Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland
THE GIRLS ON HILLS
to
CHALLENGE
with Hostelling Scotland
Welcome to the Hostelling Scotland/ Girls on Hills Challenge...
‘Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful’
JJ Marine
With locations scattered throughout the Scottish Highlands, from the Cuillins to the Cairngorms, there’s always an adventure on your doorstep with Hostelling Scotland. Together with Girls on Hills, we bring you a collection of trail and hill challenges, to help you explore the world outside our front door.
Whether you walk or run, move fast or slow, the Door-to-Door Challenge is a collection of challenges with something for everyone. All you have to do to get started is open the door…
The Door-to-Door Challenge takes place across 8 youth hostels. At each location, there is a hill or trail route to choose from. How you travel is up to you and there is no time limit - simply complete the route at your own pace and enjoy the adventure!
For each challenge completed during your stay, you will receive a stamp (available from participating hostels). To complete the Door-toDoor Challenge, collect all 8 hostel stamps and claim your signed certificate!
There is no time-limit for completing the full challenge but we recommend you set yourself a goal!
Our challenge routes climb some of the most popular mountains and spectacular trails in the surrounding area and are guaranteed to whet your appetite for adventure!
CAIRNGORM LODGE
GLEN NEVIS
TORRIDON
BRAEMAR
LOCH OSSIAN
CRIANLARICH
Key for route maps: 1. Hill route
Trail route
THE DOOR TO DOOR CHALLENGE
Girls on Hills is an award-winning hillwalking and trail running company that delivers group events and bespoke guided adventures across the Scottish Highlands. To book a guide, visit: www.girlsonhills.com
Be Prepared
Our selected routes vary, so check-out the distance and ascent involved before heading out. If you prefer a longer day in the hills, simply extend the route provided, then claim your stamp!
Door-to-Door Challenge routes will take you into the mountain environment, so be sure to check the mountain weather, carry waterproofs and pack enough warm layers. Maps are provided in this booklet and are available to download using the QR Code which can be found on this page. These should be used in conjunction with a compass and/ or GPS.
Scan the QR code to go to downloadable PDF route maps for your phone.
RUNNING CHALLENGES
Our challenge routes climb some of the most popular mountains and spectacular trails in the surrounding area
Please remember, the weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable and we do not recommend undertaking these challenges in winter or without the appropriate clothing and requisite skills/experience.
Keri Wallace’s book, available to purchase through Amazon.
KERI WALLACE
CAIRNGORM LODGE YOUTH HOSTEL
Glenmore, Aviemore, PH22 1QY
Tel: +44 (0)1479 861 238
Email: cairngormlodge@ hostellingscotland.org.uk
Reservations: (0)345 293 7373
Email: hello@ hostellingscotland.org.uk
THE CAIRNGORM
LODGE
CHALLENGE
1. HILL ROUTE
Meall
a’Bhuachaille
An accessible, local classic with Cairn Gorm as a backdrop. Head through the ancient pine forest and past An Lochan Uaine (aka the Green Lochan) to reach Ryvoan Bothy. Here take the hill path to the summit of Meall a’Bhuachaille (810m) before descending west to the col. From here follow trail descending southwest towards Glenmore Forest, later crossing to the left-hand side of the burn. Follow this back to the Glenmore Visitor Centre and hostel.
2. TRAIL ROUTE
Loch Morlich Loop
A low-level circuit clockwise around picturesque Loch Morlich. Begin by taking the bike trail alongside the road before crossing it to a bridge located at the far west top of the loch. From here follow the trail around the shoreline, sticking to the lower trail as you approach the east end of the loch (ignore right turn). Continue to follow along the sandy shore of the loch towards the main beach, eventually cutting right across the parking area to reach the road and hostel.
1. HILL ROUTE
Melantee
A quiet gem located halfway up the UK’s highest mountain!
Cross the bridge opposite the hostel and climb the steep steps to access the Ben Nevis tourist path. Follow this to the level of Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (560m). Once on the flat, cut-off the trail, heading left to cross the boggy area at the south tip of the loch. Pick a line up the trackless hillside to reach the summit ridge and head north to the true summit (Melantee), marked with a small cairn at 711m.
Retrace your steps to return to the hostel. Stamp
THE GLEN NEVIS CHALLENGE
2. Trail route
Vitrified Fort
A historical viewpoint with unrivalled views of Ben Nevis.
Turn left out of the hostel and follow the road approx. 300m to where signage indicates a sharp left turn, uphill to join the West Highland Way (WHW). Ascend steeply through trees, then turn right on the WHW track. After 500m take the first turning left (signposted WHW). Continue to follow ‘The Way’ up switchbacks until a trail junction is reached at a fence-line at 270m. Follow the signposted trail left (past information board) to Dun Deardail fort. Retrace your steps to return to the hostel.
1. HILL
Tom na Gruagaich
A long, tough hill climb with a worthwhile panorama.
From the roadside carpark, 3km west of Torridon village, take the smallest of two trails, heading uphill left of the river. Cross moorland, climbing up into Coir nan Laogh. A long, zig-zagging climb follows on a rough track, eventually gaining a flat plateau. From the col head east to find the trig point that marks the summit of Tom na Gruagaich, a Munro at 922m. Retrace your steps to return to the hostel.
2. TRAIL
Back of Liathach
A rugged journey around the wild side of Liathach.
From the carpark on the A896 (at the bridge over the Allt a’Choire Dhuibh Mhòir). Follow the stalker’s path signposted Coire Mhic Nobuil. On approaching an area of lochans keep left to continue round the back of Liathach. Continue for approx. 5km on rough and boggy ground until the trail improves as a path joins from the right. Keep left and cross a bridge to descend alongside the river, through trees to the finishing carpark. Note, there is no public transport linking the start and end of the route. THE TORRIDON CHALLENGE
1. HILL Morrone
The closest summit to Braemar with fantastic mountain views. Head out the back of Braemar village on the Old Military Road along Glen Clunie. Leave the road and take the signposted trail up left (at cattle grid to golf course). Head up through trees, then traverse the hillside until a trail junction at 440m. Turn left up the hill path here to climb Morrone from the northeast. The summit is marked with a radio mast and trig point; a Corbett at 859m. Retrace your steps to return to the hostel.
THE BRAEMAR CHALLENGE
2. TRAIL
Lion’s Face Loop
A circular forest trail close to Braemar castle, with impressive viewpoints. Outside the hostel, turn left along the road towards the village to reach St Margaret’s Church. Take the lane up the left side of the church (green signpost). Follow this into the woods and from here follow finger-post waymarking on an anticlockwise loop around the base of Creag Choinnich, rejoining the outward trail at the east edge of the village.
1. HILL
Beinn na Lap
A straightforward but remote Munro within striking distance of Loch Ossian hostel.
Head back to the main track junction at the west end of the loch. Turn right and follow the track towards the other side of the loch (but ignore the turning right along the shore). Keep left and cross a small footbridge before leaving the track. Take a faint boggy trod that heads directly for broad ridge of Beinn na Lap. Once onto the ridge bear northwest as the trail improves, and follow this over undulating rough ground to the true summit at 935m (cairn on a rocky slab). Retrace your steps to return to the hostel.
2. TRAIL
Loch Ossian Loop
A pleasing lochside journey in a special location.
From the hostel, pick up the main track and head left along the south shore of Loch Ossian. Ignore turnings uphill and keep to the lochside as you traverse the length of the loch to reach Corrour Lodge private residences at the far end. Join the track leading along the north shore and head back in the direction of the hostel. At the west end of Loch Ossian, keep left to return to the hostel. A former hostel guardian’s challenge (dating back to 1977) was to complete this loop in a swift 1h dash. He took just 49 minutes! The record book is still in the hostel. Will you add your name? THE LOCH OSSIAN CHALLENGE
1. HILL
Pap of Glencoe
A classic rocky mountain with an iconic shape, known for its vista over Loch Linnhe.
From the hostel turn left along the roadside Glencoe Orbital Trail until you reach a small wooden gate in the fence on your right. Take the little trod uphill and cross a burn before you join the main Pap of Glencoe track at a small stream. Turn right here and follow the hill path as it weaves steeply upwards. The trail is tough going and loose in places but eventually cuts left round the front of the hill. Ignore a right turn marked with a small cairn and continue round to a col. Head up and left towards the rocky cone of the pap. Cross right over the steep boulder field, heading diagonally up towards the northwest ridge of the Pap. Once on the summit shoulder, cut back steeply left to find the cairn at 742m! Retrace your steps to return to the hostel.
THE GLENCOE CHALLENGE
2. TRAIL
Glencoe Lochan Trails
A woodland trail around picturesque Glencoe Lochan, created in the 19thc by Lord Strathcona.
Drive to the carpark or walk the roadside Glencoe Orbital Track to reach the parking area. Take the furthest left trail out of the carpark, past a small lochan. At the trail junction ahead, cross straight over the track, climbing up into the forest. Follow this undulating trail (yellow waymarkers) until you join the lochside path. Turn left here towards the end of the lochan (red waymarkers). At the far end, take a left heading steeply uphill, back into the forest (blue waymarkers). Weave up to a picnic bench viewpoint before dropping back down towards the carpark to close the loop.
THE CRIANLARICH CHALLENGE
1. HILL
Ben More
A tough climb up the highest of the Crianlarich hills.
Park in roadside laybys on the A85 just E of Ben More farm. A wooden ‘Ben More’ sign beside the road marks a small trail which crosses a ditch to access a farm track just above the farm. Turn left and follow the steep hill path up the northwest flank of Ben More to the summit. From the trig point, drop south/ southwest to the col with Stob Binnein (option to extend your day here!) At the col a smaller trail drops steeply west, cutting a diagonal line across the hillside towards the road. Pick up the bigger farm track in Benmore Glen and follow this until you join the outward route.
2. TRAIL
West Highland Way
Link two train stations on Scotland’s world-famous Great Trail!
Catch the train from nearby Crianlarich station and alight at the next stop, Tyndrum. From the station, follow the road until the West Highland Way is signposted on your right. Follow waymarkers through forestry and alongside a river until it passes underneath the A82 (then back again) on a visit to St Fillan’s Priory. Finish the route along forest hillside, dropping into Crianlarich.
LOCHRANZA CHALLENGE
1. HILL
Cock of Arran Crossing
A hillier version of a classic island journey. Turn right along the road outside the hostel, taking the first left towards Lodge Farm. Leave the road at the farm, taking the trail heading right. Follow this to climb over the hillside, passing between Creag Glas Laggan and Torr Meadhonach before dropping to the shoreline. Turn left on the Cock of Arran trail to pass Ossian’s Cave and Newton Point before heading back towards Lodge Farm. Follow the outward trail back to the hostel.
THE LOCHRANZA CHALLENGE
2. TRAIL
Three Glens Circuit
A wild and aesthetic link-up of island glens. Turn right out of the hostel and follow the road to the distillery. Turn right onto a trail at Ballarie Bridge, turning up into Gleann Easan Biorach. Handrail the line of the glen, passing Loch na Davie then veering right around the base of Beinn Bhreac. Here the route joins Gleann Diomham, eventually passing waterfalls before a trail joins from the left upon reaching Glen Catacol. Follow the Abhainn Mor until the carpark is reached at Catacol Bay. Walk or catch a lift back to the hostel.
MAP KEY
Since 1931, we have welcomed visitors from all over the world, providing affordable, welcoming accommodation in some of the best locations across Scotland.
Plan your next adventure with us and discover the natural and cultural wonders Scotland has to offer. From adventure packed holidays to weekend breaks and ‘Dog Friendly’ escapes, we have a fantastic range of hostels for you to choose from and our teams are on hand to make sure you make the most of your stay.
As a not-for-profit charity, every booking with Hostelling Scotland contributes to initiatives that support young people, families, and communities, ensuring access to affordable travel experiences across Scotland.
We couldn’t do this without your help and we thank you for your kind and continued support.
To find out more, visit: hostellingscotland.org.uk
