Taking a scenic break near the summit of Ben Nevis.
HIGHLIGHTS
Summit Ben Nevis, at 1345m, is the highest mountain in the UK
Exploring Glencoe Valley and the historic Hidden Valley.
Hikes around and summiting Stob Dubh (958m), which boasts some of the most majestic picture-postcard scenery to be seen in the Highlands
Summiting the Pap of Glencoe offers one of the best 360* views in the area
Exploring a hidden gem of Kerrera - a tranquil island with magnificent Gylen Castle Ruins.
Visit Oban, Scotland's most popular west-coast holiday town, sample whiskey from its distillery, and enjoy fresh local seafood on the harbourside, followed by some of Oban's finest homemade chocolate.
Take the rope bridge challenge in Glen Nevis and visit Steall Falls
Enjoy a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films, and hike the Glen Finnan Estate. In past years, we have enjoyed stories from the estate manager while lunching at the estate's bothie.
Sightseeing options include some of the following: Stalker Castle, Oban Distillery (optional), and Oban Seafood Shack.
AAA event team is on hand to organize the best options based on the weather and guide you through the choices.
Located in chalets between Fort William and Glencoe.
PRICE
The trip is £789 per person twin share
Room Supplements
Chalet single room for £199
Lodge single room for £249
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
The price includes:
6 nights accommodation in twin shared rooms (singles are available).
Home-cooked breakfast daily.
The organisation of nightly evening dinner venues.
All transport, including between Glasgow Airport and the accomodation.
Choose one of the two guided hikes provided by experienced hike leaders or a sightseeing option.
Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including Financial protection.
ITINERARY
Day One - Arrival
14:00 Your transport and hosts will meet at Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Central Station, if requested.
We will then drive the 2-3 hours journey, stopping on route to enjoy the scenery before arriving at the accommodation.
19:00 Dinner on arrival at a local venue followed by a wee dram to toast your arrival and answer any questions.
This is a great time to brief you about the hikes for this trip. We decide locally which days provide the best days based on all the weather and updated local information for each hike. Typically the best weather day would be the Ben Nevis Hike.
Day Two - First Full Day of Hiking - Glencoe Day
08:00 AAA breakfast & make our packed lunches.
Before breakfast, full details of the expected weather will be shared via the Event WhatsApp Group, along with the hiking options for the day.
We will assemble and give you a briefing about the day's hike options and answer any unanswered questions about the hikes before splitting into smaller groups and leaving for our day's adventures.
A full day of hiking. Each group's day will vary based on the group's pace, weather conditions and locations selected. Subject to the selected options, you could easily have time to enjoy sightseeing if the hikes finish early.
09:00 The hike option that always proves popular is the Glencoe hike, where the challenging or Energetic groups will summit Stob Dubh (958m). The Moderate group will hike around the base of the peak in two separate valleys, usually populated by deer
18:00 Anticipated time of arrival at the accomodation, allowing ample time to relax and freshen up for dinner.
We have been visiting this area for over a decade and have several great venues to visit for dinner.
Day Three - Second Full Day of Hiking - Sightseeing in Oban and hiking on the Island of Kerrera
08:00 AAA breakfast & make our packed lunches followed by a briefing for the day’s hike options.
Today we will visit Oban and the island of Kerrera for a half day island walk. We save this for any day when the weather is inclement. We also visit the seafood shack and the Oban handmade Chocolate Cafe. Sightseeing could include a visit to Oban Distillery, or a walk up to McCaig Tower, which dominates the Oban’s skyline.
17:00 Arrival back at the accommodation from this time onwards with time to freshen up before departing for dinner.
Day Four - Third Full Day of Hiking - Ben Nevis Summit Day & Steall Falls Day
08:00 AAA breakfast & make our packed lunches followed by a briefing for the day’s hike options.
09:00 A full day of hiking focused on summiting Ben Nevis or a relaxed hike to Steall Fall & Rope Bridge
17:00 Arrival back at the accommodation from this time onwards with time to freshen up before departing for dinner.
Day Five - Fourth Full Day of Hiking - Hidden Valley and the Pap of Glencoe Day.
08:00 AAA breakfast & make our packed lunches followed by a briefing for the day’s hike options.
Today’s hike can be split into morning and afternoon, and we come together around lunch time in the historic Clachaig Inn. Popular with walkers and climbers, who come to visit the surrounding mountains and steeped in history.
The hike options include ascending the Pap of Glencoe, which is not an exceptionally high mountain, but once at the top, you are treated to 360° views. For the more leisurely hike option, there is the Glencoe Lochan Trail, a gentle trail around the tranquil woodland, created by Lord Strathcona for his homesick Canadian wife. Our last hike option for the day is a hike up to the Hidden Valley, (Coire Gabhail). Clan MacDonald used the valley to hide stolen cattle, and eventually they escaped death and hid there during the infamous massacre of Glen Coe in 1692; an event so gruesome that it inspired George R.R. Martin’s Red Wedding in Game of Thrones.
17:00 Arrival back at the accommodation from this time onwards with time to freshen up before departing for dinner.
Day Six - Fourth Full Day of Hiking -Glenfinnan Viaduct & Sightseeing
08:00 AAA breakfast & make our packed lunches followed by a briefing for the day’s hike options.
Today, we visited Glenfinnan and enjoyed the views of the Glen and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous by one of the Harry Potter movies. There is an easy valley hike up to a traditional bothy, somewhere to enjoy lunch. In the past, we have met the resident game keeper who has imparted his charming stories and knowledge.
17:00 Arrival back at the accommodation from this time onwards with time to freshen up before departing for dinner.
Day Seven - Departure Day
08:00 AAA breakfast.
Depart for Glasgow Airport and Rail Station as applicable.
GETTING THERE
AAA Hiking have arranged transport from Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Railway station on your arrival day and will return you to these locations on the departure day, allowing you to fly or take the train. You are also welcome to drive.
Arrival transfers have been arranged for collection on Tuesday 13th May 2025 at;
14:00 @ Glasgow Airport
14:00 @ Glasgow Central Station
Departure transfers have been arranged to arrive on Monday 19th May 2025 at;
11:30 @ Glasgow Airport
11:30 @ Glasgow Central Station
ACCOMMODATION
We are staying in Chalets/Lodges in the picturesque village of Onich, which enjoys magnificent and varied scenic beauty.
Set within private grounds, our accommodation has panoramic views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Mountains. It is popular with active outdoor guests - being midway between the Ben Nevis & Glencoe mountain ranges (20-minute drive to Ben Nevis, 10 minutes to Glencoe), walkers and climbers are spoiled for choice.
To enquire about the availability of a Chalet single room or a lodge single room please contact info@AAAHiking.co.uk
FOOD
Breakfasts are provided daily.
The Chalets and lodge have kitchens, so you can prepare your packed lunches and dinners or enjoy dinner at the pub on site.
We also organise dinners at local restaurants in the area to enjoy the local cuisine. There is ample choice for seafood lovers and all other diet types.
WHAT TO EXPECT
AAA has hosted this event in the Scottish Highlands for over 16 years. As a result, we have a wealth of experience, ensuring you will enjoy some fantastic hikes led by experienced leaders while providing great food at local venues.
DIFFICULTY RATING
This is principally a hiking holiday. Please ensure that you come equipped to hike in all weather. We provide a complete kit list to help you prepare to get the most out of the holiday.
Glencoe has amazing hiking scenery for all abilities, providing plenty of options for everyone, including Moderate, Energetic or Challenging Hikes. There will also be the opportunity to summit Ben Nevis.
One question we are always asked is, “What determines the classification for the hike?" We have a guide to our hiking classification, which can be found here.
WEATHER
In Scotland, it is not uncommon to have a clear blue sky and sun in the morning, but this only turns to heavy rain and wind in the afternoon. We recommend reviewing the weather a few days prior and judging for yourself. But we strongly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, sun hat, and sun cream. Your guides will provide briefings on the weather and what to expect the day before any hikes.
AAA has always found May to be a great time to visit this part of Scotland, the days are longer and the weather is generally warmer and it’s still early for the midges to be an issue.
REVIEWS
AAA is fortunate to host some fantastic people at our events. Many have met on our trips and gone on to build lifelong friendships. We are always grateful for reviews and feedback to improve our events.
Please check out the reviews we have received on the following platforms.
NOT INCLUDED
The price does not include:
Transport to Glasgow
Dinners, packed lunches
Alcoholic drinks and other incidentals
KIT LIST
Scotland has a varied weather system, so planning for the worst weather is always our best advice. Typical items people don’t consider are walking poles, gaiters, and sun cream. Yes, visitors to Scotland are known to get sunburnt in May!
We have prepared a full kit lift for you based on years of experience and feedback received running this and other events.
Please check out the link.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
You can combine the Scottish Highland Event with the Skye Event (7-11 May) and receive a FREE Chalet accommodation from 11-12 May.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have a question, check out our FAQ Page. If you can’t find the answers there, don't hesitate to get in touch with your host via Info@AAAHiking.co.uk
Details for cancellations can be found within the Terms & Conditions.