Join Rachel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands for this week long walking adventure. There are so many mighty mountains to choose from in this area including some classic Scottish Munros.

Itinerary (Subject to change):

Day 1: Arrival Settle into the accommodation in the afternoon before meeting for a holiday briefing and dinner.

Day 2: The Wee Buckle ( Buachaille Etive Beag )

The ascent of the two Munro tops of Stob Dubh 958m and Stob Coire Raineach 925m are a wonderful introduction to the Glencoe area. We begin our walk from the Queens Cairn car park high up on the Glencoe main road. The paths to the Munro summits are wonderfully maintained including sections of stone pitched steps to aid progress. Our route guides us up to a broad col between the two Munros with spectacular views over neighbouring peaks. We turn right and ascend the broad ridge to Stob Dubh. The path is clear to the summit, the ridge narrows in places but it is never difficult and requires no scrambling. After admiring the view which includes the tops of Bidean nam Bian the highest Munro in the range we descend the same way as our ascent to the col. Our second Munro, Stob Coire Raineach includes some rocky path sections but it is soon negotiated and the summit provides a wonderful view of the famous Anoach Eagach knife edge ridge. From the summit we again retrace our steps to the col and back to the car park admiring the expansive views of this magnificent glen. Distance : 8km ( 5 miles ) Ascent : 900m ( 2952ft )

Day 3: Stob Ban 999m and Mullach nan Coirean 939m, 2 munros in Glen Nevis
Today’s walk involves car travel through Fort William and along the Glen Nevis gorge, a stunning valley with hidden waterfalls, cascades and dramatic rock scenery. From the car park we ascend on a good path by the side of the Alt Coire Mhusgain stream. The path gains height gradually, eventually merging between the mountains at a small lochan, the perfect place to stop for a rest and admire the towering quartzite rock face of Stob ban and the Devils ridge which is part of the famous Ring of Steal walk. The next kilometre or so is fantastic walking up the east ridge of Stob ban. The way is rocky but not difficult only requiring use of hands to aid progress in a few places and is the perfect mountain route to the summit! From the top we follow a broad undulating ridge all the way to our second summit, Mullach nan Coirean meaning “top of the corries” The view here on a clear day includes the Isle of Skye and Knoydart. Our descent is well marked over hills and through woodland to return to the Glen Nevis car park and a stop at one of the many coffee shops in the area is a great way to celebrate the day! Distance : 13km ( 8 miles ) Ascent : 1155m (3658 ft )

Day 4: Beinn na Caillich 764m
This lower mountain, close to Glencoe offers superb views across to the West including Loch Leven and the Mamore mountains. It includes a visit to the Grey mare’s tail waterfall, close to our parking spot in Kinlochleven a stunning place to visit especially after heavy rain. From the waterfall we follow the famous West Highland Way long distance trail from Glasgow to Fort Wiliam, leaving the trail to ascend our peak Beinn na Caillach. The ascent is mainly grassy and undulating and not exposed. After enjoying the views from this little summit we can return to the West Highland Way and take another route to Kinlochleven or continue along the summit ridge Mam na Gualainn 796m and return as above which adds on approximately another 5km to the route. Distance : 14km ( 8.7 miles ) Ascent : 976m ( 3202ft )

Day 5: Ben Nevis 1345m via the mountain track
This walk takes us to the Highest ground in the UK. We take the classic pony track route up the mountain. The way is mostly rough zig zag tracks with bouldery ground to negotiate near the summit. On a clear day the views are extensive in all directions, well worth the effort to get there. The famous North Face of Ben Nevis reserved for climbers and scramblers comes into view near the summit. It is a remarkable mountain and worthy of it’s highest summit label. It is a strenuous but straightforward walk in good weather. We will adopt a continuous steady pace completing the day in 7 to 9 hours. Distance : 17km ( 10.5 miles ) Ascent : 1352m ( 4435ft )

Day 6: Pap of Glencoe 742m and the Munro Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 967m
This walk is close to our accommodation in Glencoe. We start through gentle woodland and after crossing a footbridge the path begins to ascend steeply cleverly winding its way through rocky bands and scree to the top of the Munro Sgorr nam Fiannaidh which translates to “Peak of the Fair headed Warriors” This Munro is at the end of the famous Aonach Eagach ridge traverse, the knife edge rocky pinnacles reserved for Mountain scramblers and climbers clearly seen from our summit. Our route then descends through more rocky and interesting geology to join the main path to the Pap of Glencoe. The path is rocky with simple scrambling and is a joyous top to rest and enjoy the view. The Pap which translates to “ Peak of the Breast “ is a significant peak at the head of Glencoe and has some of the best views in the area. From the pap we descend the rocky path carefully and return easily to the valley. Distance : 9.6 km ( 6 miles ) Ascent : 1170m ( 3840ft )

Day 7: Munro : Bidean nam Ban 1150m Munro : Stob Coire Sgreamhach 1072m and Stob Coire nan Lochan 1115m
This walk is almost certainly the most challenging of the week. It has a variety of terrain, history and some of the best mountain walking in Scotland. Paths are well worn but steep and rocky, some descent sections are on scree with very easy scrambling.
Our walk begins after a short drive up Glencoe from our accommodation. We begin ascending to Coire nan Lochan on an excellent path that climbs steadily past waterfalls and prominent rock faces. We gain the summit via its North Ridge and observe great views down the cliffs and gullies on the left. Lochan isn’t classed as a Munro as it connects to Bidean but it is a magnificent summit. Our next summit Bidean nam Ban is reached via a connecting ridge ( easier than it looks ). This is the highest summit in the area and the view is superb in all directions.
Our third summit of the day Stob Coire Sgreamhach is reached on a good path with no real difficulties other than crossing a boulder field. The summit gives us the opportunity to view some of the other Glencoe mountains including Buachaille Etive Mor and the remote Ben Starav. On our descent, a scree gully is negotiated which is eroded but there is a path of sorts across the broken rock. Further down the path improves and leads into the Lost Valley which has historical significance. Here the Macdonald clan used to hide rustled cattle and also the valley was a place to hide during the horrific massacre of their clan in Glencoe. The valley is a remarkable place to wander through. The stream meanders through the landscape and disappears through boulders as big as houses. The valley becomes more like a wooded gorge and is followed on a good path requiring a bit of boulder dodging to return to our car park starting place. Distance : 11km ( 7 miles ) Ascent : 1316m (4317 ft )

Day 8: Departure The holiday ends after breakfast when you can begin your journey home

As with all itineraries, the order of the walks may change and the walks themselves may vary due to changeable weather conditions in the mountains. Your highly experienced mountain guide will confirm the itinerary each evening for the following day.

The holiday is based in a lovely self catering cottage and we have our own cook on site who will provide breakfast, packed lunch and 6 evening meals.

This is a small group holiday due to the size of the property so do book ahead to guarantee your place.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

£1295 in a single occupancy room £300 per person discount in a shared twin room. Ensuite £60 extra Price includes: 7 nights' accommodation; all breakfasts, lunches and 6 evening meals; highly experienced Mountain Leader; excellent cook Not included: travel to Glencoe; 1 evening meal; insurance; personal expenses

Walks of  5 to 12 miles on a mixture of paths and rough ground with considerable ascents/ descents on most days. The pace will be moderate and you should be able to maintain the pace for the duration of the day, including all uphill sections, but there will still be time to stop and enjoy the surroundings. A very good level of fitness will be required for our challenging walks. You must feel comfortable walking in a high mountain environment, in a variety of weather conditions. On a few days there are possibly short sections of basic scrambling over rocks and boulder fields which your guide will help you with as needed. There are no narrow ridges to negotiate only broad mountain ridges with easy rocky steps to ascend and descend. Terrain underfoot can be rocky and loose so good footwear with ankle support is essential. Given the varied nature of these challenging walks please contact us if you wish to discuss the walks further.

Enjoying a peaceful setting in the village of Ballachulish this spacious, detached 6 bedroomed house with garden makes the perfect base to explore the stunning beauty of the west coast and Scottish Highlands. The accommodation has been equipped and furnished to a good standard to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing holiday. Located a short distance from the famous village of Glencoe, and just 15 miles from Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, the area is renowned for its large variety of outdoor pursuits, breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife.

Your guide for this holiday is Rachel Bolton. Rachel is a qualified Mountain Leader, a member of the Mountain Training Association and the British Mountaineering Council. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and worked with children as a teacher and headteacher for nearly 30 years. She is also a qualified Alexander Technique teacher. Rachel is passionate about being in the outdoors walking, scrambling, winter mountaineering and climbing. She is currently working towards her Winter Mountain Leader qualification.

By Public transport: The nearest train station to Ballachulish is Fort William Station, located 15 miles (24 km) north. You can take a direct 27-minute local bus from the ScotRail network line to the village. We can organise a shared taxi for those arriving around 4pm (not included). By car: Ballachulish lies just off the A82 just beyond Glencoe. There is off road parking for 3 cars and more on street parking outside the property.