7 Night Scottish Highlands Discovery Tour
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
- A scenic cruise on Loch Shiel
- Spending time in the handsome fishing village of Oban
- Discovering the history of Glen Coe
- Visiting the castle-crowned tidal island of Eilean Donan
- Exploring Inveraray with its French-style castle and old jail
- Staying in our country house on the shores of Loch Leven
What’s included
- Tickets for the Loch Shiel Cruise & Easedale Ferry
- 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
Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See More Info tab for details.
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. 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 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 free time to explore the castle, old jailhouse or shops. 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, 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, 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
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals.
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
No memberships |
£12 |
£16.50 |
£28.50 |
Alltshellach Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Elaine Black
Elaine is a certified Blue Badge Tour Guide for Scotland and has been an HF Holidays Leader since 2020. From her base in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, she has led hundreds of HF Holidays guests on walks around Scotland. She also knows a thing or two about history. Elaine is currently the Site Director of an archaeological study on the west coast Scottish island of Tiree and is fascinated by the area’s Celtic and Viking roots. When she does spend time in the 21st century, Elaine loves dogs, coffee and dark chocolate.
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 | ||||||||
|
28 Jun - 05 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Discovery Tour
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,429 pp |
from £1,429 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
133Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
