This is a remarkable gentle walking holiday as it leads you down the breath-taking west coast of the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Oban and yet the walking is little more than flat, with short distances on a largely hard surfaced, low-level route. And with two night stays at each location, you have the choice of a day off to explore each delightful stop.
Little is more dramatic or photogenic than this coast with its plethora of gorgeous lochs and islands set with a backdrop of munros and mountains. Wildlife, vistas, solitude and the sound of lapping water will be your companions each day with a rare inn or cafe a welcoming sight. Enjoy the world's greatest railway journey if you choose, six ferry hops, the Great Glen, the magic of Highland lochs and two days on an island before arriving by boat in Oban. What's not to like?
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,595 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
Transfers as detailed and one ferry ticket. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Saturday, Sunday or Monday in Fort William finishes Oban. Both have rail stations on the West coast mainline. For other start days ask about our luxury upgrade
Hotels
- Classic
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Three small hotels and a bed and breakfast
- Luxury
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Available on request
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle walking. More info...
Mileage
3 days of walking 6 - 10 miles (10 - 17 km) with 3 further days of optional walking
Terrain
Mostly quite flat with the occasional short slope. 99% hard surfaced paths, towpath and single track road with less than one car an hour.
Options
- Book a ride on the legendary Jacobite steam train
- Stay additional nights in Oban for ferry hops to many islands
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Arrive Fort William
Arrive in Fort William and settle into your hotel where you stay for 2 nights. Enjoy a stroll through the town to the waterside of Loch Linnhe and smell the Highland air.
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2. Day two
Explore Fort William area
It's your choice today as to how you explore the area. For a stunning walk through the Great Glen with the Caledonian Canal and the waterfront of Loch Linnhe, we transfer you to the start of your route. Or for what is described as the greatest railway journey in the world, take the 84 mile Jacobite steam train run from Fort William to the coast at Mallaig and back through breath taking countryside. Or you may decide to just chill. What a great choice to start your holiday!
Optional 6 miles (10 km)
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3. Day three
Fort William to Ballachulish
Start the day with a ferry crossing over Loch Linnhe to its quiet and deserted shore. You will barely pass a sole as you follow the loch with wonderful views across the water to Ben Nevis. Sheep will be your companions, the sound of trickling streams and the rustle of leaves in the trees. Take a picnic with you as you won't see civilisation until you reach a cosy inn at the waters edge where your walk ends. Hop on the ferry here and we will transfer you to your hotel for the next 2 nights which nestles in the little hamlet of Ballachulish adjacent to Loch Leven.
10 miles (16 km)
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4. Day four
Explore the Ballachulish area
Ballachulish is a great place to chill out and take in the distant views of munros and mountains. Canoes and boats can be hired on the loch and nearby Glencoe offers many other activities. But if you're up for a marvellous walk, we have one for you. We transfer you after breakfast to the start of the route which takes in idyllic walking right beside the loch shore, hamlets and forest, great views all day and a half way refreshment stop where you can have a drink on the pier. Arrive back at your hotel for a second night there.
Optional 8 miles (13 km)
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5. Day five
Ballachulish to Port Appin Bay
It's a cracking walk to Port Appin Bay and we ease the distance with a transfer after breakfast. You will track Loch Linnhe both inland on the forest edge with views of islands and the peninsula beyond and down at the waters edge with bracken, trees and soaring birds. This is the Scottish highland coast at its best, with little habitation and a single cafe -not to be missed, as you approach the dramatic scene of Castle Stalker. You will stay the next two nights close by.
7 miles (11 km)
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6. Day six
Explore the Port Appin area
Here's a day to stroll to the tiny hamlet of Port Appin and soak up the marvellous setting on the waters edge facing the island of Lismore with fabulous views in the backdrop beyond. Visit a renovated garden if that's your thing. But you probably won't be able to resist the 'garden island' of Lismore with its many wild species of flowers, Gaelic culture and stunning distant views, so hop on the foot ferry from Port Appin and take our short circular stroll around the coast where only the lapping of the sea will break the silence.
Optional 10 miles (16 km)
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7. Day seven
Port Appin to Oban
For your final day of walking experience island life to the full with a marvellous hike across Lismore and a ferry hop either end so you arrive in the heart of Oban after a day of tranquil magic. The island has just 170 residents with probably more wildflower species than that and offers much on top of its amazing views and peacefulness. Enjoy local crafts and food, nature a plenty, friendly locals and an interesting history as a unique island. Return to civilisation by boat into Oban's busy port and stay your final night in the town.
9 miles (14 km)
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8. Day eight
Depart Oban
Explore Oban with its brewery and boats before departing. Oban is the major departure point for ferries to many of the other islands so you may wish to add on a few day trips from here or perhaps stay on Mull or the remote island of Iona beyond.