The East Highland Way
Distance : 79.5 miles (128 km)*
Grade : Moderate
Navigation : Easy to Moderate**
Availability : mid March to mid October
The East Highland Way was launched in early October 2010 and is a fantastic walk providing a link with three major walks, namely the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way and Speyside Way.
On its 79.5 mile (128 km) journey from Fort William to Aviemore, this new and exciting walk is brimming with places of historical interest, fine loch views and delightful forest trails.
You achieve a real sense of wilderness as you make your way eastwards through Monarch of the Glen country and over old Clan Macpherson hunting grounds.
Imagine yourself in the shoes of the Jacobites at Ruthven Barracks and look in wonder at the remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forests.
This is a true adventure which comes highly recommended!
*Please note that the route in the official East Highland Way Guidebook varies between 78 miles (125 km) and 88 miles (142 km). Our particular variation totals a mileage of 79.5 km (128 km).
** Although the East Highland Way is not way marked, comprehensive route notes will be supplied and with the notes and Official Guidebook, the trail is easy to follow.
Suggested Itinerary (7 days walking/8 overnight stays)
| Day 1 | Arrive Fort William | With good public transport links, arrive into the Highland town of Fort William, with the famous backdrop of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. |
| Day 2 | Fort William to Spean Bridge (11.5 miles/18.5 km) | As you leave Ben Nevis behind, you pass the distillery of the same name, walking along the cycle track in the shadow of the Aonachs to Spean Bridge, famous for its spectacular Commando Memorial. |
| Day 3 | Spean Bridge to Fersit (13 miles/21 km) | Starting on the picturesque Spean Bridge forest trails, a lovely day of walking alongside the River Spean and then through fields and forest and down into the remote village of Fersit. |
| Day 4 | Fersit to Gallovie (Feagour) (17 miles/27.5 km) | A long day but easy walking alongside the beautiful Lochs Spean and Laggan, with fine views as you pass through the famous 'Monarch of the Glen' country. |
| Day 5 | Faegour to Laggan (5 miles/8 km) | Visit the Falls of Pattack before making your way through delightful woodland on your way up to view the ancient Pictish Fort of Dun Da Lamh, well worth a visit. |
| Day 6 | Laggan to Newtonmore (10 miles/16 km) | You are now in Clan Macpherson territory! If the rivers are low, then an absolutely stunning walk through Glen Banchor. Alternatively, walk through the picturesque forest paths of Glen Truim. |
| Day 7 | Newtownmore to Kincraig (12.5 miles/20 km) | A 'not to be missed' chance to visit the imposing Ruthven Barracks before picking up the Badenoch Way and winding your way through the beautiful RSPB Nature Reserve and past the lovely Loch Insh. |
| Day 8 | Kincraig to Aviemore (10.5 miles/17 km) | A superb day to end a fantastic walk. An interesting start past the Sculpture Park and then through delightful woodland past Loch an Eilein and through the Caledonian Pine Forest of Rothiemurchus Estate and into the bustling town of Aviemore. |
If you would like to walk shorter/longer distances each day or stay at different stages along the Way, then please let us know and we will adapt the itinerary to suit your individual requirements (click here for alternative routes).
Cost of Package : £450.00 pp (based on two persons sharing)
This package includes:
- Eight overnight stays in selected quality b&bs/guest houses/small hotels with en-suite facilities
- Full Scottish breakfast
- Baggage transfer from stage to stage
- Transfers, if required, due to limited accommodation at some stages
- East Highland Way Guidebook & Laminated OS Maps
- Comprehensive tour pack with full information on your walk including location details for your accommodations and local facilities
- The services of the Gemini Team prior to and during your holiday
Not Included:
- Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks (available at all stages)
- Transport to Fort William/from Aviemore
- Travel Insurance (we recommend that you arrange your own cover)
Notes :
- Additional overnight stays can be arranged at a cost of £40.00 pp per night.
- Discounts available for groups of 4 or more. Please ask at time of booking.
- This route does not support solo walkers due to the high cost of baggage transfer. However, if you can arrange to walk at the same time/stay at the same destinations as another tour, then it might be feasible. Please contact us for further details.
Please feel free to contact us on for any further information on this walk. Thank you.
Gemini Walks - Walking at its Best
Gemini Walks Limited. 4 Inglis Place, Brightons, Falkirk FK2 0TE. Scotland
Tel: 01324 410260. Email: . Website: www.geminiwalks.com
© 2010 Gemini Walks Limited