4 Night Scottish Highlands Christmas Guided Walking Holiday
Few places gift walkers with winter scenery like Scotland does. Hike through snowy Scottish Highlands, crunch over frostbitten fields, and ramble by frozen lochs for an experience sure to put you in a merry mood. And then there’s the reward. Fire roaring and a belly-warming whisky ready for pouring, festive breaks at our country house in Glen Coe come with all the Christmas magic you could wish for. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, fresh, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
- A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Scottish Highlands on foot
- Staying in our charming country house in the Scottish Highlands
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
What’s included
- 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 walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- 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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Nevis Riverside & Fort William Heights
Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Ascent: 250ft (80m)
We’ll head into the heart of the mountains in search of River Nevis to follow it downstream, past falls and fast-flowing sections, with views of Ben Nevis up above. As we descend towards Fort William, look out for signs of wildlife, including red deer.
Option 2 - Nevis Gorge
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
We’ll meander through Nevis Gorge keeping an eye on Ben Nevis high above us. Enjoy the tranquillity of this wooded gorge, where the torrent churns between giant boulders, providing a soundtrack of trickling water. Soak up the sight of Steall Waterfall, the third highest cascade in Britain, before emerging into the wide vistas of Steall meadow.
Option 3 - Below the North Face
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 2,600ft (800m)
Set your sights on the climbers’ hut that sits below the mighty north face of Ben Nevis as you begin climbing up and up. Then once we reach it, we’ll contour below the Castle Ridge buttress and descend via the Pony Track to Glen Nevis. You’ll have the chance to see the famed towering cliffs of the north face up close – revered for its excellent rock and ice climbing.
Option 1 - Loch Linnhe Shore
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Ascent: 155ft (40m)
We’ll explore the shores of beautiful Loch Linnhe with an easy circular route from the house today. Look out over its calm, crystalline water and the forested hills that embrace it while stretching your legs around the loch. There’s also plenty of time to pause and take photographs or take a seat and soak up our surroundings.
Option 2 - Gleann a Chaolais Circuits
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 950ft (300m)
From the house we’ll head towards Ballachulish Bridge, which crosses over Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe. You’ll have ample opportunity to see the lochs from a different angle as well as the imposing sight of Beinn a Bheithir on the other side. There’ll be a stop at St John’s Church in Ballachulish, but the highlight has to be the forested trails of Gleann a Chaolais – a hiker’s delight.
Option 3 - Sgorr Dhearg
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 3,700ft (1120m)
We’ll cross Ballachulish Bridge to see Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven from high above before setting our sights on the tracks that’ll lead us through the forest. There’s a gentle ascent followed by a narrower, steeper path that sees you emerge from the forest below the dramatic horseshoe ridge of Beinn a' Bheithir.
We’ll turn left after the col to then tackle the summit of Beinn Dhearg. From the top, cast your eyes over the mountains above Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and several Hebridean Islands – fingers crossed for a clear day. The same route will take us back down into the valley of Gleann a' Chalois via forested tracks.
Option 1 - Mamore Lodge and Grey Mare's Waterfall
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1450ft (440m)
The sight of Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall plunging 60m into the valley will stop you in your tracks. Not only that, but there are also far-reaching views over the lochs and peaks of this nature reserve.
Wildlife enthusiasts should keep an eye open for ospreys, peregrine falcons, and even feral goats along the way. We’ll then join the Old Military Road along the flanks of Sgurr an Fhuarain, stopping at even more fine viewpoints, before heading back to Kinlochleven.
Option 2 - The Lairigmor
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 2,050ft (620m)
You’ll walk from the northern shore of Loch Leven to the village of Kinlochleven. The route will take us up a steep hillside, then follow a path behind Mam na Gualainn to join the famed West Highland Way. You’ll complete a section of Scotland’s premier long-distance path, including part of General Wade’s 18th century military road.
Option 3 - Beinn na Caillich
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 3,200ft (980m)
Warm up for other adventurous peaks later in the week with a climb 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.
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 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
- First-aid kit
Alltshellach Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Festive Single from £1,035 £990 Double from £1,035 £990 pp |
from £1,035 £990 pp |
from £1,035 £990 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
30 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 4 nights |
Festive Single from £939 £894 Double from £939 £894 pp |
from £939 £894 pp |
from £939 £894 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2025 4 nights |
Festive Single from £1,085 Double from £1,085 pp |
from £1,085 pp |
from £1,085 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
30 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 4 nights |
Festive Single from £979 Double from £979 pp |
from £979 pp |
from £979 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
4 nights
from
£939pp
£894pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
83Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More