A walking holiday on the East Highland Way offers something for everyone and as an East Highland Way specialist we have opened up this dramatic trip to provide good quality accommodation and baggage transfers. Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be more than happy to tailor make an itinerary for you.
Detailed Route Description
Section 1, Fort William to Spean Bridge, 11 miles, 18 Km
A relatively flat, easy start to the walk means that you have a little time to explore Fort William before heading off to Spean Bridge. You will find the paths well made and solid on this first day.
Section 2, Spean Bridge to Inverlair, 11 miles, 18 Km
Starting off on the same forest paths you will soon get into the walking, following the River Spean. A great quiet day of forest walking will eventually lead you to Inverlair where we have arranged for you to be collected and taken back to Spean Bridge for your overnight stop.
Section 3, Inverlair to Feagour, 20 miles, 32 Km
You will be dropped back off at Inverlair this morning to begin the longest days walking. Though the distance is long, the walking is pretty easy after a bit of uphill walking in the morning. You will skirt the edge of Loch Moy before walking along the banks of the stunning Loch Laggan. Ending up in Feagour, we have again arranged for you to be collected and transferred to your overnight accommodation in nearby Laggan.
Section 4, Feagour to Newtonmore, 15 miles, 24 Km
After your transfer back down to Feagor, you start the walking day with an ascent up to the Pictish Fort of Dun da lamh. The amazing views here provide a stunning start to the day. From there the walk levels off until Cluny Castle when it starts to ascend again. Another great feeling of wilderness today as you walk along the banks of the River Calder before descending into the town of Newtonmore for the night.
Section 5, Newtonmore to Kincraig, 12 Miles, 19 Km
Level walking for most of today makes for a lovely walk. You will take in the Ruthven Barracks and cross over the powerful River Tromie today as well as spending a bit of time in the RSPB reserve on the Insh Marshes. Joining up with the shorter Badenoch Way will eventually lead you back down to Kincraig for your penultimate evening.
Section 6, Kincraig to Aviemore, 11 Miles, 18 Km
The final section of the East Highland Way is one of the most spectacular. You start off by walking up to the Frank Bruce Sculpture Park which is well worth spending some time at. From there you climb up through the Cairngorm National park through ancient bog forest. Your decent towards Aviemore is broken by the eerie beauty of the Castle of Loch an Eilein, where you should try shouting to the ghost of the Wolf of Badenoch who still haunts the ruin. Listen carefully for the strange echo that comes back. Aviemore is a delightful wee town to finish in and toast a wonderful trip.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this walking holiday is the high standard of the accommodation you will enjoy. The hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s we use are hand-picked to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We do recommend that you book this trip early as the area is always popular and the hotels and inns do fill up early, especially in high season. You will find descriptions, photos and weblinks to a selection of the accommodation below.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is not available to solo walker, however should you require single rooms within your party we will of course try to accommodate your request subject to availability.There is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival, alternatively your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have recommendations.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.
Additional Nights
The western highlands are so spectacular that many of our clients decide to take an extra night along the way to spend some time enjoying the area. You might like to consider adding extra nights in Fort William to climb Ben Nevis, Newtonmore for the amazing Highland Folk Museum or Aviemore for the abundance of post trip activities.
Fewer Nights
If you plan to travel home on the day you finish the walk and don't need accommodation for the final night we can easily take off the last night and let you know where we will meet you to drop off your luggage when you arrive at the end of the walk.
Guisachan Guest House - Fort William
Guisachan House sits above Fort William overlooking Loch Linnhe and the surrounding hills. Close to the centre of town, Matthew and Edith will make sure that your last night on the West Highland Way is a comfortable and relaxing one.
Berkeley House - Fort William
Berkeley House was constructed in the late 1800's. Following a total refurbishment in 1998, this traditional Scottish Guest House has kept much of the original characteristics, whilst adding many modern facilities.
Distant Hills - Spean Bridge
Peter & Lesley McIntosh welcome you to their Highland Guest House in the village of Spean Bridge. Distant Hills has a peaceful setting amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands of Scotland with uninterrupted mountain views.
The Rumblie - Laggan
The Rumblie experience is about good food and service in a relaxed highland home. Their focus is on good locally produced produce and on many occasions this would be Rumblie grown.
Ard na Coille - Newtonmore
This privately owned, luxury five star Guest House in the heart of the Highlands is a hidden treasure. Approached by a winding driveway flanked by mature trees, you will feel you are leaving the real world behind.
Suie Hotel - Kincraig
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you in the heart of the Highlands. The Suie Hotel is a high quality three star tourist board registered hotel, combining traditional Victorian elegance with modern comforts.
Ravenscraig - Aviemore
Beautifully decorated throughout and offering a warm welcome with Highland hospitality, Ravenscraig provides the perfect location for enjoying the wealth of outdoor pursuits in the area.
Getting to Fort William
Fort William is well serviced by public transport. The train from Glasgow takes approximately 4 hours and takes in the West Highland Way and a small part of the East Highland Way. The bus from Glasgow takes approximately 3 hours.
You can book these respectively on the Scotrail or Citylink websites.
Getting From Aviemore
Again Aviemore is well service by public transport being on the main train and bus route from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness. The bus and train take approximately 3-4 hours.
Planning a trip on the East Highland Way can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
How fit do I need to be?
At 80 Miles the East Highland Way is a fair distance and the higher your level of fitness the more you will enjoy the experience. The trip involves between 5 and 8 hours walking daily so you should be comfortable walking on good tracks and paths over undulating terrain for at least 6 to 7 hours. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the East Highland Way is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. Our info packs have a list of all equipement to bring on your walk.
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared.
What are the midges like?
Midges are small biting insects (much like north American gnats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets and several sections of the way are closed to dogs as they are permissive paths through farm land.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport, local taxis or our baggage van may be able to move you to the next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.
The East Highland Way is available from April to October. You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.
Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every EastHighland Way holiday we book is unique, availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
- You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
- We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
- If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.
Available
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
| Code |
Tour Name |
Duration |
Grade |
From |
Book |
| WSSEHW |
East Highland Way |
8 Days & 7 Nights |
|
£485 |
Book |
Included
- Carefully selected accommodation (B&B and Hotel Options available) as close as possible to the trail.
- B&B accommodation is en-suite wherever possible.
- B&B and hotel options include breakfast.
- Daily door-to-door baggage transfer.
- Transfers to your accommodation when necessary.
- Comprehensive guidebook covering the route.
- Detailed information pack with:
- Full details of your accommodation and how to find it.
- A detailed itinerary with a daily breakdown of distances, grades and recommendations for lunch and dinner.
- Detailed travel information on getting to the start and from the finish of the walk.
- A recommended equipment list and suggestions on the best gear.
- Emergency telephone support.
Excluded
- Travel insurance.
- Transport to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.
- Equipment.
