Attractions
Here are some attractions in this part of the Scottish Highlands. Click to see our recommended places to eat or our recommended places to visit.
Places to visit
Isles of Glencoe Hotel swimming pool and sauna
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages, 5 minutes
The Isles of Glencoe Hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna which is accessible to the public at a cost of £5 per adult per time and £3 per child per time. There are changing facilities and lockers, and the hotel is located opposite Ballachulish village back across the Ballachulish bridge. An excellent way to keep children entertained if the weather is poor. Please note that the Holly Tree Hotel listed below also has a good swimming pool and Finnish saunarium and is a good alternative.
http://www.islesofglencoe.co.uk/
The Jacobite steam train, Fort William to Mallaig
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 25 minutes
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
Some of the carriages of ‘The Jacobite’ are those used in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. So, travel to Mallaig along the line used in the films, see the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, an unmistakeable landmark for all Harry Potter fans. It’s a great day out for all the family.
Climb Ben Nevis, Britian’s highest mountain
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 25 minutes
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. The route highlighted is the standard, so-called Tourist Route up the mountain. It is straightforward, if strenuous, by hillwalking standards, but the less experienced should read all the precautions.
Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course, Ballachulish
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 5 minutes
It's not just the location that is special (and this must surely be one of the most dramatic and beautiful loch-side locations in the Highlands), the course itself offers delight, magic and challenge. The Dragons Tooth has quickly become a firm favourite with golfers far and wide.
SeaXplorer, Ballachulish
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 5 minutes
Based at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel across the Ballachulish Bridge daily boat trips take in spectacular scenery including views of Ben Nevis, Glencoe and towards the Sound of Mull. Fast boat coastal wildlife tours offer a unique experience of high adventure and exhilaration. Private charters will take you even further out to sea and their fishing trips will take you to all the best spots. The thrill of a fast boat trip is the perfect way to experience the wealth of Lochaber’s history, wildlife and natural beauty – along the way you will see seals, porpoise, otters, eagles, deer, wild goats and a variety of sea birds.
Ice Factor, Kinlochleven
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 15 minutes
The ultimate day out in the Scottish Highlands at the UK's premier adventure centre.
Indoor ice and rock climbing. Winter and summer outdoor hill walking, mountaineering and climbing. Tree top adventure course with tower, abseiling, giant swing and drop zone. Shop, restaurant, bar / bistro, children’s play areas, equipment and bike hire.
Hiking in Glencoe and Kinlochleven
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 15 minutes
Glen Coe is the most famous and perhaps most impressively dramatic of all Scottish glens, the perfect scenic match for its dark history of the massacre of the Macdonalds. For keen walkers, this is a true Mecca, epitomised by the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor, the guardian at the entrance to the glen. The highest peak is the great multi-summited massif of Bidean nam Bian whose three great buttresses rise impressively above the road and are known as the 'Three Sisters', whereas the north wall of the glen is the turreted and notorious ridge of the Aonach Eagach.
North and east of Glencoe is beautiful Loch Leven, with the town of Kinlochleven at its eastern end nestled beneath the great mountain range of the Mamores, with walks as exciting as in Glencoe itself.
Oban Distillery, Oban
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 45 minutes
Oban Distillery's Sensory and Flavours Tour offers something new, fresh and unique. See the traditional craftsmanship of whisky making up close. Learn about the processes that shape the Oban malts depth of flavour. Watch the guide draw Oban malt whisky directly from the cask and savour the taste of this unique 11 year old cask strength Oban. Nose and taste the Oban 14 year old Single Malt and discover the hints of honey,smoke, citrus orange and sea salt. Enjoy this malt with crystallised ginger and experience a true taste sensation!
Holroyd Gallery, North Ballachulish
Walking time from Alltshellach Cottages: 5 minutes
The art gallery in North Ballachulish has a large selection of oils, watercolours and pastels. There is a mix of local artists as well as some well known names.
Glencoe Lochan walk
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 10 minutes
A gem of a walk following way marked trails through ornamental woodland at the foot of Glen Coe. The picturesque and serene lochan and its wooded shores contrasts with the wild and dramatic mountains of the glen which are seen across it. Suitable for young children and all walking levels.
Castle Stalker, Loch Laich
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 20 minutes
Tour bookings (only 5 weeks each year): +44 (0) 1631 740315
A picturesque castle surrounded by water located 25 miles north of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. The island castle's picturesque appearance, with its bewitching island setting against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, has made it a favourite subject for postcards and calendars, and something of a cliché image of Scottish Highland scenery. Castle Stalker is entirely authentic; it is one of the best-preserved medieval tower-houses surviving in western Scotland.
Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct, Lochaber
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 45 minutes
Glenfinnan Monument, situated on the scenic Road to the Isles, is set amid superb Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel. It was erected in 1815 in tribute to the clansmen who fought and died in the Jacobite cause. Despite its inspired beginnings, the 1745 campaign came to a grim conclusion on the Culloden battlefield in 1746. You can find out more about Bonnie Prince Charlie's campaign at the Visitor Centre.
Places to eat
Loch Leven Seafood Café
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 5 minutes
Alltshellach Cottages is just a short drive from this award-winning restaurant and shop serving superb Scottish shellfish. Lochleven Seafood Café and shop is situated on the shores of beautiful Loch Leven on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. The Mamores tower above the loch and the restaurant overlooks Camus Mhor, the Big Bay, across to the Pap of Glencoe.
The Loch Leven Hotel, North Ballachulish
Walking time from Alltshellach Cottages: 7 minutes
Alltshellach Cottages is just a seven minute walk from this hotel which is home to the local pub, The Old Ferry Bar with its fabulous selectoin of gins, single malts and local ales. Serving tasty bar meals in totally laid back surroundings. The Old Ferry Bar bar itself dates back to the 1700s and is a popular and lively "local" and the staff are always welcoming. From Alltshellach Cottages, take the circular walk through the Alltshellach Country House grounds down to the shores of Loch Leven and follow the loch side path to the right along the beach, ending up with a well deserved pint of Loch Leven Ale (a short-cut also exists along a gravel path at the rear of the Loch Leven Hotel).
Crafts & Things, craft shop and café
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 5 minutes
No trip to the Western Highlands is complete without a visit to Crafts & Things for coffee and cake. The popular Coffee Shop serves light meals and home baking, all freshly cooked on the premises. Here you can relax with a cappuccino or a glass of wine in elegant and convivial surroundings. Take time out here to browse the picture gallery, and comprehensive book selection.
Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 25 minutes
A Highlands institution since the 18th century and in a spectacular setting at the entrance to the Glencoe valley. In 2019 the hotel reopened following substantial redevelopment which involved demolishon of the 1960s extension and retention of the original 18th century structure only which has been incorporated into the new building. A large restaurant and bar area with spectacular views across to the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor. Also serves hikers on The West Highland Way in the Way Inn which has a roaring fire and serves local ales and hearty food. Surrounded by friendly deer who walk right up to the side of the hotel to feed.
Holly Tree Seafood Restaurant (and swimming pool)
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 10 minutes
Located at the water’s edge the Hollytree Hotel, Seafood Restaurant and indoor heated swimming pool and sauna is a good choice for lunch or dinner. The Seafood Restaurant has a glass wall facing the Loch where you may sit and watch the sun go down beyond the mountains in the west.
The Airds Hotel & Restaurant, Port Appin
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 30 minutes
Reputed to be one of the best in Scotland, thanks to the abundance of fresh ingredients, seafood and an enthusiastic brigade in the kitchen. Three AA rosettes will provide the assurance that only the best will do, and within this inspiring environment, Head Chef Calum Innes has developed a reputation of international acclaim.
The seasonal dinner menu offers a good choice each day and the impeccable, yet informal and friendly service will give you plenty of time to talk to your friends, enjoy the food or simply admire the breathtaking view of the Highlands in full glory.
The restaurant is also open for lunch and in fine weather you can dine with a light lunch in the garden or the conservatory. Full Afternoon Tea is offered daily in the lounges, garden or the conservatory.
The Pier House Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 30 minutes
The Pier House Seafood Restaurant is hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland.
With breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull, the intimate family-run small hotel and renowned Scottish Seafood Restaurant has won a fast-growing reputation as one of Argyll's most idyllic and romantic destinations.
Ben Nevis Inn
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 25 minutes
Popular with walkers, mountaineers and locals alike, the Ben Nevis Inn is found at the start of the Ben Nevis mountain path and close to the end of the famous West Highland Way in Fort William, with fabulous views over Glen Nevis. Enjoy drinks and great food in a relaxed atmosphere after a successful climb up Ben Nevis!
From April to October the Inn is open for 7 days a week, from 12 noon until 11pm.
Clachaig Inn
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 10 minutes
Nestling in the very heart of Glencoe, amongst the spectacular and majestic mountains of the Scottish Highlands, Clachaig Inn has been a source of hospitality for travellers for over three hundred years. The inn has three lively bars where good food is served throughout the day.
The hill walkers bar in particular is a great place to grab a well deserved drink on the way back to Alltshellach Cottages after a long day hiking in the Glencoe range.
Glencoe Café
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 10 minutes
Situated on the main street of picturesque Glencoe village, steeped in history and best remembered for the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, you are surrounded by stunning scenery - and this is the place to stop for good food, home baking and a selection of speciality teas and coffees. The Glencoe café also offers a small selection of beers, wine, whisky and local ales, plus a small range of deli items from selected suppliers and a range of tasteful and unique gifts. A friendly highland welcome awaits.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant and Cruises, Fort William
Drive time from Alltshellach Cottages: 20 minutes
Fishing was how Crannog began. Crannog Restaurant brings you the freshest local seafood and the finest produce from Scotland’s natural larder; such as Aberdeen Angus beef and venison, when in season. The unique location on the shore of Loch Linnhe gives you great views to enjoy while you savour the delicious dishes prepared for you by experienced chefs. Also offers cruises down Loch Linnhe.
