Mind & Body Retreat in the Scottish Highlands

Alltshellach, Glencoe
New holiday

Location: Scottish Highlands

Duration: 8 nights at an HF Country House

Itineraries available: 1

Board Type: Full Board

Walking grades: 2 details

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For group booking of 10 or more please click here
This Mind and Body retreat offers a transformative experience combining yoga, Pilates and peaceful countryside walks. Spend the first few days working on Pilates exercises then after a free day to rest, switch to yoga exercises, with all sessions run by expert teachers. There will also be the option to explore the Scottish Highlands with daily guided walks led by an experienced HF Holidays Leader. This holiday suits all levels of yoga and Pilates experience; from beginners to the more advanced.

Accommodation

HF Country House
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.
10682_0006 - Alltshellach - Exterior

What You’ll Love

  • Enjoying guidance and tuition from an expert Mind & Body Leader
  • Learning and practicing easy-to-follow yoga and Pilates exercises
  • Half day guided walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Relaxing at our comfortable country house
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors

What's Included

  • 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  
  • Expert tuition with a yoga and Pilates instructor
  • Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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.

On this Mind & Body retreat the first two days are outlined below. Your day will be divided into Pilates sessions and optional guided walks in the afternoon. Occasionally, your morning and afternoon activities may switch to ensure each session maintains its small group size.

Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and the options are outlined below.

Walks information:

Day 2: Hospital Lochan and the Glencoe Visitor Centre

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)

Ascent: 550 feet (160m)

In summary: 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. 

Day 3: Cruise Loch Linnhe

This afternoon we will head to Corpath Marina to take a cruise on Loch Linnhe, our journey will give us views of Ben Nevis, experience the Jacobite steam train passing by the Marina and the chance to explore the small islands around Corpach.  

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax at Alltshellach. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. Discover more about Alltshellach and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

On this Mind & Body retreat the last three days are outlined below. Your day will be divided into Yoga sessions and optional guided walks in the afternoon. Occasionally, your morning and afternoon activities may switch to ensure each session maintains its small group size.

Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and the options are outlined below.

Walks information:

Day 5: 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. 

Day 6: Sauna session

This afternoon you have the chance to fully rest and relax as we have arranged for a mobile sauna to be at the country house. This will give you the chance to slow down, enjoy the warmth and leave feeling refreshed and re-energised. Due to the size of the sauna, you will be split into smaller groups to enjoy your session. 

Day 7: Nevis Range

This afternoon we head to the Nevis Range to travel on the Mountain Gondola (ticket included), the only one of its kind in Britain, we travel up the north face of Aonach Mor to the top station, where we will have time to wander to the viewpoints and take in the magnificent scenery.  

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Accommodation

Alltshellach, Glencoe

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.

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 Scottish Tourist Board - Guest Accommodation

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

Getting here

Address

Alltshellach
Onich
Fort William
Invernesshire PH33 6SA

Tel: +44 (0)1855 821357

NEW: Return Flights from London Heathrow to Glasgow, plus airport transfers to Alltshellach only £350pp. Call us to book

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. 

2026 prices are £85 per person for a return 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. 

More Information

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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.

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Walking safety

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.

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Mind & Body sessions 

No special clothing is required for your Mind & Body holiday, but it is recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes to facilitate easy movement. There may be some lying down work, so you need to bring an exercise mat and a small blanket.  

Walking 

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 
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Packing list

Mind & Body sessions 

No special clothing is required for your Mind & Body holiday, but it is recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes to facilitate easy movement. There may be some lying down work, so you need to bring an exercise mat and a small blanket.  

Walking 

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 
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Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

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Useful information

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

Carbon Footprint

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 more

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Mind & Body Retreat in the Scottish Highlands

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Trusted British co-operative

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.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

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.

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Book early with confidence

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 bookings).

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Book with confidence

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 

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Travel with confidence

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

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HF Holidays

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

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