Ben Nevis Challenge

Ben Nevis from Corpach, Lochaber, Scotland
Duration: 3 nights
Type: Challenge walks
Walking Grade: 5
from £575pp

The lofty peak of Ben Nevis has long beckoned walkers and climbers up for a challenge. Its name translates as ‘mountain with its head in the skies’, and conquering Britain’s highest and most iconic mountain at 1344 metres above sea level (4,411ft) rewards with serious bragging rights and (on a clear day) staggering views over Glen Nevis and beyond. What’s more, staying at our cosy country house near Glen Coe means you’ll share the challenge with a small group of fellow, like-minded walkers, ready for the adventure.

What you’ll love

  • The sense of achievement at bagging Britain’s highest mountain
  • Sharing the experience with fellow walkers
  • Enjoying sociable evenings at our country house
  • Soaking up the increasingly jaw-dropping views as you climb the main track
  • Meeting like-minded walkers in a small, friendly group
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 12 people)

What’s included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee 
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader  
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

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.


Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)  

Ascent: 3,200ft (980m)  

Today we'll go for a warm up walk where there's the chance to get to know each other. Our route climbs over undulating mountain ridges to the summit of Mam na Gualainn. From the top, Loch Leven stretches out below you, then we’ll carry on climbing to reach the summit of Beinn na Caillich. Afterwards we’ll descend to join the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven. 

Rhododendron flowers at the River Leven at the Head of Loch Leven in Kinlochleven with Mam na Gualainn ridge Scottish Highla…


Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 4,500ft (1,380m)

An early start sees us in beautiful Glen Nevis, under the towering hulk of ‘the Ben’s’ western slopes. Before you know it, we’ll be at the half-way Lochan, then counting down the series of huge zig zags up the flank of the mountain until we reach the magnificent rocky summit plateau. You’ll need to be able to keep a steady pace, but we’ll have plenty of stops to rest, eat, and stay hydrated. We’ll return the same way.

You’ll need to be reasonably fit with stamina (we allow up to nine hours in total for the whole journey including ascent and descent) and will need to have done some hill walking. The main track we follow (once a bridle path for ponies to access a now-ruined observatory on the summit) follows broad rocky slopes.

Also, the weather here can be fierce, so we’ll choose the better of the two days.

Stony path of ascent to Mount Ben Nevis, highest peak in the United Kingdom.


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. 

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

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. 

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 footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • 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   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 

Alltshellach Calendar

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

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
2025

14 Jun - 17 Jun 2025

3 nights

Challenge Walk

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£575 pp

from

£575 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

23 Aug - 26 Aug 2025

3 nights

Challenge Walk

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Duration:
3 nights
Type:
Challenge walks
Walking Grade:
5

3 nights from £575pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 63Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More

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