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Distant Hills Walking Holidays Week 2

Autumn Walking Break – Highland Resilience: Four Walks, One Summit

Oct 14, 2025 | Scottish Highlands, Bed & Breakfast, Hiking, Walking Breaks, Walking Holidays

by

Distant Hills Guest House B&B Spean Bridge

Storm Amy Couldn’t Stop Us: A Look Back at Week 2 of our Autumn Breaks

The aroma of a hearty Scottish breakfast lingers in the air, mixing with the gentle sounds of tired but incredibly satisfied feet padding down the hallway. It can only mean one thing: our latest guided walking holiday in the Highlands is drawing to a close. Welcome to a look back at the second week of our sold-out Autumn Walking Breaks!

This adventure began on a dramatic note. We were treated to a slightly delayed start to the week thanks to Storm Amy hitting Spean Bridge, which plunged the guest house into a temporary power cut. But here in the Highlands, we don’t let a bit of bad weather or darkness spoil the fun! Despite the dramatic conditions, our group and guide adapted brilliantly, and we successfully managed to fit in all four challenging walks we had planned. What made the week truly special was the incredible and diverse group, which included guests from Seattle, Virginia, local Scots (on their 5th holiday!), and English walkers.

Distant Hills Walking Holidays Week 2

Hitting the Ground Running: Four Epic Walks

With an urgent need to get back on track after the delay, we wasted no time.

Our first walk was a moderate hike up to Lochan a’ Choire in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve. This was a necessary and beautiful choice to immediately shake off the travel and storm delays. The atmosphere was incredible, with the towering cliffs of the Coire Àrdair amphitheatre providing a magnificent welcome to the mountains.

Next, we tackled the long “there and back again” route along Lairig Leacach to the bothy. Deep in the Grey Corries, this walk tested our endurance with considerable ascent and distance (14.4km / 416m ascent) entirely on a rough, stony track.

Challenge, Adaptation, and Superb Coastal Views

Our most memorable lesson in Highland adaptability came on Walk 3, the Peanmeanach Coastal Route. This walk was always going to be a tough one, featuring a rough hill path that tested the group with considerable ascent and distance. Our guide, Dave, had to make a crucial safety call: when we reached the main stream, it was in full spate and far too dangerous to cross. This meant we couldn’t reach the secluded beach, but the diversion proved worthwhile, rewarding the group with superb coastal views that few other walkers see.

The adventure culminated with the Grand Finale on Creag Liath (743m). We were blessed with beautiful sunshine and great views at the start, but once we hit the open hillside, we battled fiercely against very windy and exposed conditions. Yet, the resilience paid off: everyone made it to the top! The summit provided a spectacular, cloud-free panoramic view, ending the week on a massive high.

The Heart of the Holiday: Our International Guests

The people really make our walking holidays what they are, and this week’s determined, global group was the perfect example. Celebrating the summit success with this diverse crew was a genuine highlight.

Our roll call included:

  • Two enthusiastic walkers all the way from Seattle, USA.
  • Four wonderful friends who travelled from Virginia, USA.
  • Two dedicated local Scots who are now firm friends, joining us on their fifth Distant Hills walking holiday!
  • Two lovely English guests who usually reside in the Lake District (but chose the Highland challenge instead!).

1. Coire Àrdair (Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve)

The week started with a necessary boost to shake off the travel and the drama of Storm Amy. This moderate hike took the group up to Lochan a’ Choire within the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve. The route was a beautiful introduction to the Highland terrain, showcasing the magnificent Coire Àrdair amphitheatre and its towering cliffs, immediately setting a high standard for the scenery to come.

Walking in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Walking in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Walking in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Walking in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Walking in the Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve

2. Lairig Leacach Bothy (Grey Corries)

This was a classic endurance test: a long, “there and back again” route along the Lairig Leacach track, deep into the remote Grey Corries. The walk featured considerable ascent and distance (14.4km / 416m ascent) on a rough, stony 4×4 track, leading the group to the remote bothy nestled amongst dramatic peaks.

3. Peanmeanach Coastal Route

A great lesson in Highland adaptability! This coastal route featured a rough hill path and demanded considerable ascent and distance. Our guide, Dave, had to make a crucial safety call not to cross the main stream, as it was in full spate. Though the group didn’t reach the secluded beach, the strenuous effort was rewarded with superb, sweeping coastal views.

4. Creag Liath (The Grand Finale)

The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m). The walk began in beautiful sunshine but quickly became challenging on the open hillside, battling very windy and exposed conditions. Thanks to great determination, everyone made it to the top! The summit paid off with a spectacular, cloud-free panoramic view, offering a high point to end the holiday.

The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)
The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)
The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)
The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)
The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)
The week culminated with the ascent of Creag Liath (743m)

A Look Ahead

From battling Storm Amy to conquering windswept summits, the group proved their mettle. Five days, four fantastic walks, one summit, and zero dampened spirits—it was an outstanding display of teamwork and resilience.

If this sounds like your perfect adventure, you’re in luck! While our 2025 walking holidays are fully booked, you can secure your own unforgettable adventure by booking your spot for 2026 now!

The Distant Hills Difference

A walking holiday is about more than just the trails. With Distant Hills Guest House as your base, you’ll enjoy:

  • Comfortable 4-star rooms with luxury bedding
  • Delicious cooked breakfasts every morning
  • Packed lunches for walking days
  • Homemade cakes and afternoon tea after your hike
  • Our outdoor hot tub to relax sore muscles
  • A friendly, sociable atmosphere with like-minded walkers

Join Us in 2026

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to welcome you on one of our upcoming walking holidays.

Spring 2026:

  • Sun 29th March – Sat 4th April – Moderate Hill Walking
  • Sun 5th April – Sat 11th April – Moderate Hill Walking

Autumn 2026:

  • Sun 27th Sept – Sat 3rd Oct – Moderate Hill Walking
  • Sun 4th Oct – Sat 10th Oct – Hard Hill Walking
  • Sun 11th Oct – Sat 17th Oct – Moderate Hill Walking

Price: £945 per person — no single supplement!
Maximum 10 guests per holiday.

A deposit of just £200 secures your place.

Ready to Walk the Highlands at the Perfect Pace?

Whether it’s your first time hiking in Scotland or you’re returning for another adventure, our Moderate Walking Holidays offer the perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and relaxation.

Visit our Walking Holidays page for full details and booking information.

Dani & Cam - Buachaille Etive Beag: a fabulous ridge walk in Glen Coe with superlative views
Dani & Cam – Buachaille Etive Beag: a fabulous ridge walk in Glen Coe with superlative views

Dani Mackinnon

Hi, I’m Dani, the author of this blog and the lucky co-owner of Distant Hills Guest House in the glorious Scottish Highlands. I love sharing my passion for life, the mountains and the great outdoors.

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