Thurs 6th April 2023
Date
4 night’s
Duration
Scotland
Location
2
Grade

Easter Walking Holiday 2023

Our Easter walking holiday for 2023 features our new Scottish Highlands Explorer holiday complete with breathtaking scenic walks plus touring, as we explore by foot and minibus many of the highlights in the region, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct, The North Face of Ben Nevis Allt a’ Mhuillin trail, Kinlochleven, and the Silver Sands of Morar on the Highlands West Coast.

Based in the central location of Fort William we’ll be perfectly placed for several days of exploring the fantastic West Highlands of Scotland.

Highlights

  • Fully guided Scottish Highlands explorer holiday
  • Scenic walks with breathtaking scenery
  • North Face of Ben Nevis
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Scottish Highlands west coast
INCLUDED
Scenic guided walking Social evenings
Experienced guide Trip leader throughout
Transport for the walks and sightseeing Accommodation
NOT INCLUDED
Spending money
Drinks & some meals

 

Accommodation at the Alexandra Hotel

Part of the very fabric of Fort William since 1876, the Alexandra Hotel provides traditional Scottish Hospitality at its best.  We have reserved a limited number of single ensuite and twin ensuite rooms. Accommodation is for 4 nights, with cooked breakfast included.

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William (Photo credit Alexandra Hotel)

 

Additional information

Min Age18
1

Thursday – (Optional) Fort William Welcome Evening

Check in at the Alexandra Hotel is from 3pm. The Thursday Welcome Evening (optional) is 6.30pm in the hotel, where we can have a drink and evening meal together. It’s a chance for everyone on the Explorer holiday to meet and the Country Adventures trip leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the itinerary. If you’re unable to make it to the Welcome Evening, the Trip Notes detail everything you need to know about the holiday.

For guests who arrive early there is a 3.30pm guided visit on foot to nearby Inverlochy Castle and The Old Fort.

2

Friday - Glenfinnan & Scottish Highlands West Coast

Grade 1 Walk (Easy) – Glenfinnan Viaduct 2 miles (3.2km), with 284 ft (86m) of ascent

Today’s transport will take us on a scenic journey as we make our way to Glenfinnan for a rewarding country trail that takes in the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in time to see the West Highland Jacobite steam train pass across it.

Glenfinnan is also home to the famous Jacobite uprising. After our visit of Glenfinnan we continue by minibus to the Scottish Highlands stunning west coast with stops at Arisaig village, where you may want to have lunch at the local pub to try the local mussels or fish and chips, before we travel to Morar, home of the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles with a maximum depth of 1,017 ft, and also home to the majestic Silver Sands beach where we’ll enjoy a 3 mile guided walk along the beach and coastline.

In the evening, a social evening is planned in Fort William, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

3

Saturday - Allt a’ Mhuillin & North Face

Grade 2/3 Walk (Moderate) – The North Face of Ben Nevis and Allt a’ Mhuillin 6.5 miles (10.4km), with 2066 ft (630m) of ascent

Just a short drive from Fort William, this walk is a hidden gem along a good footpath with minor ascents that will reveal great views of the snowcapped top of Ben Nevis and the formidable North Face rock climbing routes.

In the evening, a social evening is planned in Fort William, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

4

Sunday - Kinlochleven & Glencoe

Grade 2 (Moderate)– Kinlochleven & Blackwater Dam 10 miles (16km), with 1783 ft (544m) of ascent

Today’s walk from the village of Kinlochleven, known for its aluminum heritage and hydroelectric scheme, offers majestic views of Glencoe, one of the finest mountain regions in the world. Our route on the lower trails affords us amazing views on a wonderful walk to the scenic and peaceful Glen Leven, including a visit to the impressive Blackwater Dam. We will also encounter waterfalls and walk a section of the old military road now part of the West Highland Way.

In the evening, a social evening is planned in Fort William, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

5

Monday - Departure Day

Today is departure day but if you are not travelling immediately back home, you may want to visit the Fort William whiskey plant, or take a boat ride along Fort Williams Loch Linne. Alternatively the trip leader will be available to lead a morning country walk from Fort William.

Essential Info

Accommodation

Accommodation is included as part of this trip. We have reserved a limited number of single ensuite and twin shared rooms at the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William. All breakfasts are included in the price of the trip.

The Alexandra Hotel sits within its own grounds and offers ample free parking. The hotel is just off the main high street into Fort William, and the Train Station is a 3-minute walk to the hotel.

If you prefer to book alternative accommodation, but still enjoy all the other elements of the trip, you may find the following links useful:

Booking.com search for accommodation in Fort William, Scotland

Food & Drink

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route. In Fort William there are ample food stores and a Morrisons supermarket to purchase lunch items.

On each night, an optional social evening in Fort William is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

Transport

Complimentary transport during the trip is included.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina.  Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness.  For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk.  Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.

Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent.  Longer walks, on hills and moorland.

Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent.  Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.

Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs.  Suitable for people with a good level of fitness.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

  • Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
  • Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
  • A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
  • Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
  • Sunglasses, sun cream.
  • Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
  • Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
  • A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
  • Any medication you need.
  • Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
  • Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification on any of the equipment requirements, please do not hesitate to ask.

Trip Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled trips, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Alexandra Hotel Check-in is available from 3pm

Welcome Evening – 6.30pm at the Alexandra Hotel

Walking Days – 8.45am at the Alexandra Hotel

Address: Alexandra Hotel, Parade, Town Centre, Fort William PH33 6AZ

Reviews

At Country Adventures we’re very proud that time after time our customers enjoy our walking weekends, holidays and adventure breaks. We thrive on customer feedback, it helps to ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be.

We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone.


Well organised weekend away in Scotland

It was another lovely, well organised weekend away in Scotland. We all had such a great time.
I can't wait for my next trip with Joe and the others.

Nikki, Scottish Highlands Walking Holiday

Country Adventures
5
2022-07-11T10:15:54+00:00

Nikki, Scottish Highlands Walking Holiday

It was another lovely, well organised weekend away in Scotland. We all had such a great time. I can't wait for my next trip with Joe and the others.

Another great trip away with Country Adventures.

Another great trip away with Country Adventures.

Sarah, Scottish Highlands Walking Holiday

Country Adventures
5
2022-07-07T13:50:15+00:00

Sarah, Scottish Highlands Walking Holiday

Another great trip away with Country Adventures.
5
2
Country Adventures

A great walking experience

Joe always delivers a great walking experience and together with fabulous weather, scenery, accommodation, restaurants and other walkers, it was another winner!

Karen T, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday
5
2019-07-18T11:12:54+00:00

Karen T, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Joe always delivers a great walking experience and together with fabulous weather, scenery, accommodation, restaurants and other walkers, it was another winner!

Great trip, great people

Great trip, great people, well worth the long trip up to Scotland. Would highly recommend one of Joe’s walking trips.

Heather, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday
5
2019-07-18T13:59:22+00:00

Heather, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Great trip, great people, well worth the long trip up to Scotland. Would highly recommend one of Joe’s walking trips.

We had such a fun time

Joe organised this trip to Ben Nevis for my 60th and did a brilliant job of getting us up & down! Views on the walk from Glencoe to Kinlochleven were spectacular. All in all well worth the long journey to Scotland. We had such a fun time.

Sarah, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday
5
2019-07-19T13:13:42+00:00

Sarah, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Joe organised this trip to Ben Nevis for my 60th and did a brilliant job of getting us up & down! Views on the walk from Glencoe to Kinlochleven were spectacular. All in all well worth the long journey to Scotland. We had such a fun time.

Amazing walks, people, weather and scenery

A fabulous weekend spent in Scotland. Amazing walks, people, weather and scenery. Lots of fun and laughter thrown into the mix too. Thanks to Joe for organising another great trip - really enjoyed it.

Claire, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday
5
2019-07-23T22:03:07+00:00

Claire, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

A fabulous weekend spent in Scotland. Amazing walks, people, weather and scenery. Lots of fun and laughter thrown into the mix too. Thanks to Joe for organising another great trip - really enjoyed it.

Everything was exceptional

Great holiday with Joe in the Scottish Highlands! Joe is a fantastic guide and made our holiday unforgettable! Everything was exceptional. I met some old and new friends on this tour. We all had a great time.

Nikki, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday
5
2019-07-25T18:50:20+00:00

Nikki, Ben Nevis Scottish Highlands walking holiday July 2019

Great holiday with Joe in the Scottish Highlands! Joe is a fantastic guide and made our holiday unforgettable! Everything was exceptional. I met some old and new friends on this tour. We all had a great time.
5
5
Country Adventures Twixmas Walking Holiday

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