Overview
Introduction to the Kingshouse & The Buachailles
The famous scene that greets travellers arriving in Glen Coe from across Rannoch Moor, whether on foot or by car, is the towering Buachaille Etive Mòr . The most photographed mountain in Scotland guards the entrance to Glen Coe itself and is a playground for climbers and walkers alike. The Kingshouse Hotel & Bunkhouse is steeped in the mountaineering history of 'The Big Buachaille' and will be our base as we attempt to summit its 2 Munros, as well as the neighbouring Munros of 'The Wee Buachaille'. Despite Buachaille translating as "herdsman", rather than herd we will aim to guide, encourage and support you to complete the challenge of bagging these 4 Munros.
We provide you with a qualified Mountain Leader, who will guide you to the rocky tops of these magnificent mountains. We also organise your accommodation (choice of hotel or bunkhouse), so all you need to do is concentrate on the walk itself.
Highlights of the Kingshouse & The Buachailles
- Stay at the recently refurbished iconic Kingshouse Hotel
- The chance to summit 4 Munros over 2 days of hiking
- Expansive views of the Lochaber mountain ranges and Rannoch Moor
- A qualified and friendly UK Mountain Leader to guide you all the way
What's Included with this Holiday
- A qualified Mountain Leader as your guide
- A comprehensive Information Pack
- Accommodation for 3 nights at the Kingshouse Hotel & Bunkhouse
- 3x Breakfasts
- Max group size of 6
What to Expect from the Kingshouse & The Buachailles
You can expect some challenging hiking rewarded with the potential for incredible views of the mountainous west of Scotland. The trails are rough and rocky and with care require on some steep terrain. Buachaille Etive Beag is a slightly gentler proposition but will still be a challenge on day 2 of our hiking. All the effort is comforted by your stay at the Kingshouse where you can celebrate your achievements the bar.
Is the Kingshouse & The Buachailles Right For Me?
This weekend of Munro bagging is aimed at those with good levels of physical fitness and/or people with some hillwalking experience. To make the most of this weekend’s walking you will want to be happy on steep terrain and rough ground, or be fit and up for the challenge. Your guide will be there to support you throughout and take all the responsibility for navigation.
Kingshouse & The Buachailles Guided Walking Itinerary
Daily Plan
We have 2 days of mountain walking for you with 3 nights of comfortable accommodation in between. Your guide is a qualified Mountain Leader and will be with you throughout.
Day 1: Arrival
This is your chance to make your way to the Kingshouse Hotel at the entrance to Glen Coe. Here your accommodation will be ready for you and you will meet you guide in the evening to discuss the walking ahead.
Accommodation Kingshouse Hotel & Bunkhouse
Day 2: Buachaille Etive Mòr
Today our aim is to summit the 2 Munros of Buachaille Etive Mòr (The Big Herdsman of Etive). We will begin by hiking into Allt Coire na Tulaich, to which recent path work has improved access. Things get a bit more challenging as our route climbs its way through boulderfields to the top of scree shoot at the headwall of the coire. Here care and a head for heights is required. After which, the walking becomes easier on a broad rocky ridge to the summit cairn at the Stob Dearg, our first and the highest of the day's 2 Munros. From here we will retrace our steps for a short while before following the long winding ridge our second Munro, Stob na Bròige. Our descent route takes us off the ridge down north-west facing slopes into the Lairig Gartain and back to the road. Total Distance: 13km/8 miles Total Ascent: 1110m Time: 7-9 hours
Accommodation Kingshouse Hotel & Bunkhouse
Day 3: Buachaille Etive Beag
The smaller neighbour to yesterdays mountain 'The Wee Buachaille' gives up its magnificent viewpoints a little easier. From the pass of Glen Coe we will ascend to the saddle between the two Munros. From here we will take in both Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh, with the latter affording excellent views down to Loch Etive. Total Distance: 8km/5 miles Total Ascent: 900m Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation Kingshouse Hotel & Bunkhouse
Day 4: Departure
After your final night at the Kingshouse you will have the day to make your way home. There is a regular bus service which passes the road end for those returning by public transport
Kingshouse & The Buachailles Accommodation Options
We have a choice of accommodation options to suit your requirements from the luxury of a hotel bedroom to our guiding only option. Here is what is included with each:
Kingshouse Hotel
The recently renovated Kingshouse Hotel offers stylish, spacious, comfortable en-suite accommodation which adds a dose of luxury to your walking weekend. All rooms are on a Bed & Breakfast basis included in the price of your holiday. The hotel is well setup to cater for walkers with a drying room and stores for all your outdoor kit. With the on-site restaurant and The Way Inn walkers’ bar you have a choice of options for evening meals and drinks.
Kingshouse Bunkhouse
The recently renovated Kingshouse Hotel offers comfortable bunkhouse accommodation which is great for those on a budget. Your bunk will be in a dorm room with a maximum of 5 other guests and will have shared shower and toilet facilities. All rooms are on a Bed & Breakfast basis included in the price of your holiday. The bunkhouse is well set up to cater for walkers with a drying room and access to laundry facilities. With the on-site restaurant and The Way Inn walkers’ bar you have a choice of options for evening meals and drinks.
If you would just like to join us for the hikes you can do so for £150. Please send an email to contact@thistletrekking.co.uk if this is your preference.
Dates & Prices
The dates of our scheduled treks can be seen below. We also off the option of private bookings for groups. Please get in touch if you'd like to book privately.
| Date of Trek | Availability |
|---|---|
| Monday 2nd September 2024 to Thursday 5th September 2024 | Spaces |
No Suitable Date?
If there are no dates on this calendar to suit you please let us know, sometimes we can add extra dates if there is enough demand for an extra trip to be added.
Waiting List
If a trek is full but you would like to be added to the waiting list, please do let us know. The waiting list is there so that if anyone drops out of the trek we will contact you and let you know, so you can take their place on the trek instead.
Future Dates
Our trekking calendar is released a year in advance each spring. Keep an eye on the 'Year Planner' in the menu above, or send us a request for an email alert when the latest calendar is published. If you are keen to book early and secure a trek on a date to suit you, do feel free to get in contact with us to suggest a date
Pricing
Price for Kingshouse Hotel:
The price of this trip is £499 per person (based on two sharing).
To book this trip we will require a £150 deposit per person with the rest to be paid a month before your trip.
If you are booking as a solo traveller and happy to share a twin room with another solo traveller of the same sex the price is £499.
If you are a solo traveller and would like a single room to yourself there is a £130 per night single supplement (£390 in total).
Price for Kingshouse Bunkhouse:
The price of this trip is £299 per person (based on two sharing).
To book this trip we will require a £100 deposit per person with the rest to be paid a month before your trip.
If you are booking as a solo traveller and happy to share a twin room with another solo traveller of the same sex the price is £299.
There is no single supplement available for this trail as rooms are mainly of a shared basis.
How to Book
Booking is simple, you can either phone us, email us or use our online shopping cart below.
Book Kingshouse & The Buachailles Online
What Happens Once you Have Booked
Once we have received your booking (either through the online shopping cart, email or phone). We will then confirm with you that your accommodation option and room type, single, twin or double, is available. We will then send you a full booking form and information about paying your deposit for your trek. All deposits can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or debit/credit card. Once we have received back both your booking form and deposit we will let you know and your place on the trip will be secure.