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Hard Walking Week: Cloud Breaks, Spectres, and Unforgettable Stillness

Oct 22, 2025 | Scottish Highlands, Bed & Breakfast, Hiking, Walking Breaks, Walking Holidays

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Distant Hills Guest House B&B Spean Bridge

The third week of our Autumn Walking Breaks at Distant Hills Guest House is our Hard Walking Week of the three Autumn Walking Holidays, it promised challenge, and it certainly delivered! From the dramatic cloud inversions of Loch Treig to the magical stillness of the Creag Meagaidh lochan, this week was an absolute masterclass in classic Highland mountain walking. Our dedicated group embraced every kilometre, ascent, and rocky ridge thrown their way.

Monday: Breaking Through the Inversion

Our week kicked off with an absolute stunner of a walk! We set off from the Loch Treig car park beneath thick, low, grey cloud. The ascent on the stony and muddy trails was hard work, but the effort paid off spectacularly. We climbed right through the cloud layer, revealing the most awe-inspiring views! Above the mist, we were treated to bright blue skies and sunshine, with surrounding Munros, including Stob Coire Easain, peering out like islands. We successfully bagged the fantastic summit of Stob a’Choire Mheadhoin, soaking up the stunning views from our high perch before descending. A truly magnificent cloud inversion to start the week with our fabulous guests!

Tuesday: The Magic of the Brocken Spectre

Tuesday brought a legendary day in Glencoe on the magnificent Buachaille Etive Beag ridge. Setting off deep in the mist again, we were thrilled when we broke through the clouds for a second day running! The views were amazing, with warm sunshine on our skin. But the highlight was truly unique: everyone got to see their own Brocken Spectres—a rare and magnificent sight where your magnified shadow is surrounded by a rainbow ‘glory’ on the mist below. We successfully traversed the challenging ridge to the highest peak, Stob Dubh, soaking up the superlative views down Loch Etive. Pure, classic, Highland ridge-walking at its most magical!

Distant Hills Walking Holiday Scottish Highlands - Buachaille Etive Beag - Brocken Spectre
Brocken Spectre Buachaille Etive Beag - Scottish Highlands Distant Hills Guest House
Distant Hills Walking Holiday Scottish Highlands - Buachaille Etive Beag - Brocken Spectre

Wednesday: Essential Recharge

Mid-week provided an essential rest day to allow those hard-working legs to recover. The group spent the day visiting local places of interest and soaking up the more relaxed atmosphere of the area, ensuring everyone was fully charged for the second half of the week’s challenging schedule.

Thursday: Double Munros and Deep Stillness

Thursday was a serious test of endurance and focus. The group successfully aimed for two magnificent Munros in one push: Carn Liath and Stob Poite Coire Ardair, part of the Creag Meagaidh massif. The hike was a massive day out, covering roughly 17.7km with a hefty 970 metres of ascent. The ascent led us to a very broad, rewarding ridge-like top. But the real magic happened at the Lochan: with almost zero wind, we were treated to magical reflections! Even our guide, Dave, commented that he’d never seen the Lochan so still. Completing a route of this distance and elevation is a superb achievement, celebrating unforgettable stillness and a huge day of Munro bagging.

Friday: Mamores Magic in the Autumn Light

We finished the week on a high with a superb ridge traverse in the Mamores, tackling Stob Bàn and Mullach Nan Coirean in Glen Nevis. While the high peaks and the main ridge were unfortunately enveloped in cloud, we were treated to some absolutely amazing views below the ceiling. The contrast created a truly dramatic atmosphere! We were rewarded with incredible, clear views of Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis, bathed in beautiful autumnal light. Getting up close to the truly dramatic rock formations on the shattered quartzite slopes of Stob Bàn was a fitting final challenge. A massive, rewarding day of walking, proving that you don’t need a clear summit to find magic in the Scottish Highlands!

This group’s determination, camaraderie, and sheer stamina made the third week of our Autumn Walking Breaks an incredible success. If you’ve been inspired by the stunning views and challenging routes, please note that our 2025 walking holidays are fully booked. However, you can secure your own unforgettable adventure by checking our website and booking 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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