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Cambridge Scottish Society trip to Glen Coe, Spring 2011
| Accommodation | Getting there | The Walks | Dancing | Local Attractions | Further Afield | Weather Forecast |
In 1996, as part of Cambridge Scottish Society's 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Society enjoyed a weekend trip to Dovedale for some walking and Scottish dancing. The weekend was so popular that it has been repeated at regular intervals since, and in the spring of 2011, as we celebrate the Society's 75th Anniversary, we shall be spending five nights in the Highlands of Scotland, enjoying the some of the best walking in the UK, good dancing, comfortable accommodation, superb food, and excellent company. Coincidentally this will be our tenth trip away, another cause for celebration.
For more details, email nicola.howarth at camscotsoc.org.uk.
We shall be staying at Alltshellach, the HF house on Loch Leven, just across the loch Glen Coe village, and 13 miles south of Fort William. Does the name ring any bells? Yes, there is a Scottish dance Alltshellach, named after this house. The house was the residence of a former Bishop of Argyll, and very comfortable it is too. The lawns sweep down to Loch Leven with wonderful views across the loch to the mountains. Downstairs is much as it used to be with fireplace, wide staircase and comfortable lounge area (with bar and a large selection of whisky - of course!). Upstairs the bedrooms are all en-suite. The new wing added a couple of years ago has been designed to fit in with the style of the house, and as well as new and stylish bedrooms, has a good-sized indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi that must have one of the best views in Scotland.
Further details on accommodation from HF Holidays web site
Alltshellach is about two hours north of Glasgow via the A82. This is a terrific journey up the shore of Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and down Glen Coe. Just after crossing the Ballachulish Bridge over the outlet from Loch Leven take the left turn signed to Kinlochleven. Alltshellach is four hundred yards along on the right. There is ample parking. If you are using a sat-nav, the postcode is PH33 6SA.
You can take one of the many trains to Glasgow Central and take advantage of the free coach transfer, departing Buchanan Street Bus Station at 16.15 (provisional time). Buchanan Street bus station is about 15 minutes walk from Glasgow Central station (frequent buses), or 5 minutes walk from Glasgow Queen Street Station. You can also use the Scottish Citylink coach - there are usually 8 coaches per day. Get off at North Ballachulish (just after the bridge) from where it is a 400 metre walk to Alltshellach.
With a minimum of ten people travelling together by train we can get a group ticket. This can't be booked until 12 weeks prior to departure so the price may change, but currently it would be £35 return or £23.10 with a Senior Citizen's railcard (thanks to Jenny Gilson for the research). This seems like excellent value.
An alternative is to take the train or the overnight sleeper to Fort William. The West Highland line is a very scenic journey but is much slower than using the coach. A taxi from Fort William to Alltshellach costs about £20.
It is also possibly to fly from Stansted to Glasgow International (Easyjet) and from Stansted to Glasgow Prestwick (Ryanair). Our coach transfer will pick up at Glasgow International at 16.30 (provisional time). From Prestwick you can get a train to Glasgow Central.
The return transfer is expected to drop off at Glasgow International Airport at 12:00 and at Glasgow Buchannan Street bus station at 12:30. Please confirm these times before committing to any flights or trains.
The intention is to have four walks each day: a relatively easy low-level walk, a slightly longer but still easy walk, a medium walk and a more challenging walk. Distances range from 6 to 10 miles, with between 350 and 3700 ft of ascent. Coach transport to and from the walks is included.
We will be dancing on most evenings. The dance programmes will be published nearer the time.
There are lots of things to do in the area - here are some that might interest you.
- The Isle of Lismore is famous for its peace and its flowers. You can hire bikes at Port Appin on the mainland, and then take the short ferry crossing to the island.
- The Jacobite Steam Train runs from Fort William to Mallaig, and crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films.
- The bustling harbour town of Oban is only 20 miles down the coast.
- For a longer day, the Isle of Mull can be reached by car ferry from Oban.
- Fancy having a go at ice climbing? The Ice Factor at Kinlochleven has an ice wall, two climbing walls, cafe and shop, and the microbrewery is next door. Climbing instruction is available.
- Take a ride in the gondola to the Nevis Range ski and mountain bike centre for fantastic views. Follow mountain trails to panoramic viewpoints, explore the Mountain Discovery Centre and unwind in the restaurant and bar. Maybe even try out the new High Wire Adventure.
- Try out some of the local seafood, at The Pier House seafood restaurant at Appin, or The Loch Leven Seafood Café, just up the road from Alltshellach.
Thinking of staying in Scotland for a few days? Depending on how much time you have, you might try part of this suggested route.
Follow the Road to the Isles to Mallaig where you can take the ferry to Skye and cross the island to Carbost to visit the Talisker distillery with views of the Cuillin Hills on the way. Visit Portree and take the coast road up the Trotternish Peninsular with spectacular views of the Old Man of Storr. Cross the bridge back to Kyle of Lochalsh and return via the beautiful Glen Shiel, or cross the pass north to Stromeferry (no ferry) and on to picturesque Loch Carron, possibly visiting Attadale Gardens on the way. From Loch Carron cross the dramatic and exciting Bealach na Ba (the pass of the cattle, not suitable for caravans) to Applecross. If the weather is clear, the views from the 2053' summit are staggering. After relaxing in Applecross, take the coast road round the peninsular to the delightful village of Shieldaig, and then drive through the dramatic Torridon Hills to Kinlochewe. If you have time you might want to continue north along the coast from here, or maybe cut across towards Inverness and then head north to Ullapool and the hills of the far north-west. Or from Inverness drop south to Aviemore and visit the Cairngorm ski centre (still skiing in 2010 at the end of May) and mountain railway, visit the distillery at Dalwhinnie and drive through the bleak Drumochter Pass, and explore Pitlochry, home of Edradour, the smallest distillery in Scotland. On your way down south you might want to spend a few days in Edinburgh, the big city quite a culture shock after the wild and remote areas you have seen.For more details, email nicola.howarth at camscotsoc.org.uk.