Coe with information and an exhibition on the geological history of the glen and, of course, the massacre of Glencoe. 


Today, our trip takes us north to Spean Bridge before continuing on to Glengarry and then to the iconic Eilean Donan castle, set at the intersection of three great sea lochs. Both Eilean Donan and our next stop, Plockton, are stars of the silver screen, with the latter being our final stop of the day before returning to the country house for a well-deserved dinner. 


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


Today we take the Corran ferry to Ardgour and walk in the ancient Ariundle oakwoods, stopping for coffee at the Ariundle Centre.  In early afternoon we travel to the village of Acharacle from where we cruise the length of Loch Shiel with a chance to see both Golden and White-tailed eagles. Disembarking at Glenfinnan, where in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the standard, we take a short journey to Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, our final destination of the day. 


We travel through historic Glencoe and over Rannoch Moor to Bridge of Orchy for a short easy walk along the banks of Abhainn Shira. Our afternoon sees us visiting scenic Inveraray with time to explore the castle. Our return journey takes us by Loch Awe, atmospheric Kilchurn castle, with a stop at St Conan’s Kirk for coffee. 


We travel south and cross the Clachan Bridge to the Isle of Seil where a short boat trip takes us to the old slate isle of Easedale. We've time to explore and visit the community owned folk museum, home to a wonderful and eclectic collection of objects from Island life over the years. If you're not keen on boat trips, take time out of the itinerary and visit the glorious 1930’s An-Cala gardens on Seil.  Later in the afternoon, the pretty harbour town of Oban welcomes us and we have free time to explore. There's plenty to see, with two cathedrals, a Distillery, and many charming shops to choose from. Or take time out and climb to McCaig's Folly for fantastic views.  


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, 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

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, 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. 

Food & drink

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.

Accessibility

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

10682_0006 - Alltshellach - Exterior

Getting to Alltshellach

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

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. 

2025 prices are £85 per person for a return 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, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overtrousers 
  • Sunhat
  • Rucksack 
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Mobile phone
  • UV sunglasses 

Recommended 

  • First aid kit, including plasters
  • Sit mat  
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables 
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
  • Wallet/purse 

Optional extras

  • Walking poles,
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box 
  • Waterproof rucksack liner 

Alltshellach Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Leader to Be Announced

We’ll announce the leader for our 2026 holidays shortly. Be assured that all of our expert leaders share one goal; to create exceptional experiences for our guests. Please check back for details in the coming months.  

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.

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
2026

25 Apr - 02 May 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,379 pp

from

£1,379 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

20 Jun - 27 Jun 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

19 Sep - 26 Sep 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,519 pp

from

£1,519 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
7 nights
Interests:
All Special Interests

7 nights from £1,379pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 133Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More