Booking essential.
Relaxed walks on mainly flat or graded paths and tracks within easy access of a road/parking with little or no steep ground. These walks are designed to take in a specific tourist site or experience - perhaps to visit a ruined Scottish castle, wildlife centre or ancient carved stones - and are suitable for a wide range of abilities, typically never more than 3 miles or 2 hours of walking.
Leisurely walking on paths and tracks with occasional steep or uneven sections or steps. Designed to offer an immersive and relaxing experience connecting with nature and the outdoors these walks help promote wellbeing and may include walks around lochs, along beaches, through woodland and glens, to visit a specific historic or geological site, to learn about foraging for wild plants or to reach viewpoint. These are suitable for a wide range of abilities and are typically 3 to 6 miles with up to 5 hours of walking and 300m of ascent and descent.
Expect a full day of walking using a mixture of paths, tracks and over mixed terrain. There are likely to be some steep or uneven sections or steps. These walks are suited to those used to being active and may include easier hill summits, coastal walks, sections of long distance trails such as the Kintyre Way, visiting sites off the beaten track and sunset walks. Walks are typically 6 to 8 miles with 4 to 6 hours of walking and no more than 600m of ascent and descent.
An active day of walking using a mixture of paths, tracks and over mixed terrain which is likely to have steep rough sections. These walks are suited to those used to being active and may include hill summits, coastal sections with a lot of ascent and descent, remoter areas, longer sections of trails such as the Kintyre Way, visiting sites off the beaten track, trig point hunters and Wainwright baggers. Walks are typically 7 to 12 miles with 5 to 8 hours of walking and up to 800m of ascent and descent.
A full day of walking over varied ground, which may incorporate a mixture of tracks and paths but is likely to include rugged steep pathless terrain, requiring advanced skills, good fitness and stamina. Walks at this level are usually either long distance, which may or may not incorporate good paths, or in remote and mountainous areas. Typical walks include the easier Munros and Corbetts, the higher Lakeland and Welsh fells, challenges such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks and long distance backpacks such as the Coast to Coast or Pennine Way. Distances vary but are typically 10-25 miles with ascents of up to 1600m. A full days walking may take anything from 6 to12 hours.
A full day of walking over varied ground, which may incorporate a mixture of tracks and paths, rugged steep and rough pathless terrain, exposed ridges and non-technical scrambles requiring advanced skills, good fitness and stamina. Walks at this level are usually either long distance, which may or may not incorporate good paths, or in remote and mountainous areas. Typical walks include the harder or more remote Munros and Corbetts, routes such as Striding Edge in the Lake District, high level or remote long distance backpacks or ultra long distance events. Distances vary but are often over 15 miles with ascents often exceeding 1000m. An example is the Patterdale Round which takes in 17 Wainwrights, is 30 miles and has over 3000m of ascent. A full days walking may take anything from 8 to16 or more hours.
The views from Castle Dounie and over to Jura are truly lovely; I can happily just sit enjoying the view until every ray of sun has disappeared.
This lovely 4 mile walk starts from Crinan Harbour heading along the shoreline before ascending via a steep path through woodland to meet forestry tracks above. The route then wends its way to the summit of Castle Dounie, with glimpses of the sea and the possibility of seeing wildlife. The iron age fort commands a superb view over the Sound of Jura towards the Inner Hebrides and the famous Corryvreckan, the third largest whirlpool in the world. Pods of dolphin, porpoise, whales, or even the odd basking shark, may occasionally be spotted far below. We can explore the airy ridge of Creag Mhor or drop down to relax and watch the sunset from the coast, an experience that heartens the soul. After refreshments we wend our way back as day turns to night, listening for owls as we descend through the darkening woods by torchlight, or to the eery call of oystercatchers by the shore. The walk usually takes 3.5 hours.
All our activities can be booked for private groups as bespoke experiences.
Prices and terms & conditions for bespoke experiences apply.
All our activities can be booked for women only groups either as bespoke experiences or where advertised.
Yes, we welcome well behaved dogs on the majority of our walks (and you may well meet our trusty team member and Collie, Rowan).
Historic Environment Scotland are now allowing dogs on the sites we visit, as long as they are kept on a short lead and in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (last updated by HES, March 2021).
Yes. Please see the activity description for the skill level and walk grade. We recommend you contact us to ensure the level is appropriate or if your child is under 12 years old. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (see terms)
The walk finishes as dark falls so please bring a torch (a head torch keeps hands free). You will need sturdy walking shoes with good grips, a waterproof coat, warm layers and your preference of sandwich/snack and drink. We will provide some seasonal refreshments and treats. Insect repellent is also a must in summer! Full information on what to wear and bring can be found on the Heathery Heights Kit List. It can get chilly in the evening waiting to catch the last light!
Crinan Harbour lies a 15 minute drive north of Lochgilphead (a slow 7 miles).
Please meet at the car park at Crinan Harbour at the time designated on the date you have booked.
Times and our itinerary change slightly throughout the year to tie in with sunset and the best spots to see it from (16.30 mid-winter to 22.30 mid-summer).
(Toilets can be found above Crinan Basin a 3 min drive away)
Public Transport (not available in evenings)
