7 Night Scottish Highlands Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.