We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
27 Dec - 30 Dec 2026
3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£649
ppMembers
£619
pp£679
pp£649
ppWe have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Scottish Highlands
■ Duration: 3 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Dec 2026, Dec 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grades: 6, 7 & 9 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 70kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£649
ppMembers From
£619
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Moderate walking grade 6
Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 7
The most active moderate grade. Longer distances and short but steep ascents and descents possible throughout the day. Hill walking experience desirable. Typically, 11-12 miles (18-19km) with around 1,800ft (560m) of ascent.
Challenging walking grade 9
Demanding full day walks with greater distance, ascent, and fewer stops. Best for very fit walkers. Typically, 13-14 miles (21-23km) with around 2,750ft (840m) of ascent.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.
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, each guided walk has a maximum number of guests. This allows our leaders to provide the best possible experience and ensure everyone’s wellbeing throughout the walk.
Array
(
[id] => 01kwy91y7jzkm7mrbjxm6hcsh1
[title] => Arrival Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
[S] => 1
[E] => 1
[B] =>
[L] =>
[D] =>
[content] => Array
(
)
[shared] => Array
(
[content] => Array
(
)
)
)
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Array
(
[id] => 01kwy91y9vgye6xgesfeepfe5c
[title] => Glencoe
[introduction] =>
[description] =>
[S] => 2
[E] => 2
[B] =>
[L] =>
[D] =>
[content] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[title] => Historic Glencoe
[content] => Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900ft (280m)
Discover Glen Coe's turbulent history and connections to the Clan MacDonald as we follow woodland paths to the scenic ‘Hospital Lochan’ before reaching Clachaig Inn. This former climber’s hostel is steeped in history - nearby Signal Rock was the gathering point for the MacDonalds of Glen Coe in times of emergency.
)
)
[shared] => Array
(
[content] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[title] => The Lost Valley
[content] => Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
You’ll need to watch your step as we tackle a steep and rocky path along the Allt Coire Gabhail, also known as the Lost Valley. It’s rumoured the Clan MacDonald kept stolen cattle here, perfectly hidden in amongst the towering peaks that conceal a waterfall, boulder-strewn paths, and wooded hillsides. It’s a tough walk, but you’ll feel as if you’re exploring another world.
)
[1] => Array
(
[title] => Pap of Glencoe
[content] => Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 2,800ft (860m)
Leaving Glencoe, we’ll head under the cover of forest and walk along winding paths and tracks to a small lochan. It’s then a steep climb through the forest onto the open, windswept mountainside.
Keep going along more steep and rocky ground, then your effort will be rewarded once we reach the summit - Loch Leven and the surrounding mountains offer a picture-postcard view. We’ll then descend following the Allt a’ Mhuilinn back towards the valley.
)
[2] => Array
(
[title] => Historic Glencoe
[content] => Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900ft (280m)
Discover Glen Coe's turbulent history and connections to the Clan MacDonald as we follow woodland paths to the scenic ‘Hospital Lochan’ before reaching Clachaig Inn. This former climber’s hostel is steeped in history - nearby Signal Rock was the gathering point for the MacDonalds of Glen Coe in times of emergency.
)
)
)
)
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900ft (280m)
Discover Glen Coe's turbulent history and connections to the Clan MacDonald as we follow woodland paths to the scenic ‘Hospital Lochan’ before reaching Clachaig Inn. This former climber’s hostel is steeped in history - nearby Signal Rock was the gathering point for the MacDonalds of Glen Coe in times of emergency.
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
You’ll need to watch your step as we tackle a steep and rocky path along the Allt Coire Gabhail, also known as the Lost Valley. It’s rumoured the Clan MacDonald kept stolen cattle here, perfectly hidden in amongst the towering peaks that conceal a waterfall, boulder-strewn paths, and wooded hillsides. It’s a tough walk, but you’ll feel as if you’re exploring another world.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 2,800ft (860m)
Leaving Glencoe, we’ll head under the cover of forest and walk along winding paths and tracks to a small lochan. It’s then a steep climb through the forest onto the open, windswept mountainside.
Keep going along more steep and rocky ground, then your effort will be rewarded once we reach the summit - Loch Leven and the surrounding mountains offer a picture-postcard view. We’ll then descend following the Allt a’ Mhuilinn back towards the valley.
Array
(
[id] => 01kwy91yca87088g3pqqh874vf
[title] => Hills and Glens Beyond Ballachulish
[introduction] =>
[description] =>
[S] => 3
[E] => 3
[B] =>
[L] =>
[D] =>
[content] => Array
(
)
[shared] => Array
(
[content] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[title] => Kentallen Peninsula
[content] => Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 600ft (180m)
A bracing coastal walk around the Kentallen Peninsula provides a wonderful contrast to the inland mountains. You’ll explore Cuil Bay and Kentallen Bay to finish at the Holly Tree Hotel. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot birds and seals as we take in the sweeping views across Loch Linnhe and the isle of Mull from the Rubha Mor headland.
)
[1] => Array
(
[title] => Meall Mor
[content] => Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 2500ft (760m)
We gain height following wooded tracks and paths until we break free of the trees and start ascending one of the ridges that drops from the summit. After taking in the summit's fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, we descend towards Ballachulish via the smaller summit of Am Meall.
)
[2] => Array
(
[title] => Glen Duror
[content] => Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (460m)
From the ancient settlement of Duror we walk through Glens Duror and Fhiodh in the heart of the mountains. It's a route steeped in Scottish history that passes the birthplace of 'James of the Glens' - the ill-fated leader of Clan Stewart of Appin.
)
)
)
)
Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 600ft (180m)
A bracing coastal walk around the Kentallen Peninsula provides a wonderful contrast to the inland mountains. You’ll explore Cuil Bay and Kentallen Bay to finish at the Holly Tree Hotel. You’ll have ample opportunity to spot birds and seals as we take in the sweeping views across Loch Linnhe and the isle of Mull from the Rubha Mor headland.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (460m)
From the ancient settlement of Duror we walk through Glens Duror and Fhiodh in the heart of the mountains. It's a route steeped in Scottish history that passes the birthplace of 'James of the Glens' - the ill-fated leader of Clan Stewart of Appin.
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 2500ft (760m)
We gain height following wooded tracks and paths until we break free of the trees and start ascending one of the ridges that drops from the summit. After taking in the summit's fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, we descend towards Ballachulish via the smaller summit of Am Meall.
Array
(
[id] => 01kwy91yet3dh5na0h41xc296m
[title] => Departure Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
[S] => 4
[E] => 4
[B] =>
[L] =>
[D] =>
[content] => Array
(
)
[shared] => Array
(
[content] => Array
(
)
)
)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.
• 38 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 53 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival) • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • 2 travel cots & 2 high chairs • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Indoor pool • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Three lounges • Lawns and wooded grounds leading down to Loch Leven • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point
The pool opening hours: 7am -12pm and 4:30pm-9pm
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.
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
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Alltshellach
Alltshellach
Onich
Fort William
Invernesshire PH33 6SA
Tel: +44 (0)1855 821357
HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Telephone: +44 (0) 208 0155108
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
(our office customer support team are happy to help with any requests or queries you may have for the house)
We offer group transfers for your convenience/peace of mind on Saturdays, or over the festive period. Available transfers will show as options on the booking page, if appropriate, for your requested holiday date/s.
2026 Prices: £85 per person for a return transfer, or £55 per person for a single transfer.
Outward journey: Depart Glasgow Buichanan Street Bus Station at 15:15, or Glasgow Airport at 15:45. Arrive at Alltshellach approx. 18:30.
Return journey: Depart Alltshellach at 09:30, arrive at Glasgow Airport at approx. 11:30 or Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station at approx. 12:00
These transfers are at additional cost and MUST be booked in advance via our website, by email or with our team over the phone (please see above contact info for the Sales & Support Team. Thank you.
From Glasgow (or the south) 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 onto the B863 towards Kinlochleven. Once you've turned onto the B863, continue around 400 yards and you will find Alltshellach on your right.
From Fort William (or the north) take the A82 southbound towards Glencoe. Once you reach North Ballachulish, turn left onto the B863 towards Kinlochleven (if you've reached the steel bridge at Ballachulish then you've gone too far). Once you've turned onto the B863, continue around 400 yards and you will find Alltshellach on your right.
Alltshellach is an approx. 25 mins taxi journey from Fort William. There are frequent train services along the west coast between Glasgow and Fort William. Please see the 'By Train' section for further information. Taxi companies to consider include the below:
West Highland Taxis Tel: 01855 831495, jamie@westhighlandtaxis.com
Nevis Taxis Tel: 01397 703000, nevistaxi@hotmail.com
Lochaber Taxis Tel: 01397 703334, pedro@lochabertaxis.com
Alltshellach is approx. 97 miles from Glasgow city centre, which takes around 2h30 and is a considerable cost by taxi; we would suggest using public transport in the first instance as the most reasonable option.
For journey planning, including for any bus, coach, ferry, Glasgow Subway or Edinburgh Tram service in Scotland, we recommend using www.travelinescotland.com for the most up to date information. There is also an app you can download or you can call 01421 465 1878 for further information.
Alltshellach's closest bus stop is North Ballachulish, at/opposite Kinlochleven Road End on A82. You can request that your driver stop here (there is no need to continue on to Fort William - however please check timetables that the bus is scheduled to stop at North Ballachulish). The bus stop is approx. 0.4 mile (or 8 mins) walk away from Alltshellach, on flat pavement. There is no need to cross the steel bridge. The bus stop is on the A82; disembark here and then turn onto the B863 towards Kinlochleven, and Alltshellach is 400 yards on your right. We regret that HF staff are not permitted to collect/drop you at the bus station for insurance reasons.
The bus to/from Glasgow and North Ballachulish takes approx. 2h45. The main bus station in Glasgow is Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow City.
The bus between Edinburgh and North Ballachulish takes approx. 3h40 or longer. The main bus station in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Bus Station, City of Edinburgh.
If you are travelling by train and arriving into (or departing from) Fort William, then there is a bus service between Fort William and North Ballachulish, which takes approx. 25 mins, and at peak times the service runs approx every 30 mins.
Ember also run electric bus services across Scotland, including to Fort William. For further information see https://www.ember.to/
The nearest train station to Alltshellach is Fort William.
For journey planning by rail, please visit www.scotrail.co.uk. You can also view handy maps of Scotrail routes here; https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/our-routes
Trains operate between Glasgow Queen Street and Fort William, and the journey time is approx. 3h50; this is a scenic journey on what is often known as the 'West Highland Line'.
There is a bus service between Fort William and North Ballachulish, which takes approx. 25 mins, and at peak times the service runs approx every 30 mins. Please see the 'By Bus' section on this webpage.
If you plan to travel from Edinburgh to Fort William, then there are trains between Edinburgh Waverley station and Glasgow. There are two train stations in Glasgow offering services to/from Edinburgh; Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street, and it is a short 10 mins walk between the two (or you can take a taxi).
The nearest airport to Alltshellach is Glasgow Airport (GLA), which is around 87 miles away by road. For information on flights, car hire and other services from the airport, please visit https://www.glasgowairport.com/
There is an official bus service connecting the Glasgow Airport and the city centre (Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station); journey times from just 15 mins, aboard a fleet of electric buses. Airport Express Service 500 is operated by First Glasgow; please see https://www.glasgowairport.com/to-and-from/glasgow-airport-express-service-500/ for further information. From the city centre, you can take a train and/or bus north to Alltshellach; please see those relevant sections for further information.
Other than the above mentioned Airport Express Service, regular buses from the airport to the city centre (Buchanan Bus Station) take between 30 mins and 1hr, dependent on the service you choose and traffic. Please visit www.travelinescotland.com for further journey planning.
Please note, Glasgow is served by two airports; the main Glasgow Airport (GLA) is located approx. 8 miles west of the city centre, in Paisley. There is also Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) which is located about 32 miles southwest of the city, in Ayrshire.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is around 114 miles by road from Alltshellach. For information on flights, car hire and other services from the airport, please visit https://www.edinburghairport.com/
There is a convenient tram service between the airport and Edinburgh city centre, taking approx. 30 mins. For further information please see https://edinburghtrams.com/.
There are Scottish Citylink bus services between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow, taking around 1h20. For information regarding transport links between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, please see https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.
Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.
Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.
If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.
Enjoy plenty of opportunity to join in the festive fun and games in the evenings on our Festive holidays.
A packed programme of evenings offers something festive for everyone, including some old HF Holidays’ favourites. It’s also a great time to kick back and relax, and the evenings on these Festive breaks will give you the chance to do just that.
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: GLC03-XFW03
Dates & availability
3 Night Scottish Highlands Festive Guided Walking Holiday
3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£649
ppMembers
£619
pp£679
pp£649
pp3 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£689
ppMembers
£659
pp£719
pp£689
pp
We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
Start your next adventure.
Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.