Glencoe Holidays

Check in is available from 4pm, however, if you arrive earlier and your accommodation isn't ready you can make use of the Holly Tree Hotel's fantastic restaurant, bar, swimming pool and hot tub. For checking in, come to the reception at the Holly Tree Hotel and our friendly team will be happy to sort you out. When checking out, check out is 10 am and we do ask that you are ready to check out on time!

If you wish to dine with us at the Holly Tree, booking beforehand is essential to avoid disappointment. For booking, email Stay@hollytreehotel, or phone 01631 740 292. The Swimming Pool & Hot Tub at the hotel are open daily from 9am until 10pm, and bookings are not required. Towels can be taken from your accommodation or you can rent a towel from reception for £1. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all our self-catering properties. Please put all your waste in a tied plastic bag and dispose of in the external bins. One set of bins is for landfill and the other for recycling. Please recycle as much as possible. Glass can be put into our glass recycling bins. Please leave on time at 10.00 am to give us sufficient time to prepare for our next guests. Should you have any queries during your stay, please do not hesitate to send us an email and we will attend to this as soon as possible, emails are checked all the time. All prices include bed linen, towels, electricity and heating. We can also organize flowers, chocolates, or Champagne/wine.

Please note all payments are non-refundable. Guests are advised to take out travel insurance. If you require any further information do not hesitate to contact our helpful team at stay@hollytreehotel.co.uk

Dogs are welcome at all of our holiday cottages but we do ask for you to keep your dog under control at all times and off the furniture. Please do not take your dog into any of the cottages if they are not toilet trained. We do also charge a fee of £15 per night per dog if you wish to bring them. Be wary that there are sheep on the hill just across the road from the hotel, where the cycle path runs towards Oban, so if you plan on heading that way make sure to keep your dog on a lead. The Sustrans Caledonia Way next to all of our cottages is great for walking dogs but you should clean any mess up behind your dog. There are lots of places in the area for dog walking, whether you are looking for a casual stroll along the cycle path, or a mountain adventure with your four-legged friend! We have two golden retriever’s ourselves, a younger one called Dougie (left), and an older one called Hamish (right). They both know the area very well! However if you see them out and about, then please return them to the hotel and they will be picked up.

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub

In Kentallen, right beside the Loch Linnhe Waterfront Lodges with Hot Tubs, we own and run the Holly Tree Hotel and Swimming Pool. The fully heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub spa are open free of charge to all of our Holiday Cottages guests. The Hot Tub Spa has wonderful massaging jets and is a great way to wind down after a hard days holidaying. The pool is open from around 9AM until around 10PM Daily. Please sign in at reception, and take your shoes off and put them on the shoe rack. You can take towels from your accommodation, or rent more from the hotel reception for £1 if desired. Don't worry if you forget your goggles; we have a small selection for sale at reception, as well as other miscellaneous swimming pool items!

Glenfinnan Monument

Take the Mallaig road from Fort William. The Glenfinnan monument was erected in tribute to those clansmen who fought and died while following Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. The National Trust Visitor Centre has a snack bar, displays, and commentaries.

James of the Glen Trail – Kentallen

Take a left when you exit the hotel, then turn right up the forestry track after the signs for Ardnoe House on the Leitir Mhor road. This forest walk leads you to a cairn dedicated to the sight of the Appin Murder, for which James of the Glen was wrongly hung.

Commando Memorial - Spean Bridge

Follow the road to Inverness out of Fort William until you reach the village of Spean Bridge. The Commando Memorial sits high above the village and has outstanding views to Nevis Range and the Grey Corries. The monument itself was erected in memory of the fallen soldiers of the Second World War who trained in Achnacarry.

Castle Tioram

Cross the Corran Ferry and follow the signs for Acharacle. Castle Tioram itself is a wee bit hard to find, but pick up the signs for Dorlin. At the end of this road, there is a car park, picnic site, and information board. At low tide, you can cross over to the Castle.

Duart Castle, Mull

You can either go to Mull via the ferry at Oban or cross over the Corran Ferry and go via the shorter Lochaline Ferry. This is the Home of the Chief of the Clan MacLean, and has been for over 400 years. The Castle is perched on a cliff-top, guarding the Sound of Mull.

Urquhart Castle

On the road to Inverness and a very popular stop off point. These are the ruins of one of Scotland’s largest castles with fantastic views over Loch Ness. They are currently working on improving the car parking, which at times is quite limited, and a visitor centre with shop and café.

Dunstaffnage Castle – Dunbeg, by Oban

Halfway between Connel and Oban, turn right into Dunbeg village and drive through Dunbeg until you reach the castle. Very interesting historical background and a fantastic view onto Lismore and Mull. They also have some nice display boards providing good information and well-maintained gardens. See the history of Castle Stalker to understand a bit more about this lovely castle. Superb position with lovely walks close by.

Iona Abbey - Iona

Cross over to Iona from Mull and you will reach this world-famous Abbey that is the burial center of Scottish Kings. St. Columba arrived here and established Iona as a major part in the spread of Christianity throughout the United Kingdom. You can do this in a day and it's well worth a visit. It's a must-do destination for lots of visitors to the Highlands, so it's always busy, but this means good facilities including shops and cafés, and the ferry is very good. Iona has a unique aura about the place that makes it a special place to visit, and many a girl has been named after a visit there. If you have time, a Gordon Grant boat trip to the Island of Staffa to visit Fingal's Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Glencoe Folk Museum, Glencoe

Situated in the heart of Glencoe village, just beside the village shop. Unique museum with its own thatched roof. Open April to October. Lots of local info regarding the massacre of Glencoe and lots on Glencoe's historical background.

Eilean Donan Castle

Few would argue with its claim to be Scotland's most romantic castle with its stunning shoreline location. Was featured in the original Highlander film - "there can only be one..." with Scotland's own hero Sean Connery featuring in a bit part. A good one and a half hour drive from Glencoe but a stunning drive up to Kyle of Lochalsh with lots of coffee stops on the way.

Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore

A mile-long site full of dwelling houses and other buildings from both the 1700s and the 1930s showing old ways of life. This is a well-thought-out attraction past Dalwhinnie on the A9 which tries to show different cultures and heritage with reference to issues like daily work and pastimes. Nice coffee shop and various other things for kids such as walks and play frames. Usually, a quiet scenic road to drive.

Kilmartin House

Follow A828 to Oban, then pick up the signs for Lochgilphead. The award-winning Kilmartin House traces back 5000 years of history. Intense audio-visual experience, bookshop, and lovely café. Kilmartin itself has mysterious standing stones, impressive burial cairns, and enigmatic carved rocks.

Castle Stalker – Appin

On the A828 towards Oban, once you enter Portnacroish, you can’t miss the magnificent sight of Castle Stalker that is on the right, as you descend into Port Appin. When the owners are in residence, you see the Saltire flying. There is a tearoom and gift shop at the top of the hill that has fantastic views towards the castle. We think that this is one of the most scenic castles in the whole of Scotland!

Dining at the Holly Tree Hotel

At the Holly Tree Hotel, we serve food all day from 12pm till 3:30 for lunch in the Captain’s Bar, and then from 5:30 till 9 for dinner in both the Captain’s Bar and the Seafood Restaurant.

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The Glencoe area and the Massacre of Glencoe

If you arrive in the Glencoe, Fort William and Lochaber area from the south - on the A82 over Rannoch Moor - it is the dark, majestic mountains of Glencoe which will greet you.

However, as you drive past the buttresses of Meall a'Bhuiridh, Glencoe and get your first real view of the towering Buchaille Etive Mor - the Great Shepherd of Etive - a shiver may run down your spine. It may be a shiver of anticipation if you are here to climb or a shiver of sorrow if you recall the treacherous massacre of Glencoe with which Glencoe is forever associated. Or perhaps, for first time visitors at least, a shiver of awe as the mountains rise up to dominate your passage through the glen.

If you wish to explore the Glencoe area, then an interesting diversion can be made down Glen Etive on the Glencoe to Tyndrum road through the scattered settlement of Dalness to Loch Etive. Or you might prefer to get a bird's eye view of the area and the chairlift at the Glencoe Ski Centre can offer you just that. A 15-minute trip whisks you up to 2400 feet from where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. During winter, of course, the Glencoe centre is one of Scotland's leading ski resorts but whatever time of year you visit, you might want to pop into the Museum of Scottish Skiing and Mountaineering which contains interesting exhibits, photographs, and memorabilia of the great outdoors and the Glencoe and Ben Nevis areas.

Further down the glen, in a spectacular setting on the banks of the River Coe, the National Trust for Scotland's Glencoe Visitor Centre provides an interesting introduction to the area. The Glencoe centre includes a display on mountaineering, a shop, a snack bar and picnic area. Of course, it also tells the story of the infamous Glencoe massacre.

Following his succession to the throne, William III tried to get all the Highland clans to swear an oath of allegiance by 1 January 1692. After much hesitation the Jacobite clans of the west Highlands agreed to do so, but MacIain of Glencoe, chief of a small branch of Clan Donald, left his journey from Glencoe too late and arrived in Inveraray after the deadline. The government decided that the rebellious clan should be made an example of, and sent the loyal Campbell Earl of Argyll's Regiment to Glencoe, where they spent two weeks billeted with the locals awaiting their orders. On 5 February 1692 the fateful orders arrived and early the next morning the soldiers turned on their erstwhile hosts, killing MacIain and 37 of his Glencoe clansmen in a botched attempt at government-sanctioned genocide.

A fascinating visit if you have time, is to MacDonald's Island located just along from Glencoe Village in Loch Leven. Be careful not to scare of the breeding terns when they are in season and there is usually a notice to that effect on one side of the Island. On the Island you can walk amongst the gravestones and think about what trauma and tragedy there must have been in Glencoe in aftermath of the massacre.

Nearby, the village of Ballachulish has a local Tourist Information Centre which has a number of intepretive displays telling the story of the Ballachulish Slate Quarries.

Meanwhile, if you travel east to the head of Loch Leven, where the famous West Highland Way winds having come from Glasgow, through the village of Kinlochleven, you will discover that the Kinlochleven Visitor Centre tells another tale of the area's surprising industrial heritage in 'The Aluminium Story'.

The Glencoe area is packed with some of the beautiful hills and scenery in Scotland and it is no wonder that many hollywood films have been made in the area with Braveheart and the Harry Potter films being probably the best known. Click here for more information.

Our Glencoe holiday houses are excellent self catering properties in Glencoe and offer a great chance to explore Glencoe, Lochaber, Ben Nevis, Oban and Fort William.

Sustrans Caledonia Way

The Sustrans Caledonia Way was built by Sustrans, a national cycle charity, which builds cycle paths in the UK. You can now cycle between Kentallen and Glencoe along this route which is a great facility since it is traffic free but still tarred. The Kentallen to Glenachulish route is particularly enjoyable since it mostly follows the route of the old railway track. Whether cycling, walking, or even pushing a pram, it's a great path to go on.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and is close to Fort William, about fourteen miles away. It is a huge attraction for many walkers and climbers who spend a great deal of their time walking and climbing around the Ben Nevis area and surrounding Glen Nevis.

The mountain summit of Ben Nevis is 1344 meters and can be reached via various different routes. The easiest route is the so-called Pony Track route, which thousands of charity and fun walkers use to walk up Ben Nevis every year. Over the years, people have carried pianos up Ben Nevis, dressed up as clowns, vampires, and various other things, and even driven a car up Ben Nevis.

It is still a dangerous mountain if you do not know what you are doing and do not follow the correct path. The Pony Track path is the easiest path, and most of the other paths are not for novices. Going up to the top of Ben Nevis and back down will take most people around ten hours, so it is still a serious walk. Since it is obviously so high, there is snow on some part of the mountain all year, and it gets very cold as you ascend Ben Nevis. You should set off at eight or nine in the morning at the latest and go prepared with extra clothes, provisions, emergency, and safety equipment. You should also only go if the weather forecast is good. Since it is so high, mist can be at a worryingly low level and can confuse and disorientate people easily.

If you prepare well and take the right equipment, on a good day, most reasonably fit people should be able to walk up and back down the mountain safely.

There is lots of information in a couple of buildings and displays near the car park at the bottom in Glen Nevis. If you are considering a trip up Ben Nevis, it is a good idea to visit this early during your holiday to check out weather conditions for the week and to check the recommended kit that you require. Many people have been killed on Ben Nevis over the years, so it should not be underestimated as a serious mountain that needs to be treated with respect.

If you do get to the top, there is a cairn, and if you have done your homework right and it is a clear day with no mist or clouds, then the view is stunning with visibility of around 120 miles to as far as Skye and Loch Lomond. To give an idea of scale, the summit area extends to nearly 100 acres in size.

In 2000, the Ben Nevis Estate was bought by the Scottish conservation charity, the John Muir Trust.

There is an interesting Ben Nevis hill running race which some of our friends do each year, which is to the top of Ben Nevis and back from a point at Claggan Park just outside Fort William, with a total route of nearly nine miles. Would you believe the record is a mere one hour twenty-five minutes? You have to be able to run it fairly fast to be allowed to enter the race, with a cut-off time of two hours at the top. If you do not meet this, then you get sent home!

Because of its beautiful scenery the Highlands of Scotland has proved a popular destination for many Hollywood films. Here are some of them:

Braveheart

This blockbuster starring Mel Gibson was filmed not far from the Hotel in the mountains of Glencoe with the Hollywood superstar passing daily and actually staying along the road from the Hotel in a rented private house in Duror complete with flown in entourage. They constructed a special wooden and plastic "fort" in Glencoe for filming and this took months to put together.

Rumour has it that one day Mel Gibson had a bit of a hangover and turned up a bit grouchy. They had a fairly lengthy horse scene to do and Mr Gibson said he was not having any of it. So they filmed him from the middle up whilst he was actually straddled on some big guy's shoulders bobbing up and down like he was on a horse for the whole scene.

Harry Potter films

A large part of the films were filmed in a number of locations close to Glencoe. The Hogwarts express train is actually the Mallaig to Fort William steam train whic operates during the summer and is a fantastic day out. Enjoy the scenery on the way to Mallaig- a quick bite of Fish and Chips there and a wander around and then back in time for dinner at the Hotel. A fab day out. Sit on the left hand side of the Hogwarts express as you leave Fort WIlliam.

Another location for the film is in Glencoe where they erected a specially constructed Hagrids house for filming. Robbie Coltrane was in the Hotel during one of his filming trips and really is almost as scary as Hagrid. He's certainly our kids favourite character. Many of the other kids in the films were extras from the local schools. There was a bit of a local debate over the money the kids got paid for filming. The filming took place during the day for light purposes and some of the kids payments were taken by the local authority much to their and their parents' distaste.

Rob Roy

Hollywood hero Liam Neeson starred in this film alongside Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Brian Cox, Eric Stoltz and Andrew Keir in this epic tale. Scenes were shot in Glen Coe, Glen Nevis and Rannoch Moor all not far from the Hotel. Rumour has it that many of the inside shots were actaully filmed in a large agricultural building in Perthshire. From one of the opening scenes where Liam Neeson scares off a rough looking crowd of cattle rusters the film makes the most of the wonderful scenery with some of the helicopter filmed scenes quite breathtaking. Well worth a rewatch. Some of the music was written and performed by a band called Capercallie from Taynuilt and Oban in Argyll. Donald Shaw and Karen Mathieson were the founder members both from Taynuilt, near Oban and their bewitching celtic music fits wonderfully well into the film.

Gerard Butler

A little anecdote about Gerard Butler the heart throb Scottish actor from Paisley...

I was at college with Gerard's big brother in Edinburgh in the late 1980's long before he was famous and a couple of years ago Gerry was across from Los Angeles with a famous girlfriend and was touring the Highlands and we were recommended as somewhere to eat by Gerry's brother. Gerry and his glamorous girlfriend duly called into the hotel in the very early evening only to be told that the restaurant was not open yet and they went on their way and ate in Oban! Thankfully they came back the next night and ate in our restaurant....

Cuil Bay, Duror

Take the road towards Oban and then the turn off marked for Cuil Bay. This leads down a single-track road to a dead end where you are greeted with magnificent views south to Mull. Popular picnic spot. The adventurous can travel by foot across the headland to discover two further quieter beaches. The even more adventurous can continue right round and come out at Ardsheal Estate.

Ardsheal, Kentallen

Take A828 towards Oban and park in the lay-by on the right-hand side of the road beside the sign for Ardsheal House Hotel. Follow this character single-track road right round (see the fishermen at work) until you come to Ardsheal House. Beautiful Gardens - part of Scotland’s Garden Scheme - open April-September. Access to the shore is possible, and you can also walk right round to Cuil Bay.

Sands of Morar, near Mallaig

Travel to Fort William, then take the signs for Mallaig at the Ben Nevis Distillery. Absorb the tranquility of the Road to the Isles until you reach the famous silver sands of Morar. 'Local Hero' was filmed here. The sand is very white and stone-free. With the road to Mallaig much better, this is well worth a visit.

The Singing Sands, Ardnamurchan

Take the Corran ferry across to Ardgour and follow the signs for Acharacle then Swordle. Park at the end of the road, then walk 40 minutes along the forestry road until you reach this lovely, quiet beach with magnificent views to Skye and the Hebrides. The ferry runs every 15 minutes daily - 01855 811243. The last crossing is at 7.50pm (winter time) from Ardgour to Corran - 8.50pm in summer time.

Kilmalieu

Cross the Corran Ferry, then follow the signs for Kingairloch. Where the road meets the sea, a long south-facing beach is a very quiet and tranquil place to while away any day!

Ganavan Sands, Oban

When you enter Oban, at the first roundabout, go right, then at the second roundabout, go right also. You will now pass St Columba’s Cathedral on your right. Follow this road for 2 miles to reach the magnificent Ganavan beach.

Tralee Beach

Take the Oban road until you reach Benderloch. Take the first right after Lochnell Primary School and follow this road for about a mile. Tralee beach is signposted to your left. This is actually one of the best beaches in the Oban area and is the beach that most people from Oban will visit.

Walks and Hikes in the Area

There are lots of excellent walks in the area of Glencoe and Loch Leven and some of the best of these are maintained by the Forestry Commission which is now called Forest Enterprise.

Glenachulish to St John's Church Walk

This follows a four by four track and a couple of times we have gone half way up the hill by car and then walked to the top from there. To get the start head along the A828 towards Glencoe and take a right to Glencachulish before you come to the Dragons Tooth Golf Course or the Ballachulish Hotel. Follow the Glenachulish road for a mile or so and you come to the Forestry Commission car park. There is good signage showing the various different routes. One well known route is the horshoe which takes in a couple of Munro's. A much more gentle walk for families is to take the forest road to St Johns with some stunning views across Loch Leven to the Pap of Glencoe. You come down at St Johns church and you can either walk back along the cycle path, get picked up by car or walk back the way you came. It will take a couple of hours at most and really will not disappoint.

Glenachulish to the Radio Mast

This starts again at the Forestry Commision car park in Glenachulish but takes a slightly steeper route to the radio mast. It's well marked by the Forestry Commission and you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view ranging from Mull to Ben Nevis.

James of the Glen's Birthplace in Duror

Go to Duror Village then take the left turn signposted Auchindarroch. This road leads up past a caravan park and housing scheme. Drive past until you reach the car park. Forestry paths leads from that point and the route to the bothy is marked by a post bearing the symbol "JG". The area is heavily forested and there is quite a network of pathways so be careful to follow the directions given. Not many scenic views, but certainly of Historical Interest relating to Duror and James of the Glen. Actual walk takes about 1.5hrs.

Inchree Waterfalls

Take the A82 to Fort William, when you reach the village of Inchree in Onich, take a right turn and follow this road until you reach the car park for the waterfalls. This is a circular route around Forestry Commission roads and affords stunning views of the Waterfalls flowing out of Gleann Righ. Parts of the walk also afford have marvellous views of Kentallen Bay and Loch Linnhe. Our kids have gone on outward bound trips there canyoning and abseiling which a local company vertical descents (see links) can offer. On of our kids favourite walks.

Glencoe Lochan Walk

Situated in the heart of Glencoe village, beside the old Glencoe Hospital, the Glencoe Lochan trail has three well sign posted different walks that you can follow, depending on how much time/energy you may have! The Hospital used to be the home of the Earl of Strathcona who was Governor General of Canada for a while. He brought his Canadian wife back with him, who soon became a little homesick. The Earl decided to landscape the whole area around the house so that it looked like the Canadian Rockies. The entire water lochan is man made. This is one of the most popular family walks in the Glencoe area being really scenic and right in the heart of Glencoe village area.

Sutherlands Grove

Take A828 towards Oban and stop off at just before Barcaldine village, from where you will see Forestry Signs for Sutherlands Grove. Various forest walks with stunning views onto the open hills. Lots of display boards showing you which route is which. Nice views of Argyll from the hills.

Callart Forest Walk

Cross the Ballachulish Bridge then turn right onto what the locals call the low road to Kinlochleven with the high road being the other road accessed through Glencoe village. Park at the entrance to Callart Forest about 2 miles along this road. This scenic forest walk has excellent views at various points across to Loch Leven and the Beinn Bheither Horseshoe, Glencoe Burial Isles and Pap of Glencoe, to name but a few. You can drive back the other way through Kinlocheven and then through Glencoe village back the high road.

Signal Rock and An Torr

As you travel on the A82 through Glencoe, take a left turn just about three miles past the petrol station and park in the Car Park (where the old visitor centre used to be). Cross the wooden bridge over the River Coe, and the path will take you straight to Signal Rock and An Torr. Signal Rock was chosen for the vital signal, which started the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. This part of Glencoe is well worth a look.

The Lost Valley-also known as The Hidden Valley.

An extremely popular walk in Glencoe which people often do twice in a week's holiday because it is so interesting. Drive past Glencoe on the way to Tyndrum and park on the A82 in the upper of two car parks on the right hand side of the road (about 20 mins drive from the hotel). Descend to the old road (signposted Corrie Gabhail) and turn left along it. Soon, a set of wooden steps will lead you across the river and up the steep hillside between Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach (2 of the 3 Sisters of Glencoe). This very well defined path will lead you into the lost valley, where the MacDonald’s are reputed to have hidden cattle they had rustled from their neighbours. The size of the lost valley in Glencoe is still a surprise, no matter how many times you enjoy this walk. The walk can take anything from 1 hour to complete.

Ben Lora

Take A828 to Benderloch and you will see the Forestry Signs for Ben Lora. Great views across the mountains with mainly easy walks, well signposted. Depending on the pace of the walk, this hill can be conquered in a few hours or can take a full day.

Pap of Glencoe

Park in the village of Glencoe then cross over the River Coe. Pass the Glencoe Hospital signs on your left, once the forest on the left ends you come across a gate at the foot of the hill. Pass up through this gate, through the fields until you come to the path for the mountain. Quite a strenuous walk in parts, but nothing can beat the tremendous views from the summit! Total walk time can be anything from 2 hours.

Cuill Hill

Park in Duror Hall Car park and follow the track behind the Hall, which will bring you to the top of Hill. Breathtaking Views of Ben Nevis, Mull and Ardgour once you reach the top.

Ben Nevis

Park at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, cross the footbridge over the river and just follow the path up Britain’s highest mountain! Fairly arduous walk but well worth the stunning views from the summit.

West Highland Way

You don’t have to walk all of the West Highland Way; even just walking part of the way gives you a taste of what a magnificent walk this is. Pick up trails from Kinlochleven to Fort William through the Mamores or From Glencoe to Kinlochleven over the Devils Staircase.

Loch Eilde Mor – Kinlochleven

Park in the Grey Mares Waterfall Car Park. This is a circular walk above the village of Kinlochleven providing excellent views over the village, the Blackwater Reservoir, Loch Leven and all those beautiful hills. The opening scenes from the film Rob Roy were shot from around this area.

Buchaille Etive Beag

The start of the walk is on the opposite side of the road to a large cairn, at the Lairig Eilde footpath in Glancoe. Wonderful views to the Aonach Eagach ridge, Glen Coe and as you progress, to Beinn Fhada and Buchaille Etive Mhor. This is a circular walk with a total ascent of 550m. The path is mainly good, although a bit undefined in parts. Can take 6-7 hours.

Devils Staircase

This walk was initially given its name by the soldiers who were part of the road-building programme for General Wade. Take A82 through Glencoe and when you come to Alt na Feidh, signs will take you along the West Highland Way over to Kinlochleven. This well-defined path zigzags as it climbs and offers some exceptional views along the way, including Buachaille Etive Mhor. After this section, walking gets a bit easier until the coll is reached. Thereby, the path continues down until you can see the Blackwater Reservoir in Kinlochleven. Rewarding walk.

Glenachulish

Take A828 towards Ballachulish. About 8 minutes up the road you will see signs for Glenachulish on your right. Follow this single track up until you reach the defined car park, just before the forest walk starts. You can take a leisurely stroll by turning right which will lead you past the forestry office and residential buildings. This very flat walk will eventually lead you to a shrine that has been dedicated to St. Mary by the local residents of Glenachulish. Lovely clear views across Loch Linnhe.

Glenachulish Horseshoe

Take A828 towards Ballachulish. About 8 minutes up the road you will see signs for Glenachulish on your right. Follow this single track up until you reach the defined car park, just before the forest walk starts. Walk straight up through the Forestry gates. The initial walk is pretty steep, but you can then fork left where the slope is much gentler. As the name suggests, the walk double backs in a horseshoe shape to take you back to your starting point. The more energetic can branch left then left again at the next forestry road and this leads to behind St. Johns Church, on the way to Ballachulish. You can also decide to ignore the first left turning and follow the next right turn, which will lead you more or less to the top of Beinn Vhair. Breathtaking views await those who make it to the top!

The Blackwater Damn, Kinlochleven

In days gone by, school pupils of Kinlochleven used to run up this walk as part of their PE sessions! Take the road alongside the Ice Factor and climb up the pipeline. When you reach a corrugated hut, you can either carry on the more strenuous walk up the pipeline, or opt for the easier road walk. At the top, you can reach the Blackwater Reservoir and Dam and enjoy the lovely views across the village to the hills beyond.

Ariundle Oakwoods

Cross the Corran Ferry and follow the signs for Strontian. Ariundle Forest is well signposted. Once you park, there are various walks to chose from, all very well signposted with maps to show you which routes you can take. Very pleasant walks that are quite protected from the elements in part by the majestic trees.

Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls

Take A82 to Fort William and drive straight on at the roundabout just past the Nevis Bank Hotel on your right. Follow this lovely road up to the end and park. Both Rob Roy and Braveheart featured panoramic Glen Nevis. The Gorge footpath leaves from the car park and is sign-posted Corrour Station. This lovely, mainly flat walk passes some impressive rock formations along the way. Good picnicking sites along the way.

Caledonian Canal

Follow the A82 to Fort William then take the road to Mallaig. Take a right turn for Banavie once you cross the bridge and park in the car park beside Neptune’s Staircase. This flight of locks is an engineering masterpiece and well worth admiring. The views are special and Ben Nevis fills the Southerly views.

Arkaig Glens

Follow A82 to Fort William and continue onto Spean Bridge. AT the Commando Memorial, take a left towards Gairlochy and the Caledonian Canal. After crossing the canal, turn right through woodlands until you pass Clunes. You then travel along the Mile Dorcha (Dark Mile) until you reach Loch Arkaig. Various walks are signposted and all start at the stepped waters of Chia-aig that pours into the peaty Witches pool. Fantastic views along the way in this beautiful countryside.

The Two Passes

Drive to Glencoe and park in the first car park above the gorge. A large sign for Loch Etive indicates where the walk begins. This walk is very rewarding, offering fantastic views without the effort of conquering a summit! You ascend about 2000feet and this circular walk takes in the passes of Lairig Eilde, Lairig Gartain and Buachaille Etive Beag (Little Shepherd of Etive). This walk is only advisable in dry weather as it is very boggy in parts and has several streams to cross.

Ballachulish Slate Quarry

Drive to Ballachulish and go into the village by the second entrance. Take the first right and park outside the Tourist Information Centre. Walk through the building, cross the road and go to the gate to the left of the small shop. Follow the path round the outline of the quarry, or climb the hill for spectacular views. Another path will lead off to the left and this will take you to Brecklet lane. Walk down the hill (through a big gate), pass the church, and at the bottom of the hill turn right. Walk through the village and past the CO-OP. Take a right towards the Tourist Information centre again.

Clach Tholl –Port Appin

A gentle stroll round the headland of the Appin peninsula. Takes about ½ hr. Follow the single-track road to the end of Port Appin and park in the car park opposite Lismore Island. The track, which is good, takes you past several interesting cliffs, caves and the sea-arch from which the walk takes its name (it means "the rock with a hole") Seals are often seen swimming off the point at Appin rocks.

About Whisky

The word "Whisky" comes from the Gaelic "uisgebeatha" which means "water of life".

Pure Malt Whisky is produced only from malted barley (barley which has started to germinate and then been dried to stop its germination).

Single Malt whisky is identified by the particular distillery from which it comes.

Blended or vatted whisky is produced from various distilleries. It is possible to get Malt whisky blended with other malt whiskies – but they are then not "single" malts.

There is archaeological evidence that alcoholic drink was made in Scotland 6000 years ago!

Oban Distillery and Visitor Centre

In the centre of Oban in Stafford Street. Oban is one of the Six Classic Malts of Scotland.

Enjoy your complementary dram and browse round the distillery seeing various processes of whisky making in action.

Do not forget your Bottle of Oban to take home with you.

Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Centre-Lochy bridge, Fort William.

Situated on the outskirts of Fort William – you are welcomed by the site of the two resident Highland cows (aptly named Ben and Nevis).

The attraction itself has some excellent displays and lovely whiskies to try.

They also sell a mean bowl of soup and home baking in a delightful little cafe.

Dalwhinnie (Diageo) Inverness-shire

Head past Fort William and onto Dalwhinnie for this award-winning Whisky.

A friend of ours does a lot of the artwork for signs in the Dalwhinnie area which are worth a drive there just for their artistic merit.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull (Burn Stewart Distillers Ltd)

Located beside the marina in Tobermory main Street.

Well worth a stop if you are visiting the Island of Mull for the day.

MacGochans bar is nearby for some tasty food afterwards.

Good opportunity to buy a bottle to take home- but will it make it all the way home unopened?

Glenturret Distillery in Crieff

One and a half hours away but still worth a drive to have the Famous Grouse Whisky experience.

Very well-run visitors centre and distillery tours are great fun.

Even if you do not like Whisky, they make it sound so good that you are dying to have a taste by the end of the tour.

Crieff is one of these great places with lots of great coffee shops and more than its fair share of non-chain independent market town shops that everyone craves for now and again.

Boat trips in the local area

The coast of the West Of Scotland is a beautiful place to explore by boat with all its small Islands and Beaches. Even in shletered Lochs like Loch Leven and Glencoe, there is an abundance of natural scenery and also significant landmarks like MacDonald's burial Island, where the killed from the massacre of Glencoe are buried. Across Loch Linnhe there is a seal Island which you can visit by boat or by going down on the beach near Aringour and lokking out onto the first Island.. Just let us know if you need any further information or visit some of the local website such as https://www.seafari.co.uk/

Experience the Northern Lights with us!

In recent years, a fortunate group of esteemed guests have had the extraordinary opportunity to witness the captivating beauty of the Aurora Borealis during their stay with us. Previously more prevalent in the far reaches of northern Scotland, this awe-inspiring phenomenon has now graced our location in the past couple of years. We firmly believe that Glencoe Holidays, with its breathtaking setting overlooking Loch Linnhe and the majestic Morvern Mountains, stands as one of the best places in Scotland for experiencing this extraordinary natural wonder!