Loch Laggan in the Scottish Highlands

East Highland Way

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Overview

Route

What's Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

6 - 9 Nights

82 miles / 132 km

Prices from: £945 per person
Start: Fort William, Highlands
Finish: Aviemore, Cairngorms
Availability: Any start date from March to October
Grading: Moderate to Challenging
Way-marked: No

East Highland Way Highlights

Diverse landscapes

Enjoy enchanting forests, tranquil mountain wilderness, loch-side trails and the freshwater sandy beach of Loch Laggan.

Spectacular mountains

Experience dramatic views of Scotland’s highest mountains including Ben Nevis, the Creag Meagaidh group and the mighty Cairngorms.

The Commando Memorial

At the Highland village of Spean Bridge, where thousands of allied troops came to train for warfare during World War II, visit the evocative statue built to commemorate soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

Abundant nature

Discover the rich wildlife, flora and fauna of the Central Highlands, including the Newtonmore area – known as prime wildcat country!

Ruthven Barracks

Explore the imposing Ruthven Barracks, situated on the site of the medieval castles of the Comyns and the Gordons and built in 1719 after the first Jacobite uprising.

Stunning lochs

Enjoy walking along the serene banks of Loch Laggan, Loch Gynack, Loch Insh and Loch an Eilein.

Discover the Quiet Side of the Highlands

The East Highland Way is an 82 mile route stretching right across the Scottish Highlands. The route traverses the beautiful landscapes between Fort William – the outdoor capital of the UK – and Aviemore in the stunning Cairngorms National Park.

The route leaves Fort William on forested tracks, with a wide variety of woodland along the trail and plenty of open sections for you to enjoy the terrific views over the Central Highlands. You’ll find the remains of the ancient Caledonian Pinewood at Inshriach forest, nestled between the Rothiemurchus and Glen Feshie estates, as well as the largest freshwater sandy beach in Britain on the shores of Loch Laggan. The East Highland Way is a must for anyone who wishes to discover the real flavour of the Highlands of Scotland.

The East Highland Way connects some of Scotland’s existing long-distance walks: the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, and Speyside Way – making it a great opportunity to combine two or more long distance trails.

There are no great ascents on this route but there are some very long days, and the trail is often many miles from the nearest road. It is worth noting that the trail is almost entirely un-waymarked and as such the emphasis should be placed on the individual being able to follow the route maps and guidebook that we provide you with. Good map-reading and navigation skills are essential for this trail.

East Highland Way Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is EHW2 which covers the full route in 6 days / 7 nights.

Travel to Fort William for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in Fort William, the bustling Highland town set against the dramatic backdrop of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Day 1: Fort William to Spean Bridge (11.5 miles / 19 km)

Leaving Fort William and the Nevis Range behind, you may wish to take a short detour from the path to visit the Ben Nevis distillery. The trail becomes more rural and peaceful as you pass through mixed woodland, and you can enjoy views across the Great Glen before stopping at the Highland village of Spean Bridge, famous for its spectacular Commando Memorial.

Day 2: Spean Bridge to Inverlair (10 miles / 15.5 km)

The second stage of the East Highland Way follows forest trails for the majority of the day. The River Spean runs alongside these for the most part and there will be some farmland walking and forestry with mountain views at times. Overnight accommodation is back in Spean Bridge.

Day 3: Inverlair to Feagour (21 miles / 33.5 km)

This is the longest stage of the route, but it is straightforward walking on forestry tracks. Through the plentiful clearings in the trees, you will be able to take in the views of Binnein Shuas and Creag Meagaidh, before walking alongside Loch Laggan, known for its large sandy beaches and Monarch of the Glen fame.

Day 4: Feagour to Newtonmore (14 miles / 22 km)

Today you are rewarded with amazing views from the offset. The day commences with an optional ascent up to the remains of Dun da Lamh, an impressive Pictish Fort. The route then continues through remote Glen Banchor as you make your way towards Newtonmore.

Pay close attention to wildlife today – the Newtonmore area is known as prime Wildcat country. With around 100 of these beautiful creatures remaining in the wild, this is a rare opportunity to spot one.

Day 5: Newtonmore to Kincraig (15.5 miles / 24.5 km)

Leaving Newtonmore behind, you will enjoy some leisurely walking today as you make your way towards Loch Gynack. The imposing Ruthven Barracks is en route, and you will pass through the beautiful RSPB Nature Reserve at Insh Marshes after joining the Badenoch Way. After traversing the banks of Loch Insh you will arrive in Kincraig, famed for its Watersports Centre.

Day 6: Kincraig to Aviemore (10.5 miles / 16.5 km)

Today you will enjoy a fitting end to a fantastic walk, combining culture and nature. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Frank Bruce’s Sculpture Park, enjoy your lunch on the shores of Loch an Eilein, wander through the Caledonian Pine Forest of the Rothiemurchus Estate and finish in Aviemore, in the heart of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the East Highland Way.

What's Included?

Your East Highland Way walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional Scottish breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 4 suggested itineraries for walking the East Highland Way.

Our most popular itinerary is EHW2 which covers the full route in 6 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

EHW1

5 Days / 6 Nights

16.5 miles per day

Challenging

From £945

Average miles : 16.5 miles per day

Tour code: EHW1

Difficulty : Challenging

5 Days / 6 Nights (EHW1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Fort William for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Fort William to Spean Bridge 11.5 miles / 19 km

Day 2 Spean Bridge to Inverlair (overnight Spean Bridge) 10 miles / 15.5 km

Day 3 Inverlair to Feagour (overnight Newtonmore) 21 miles / 33.5 km

Day 4 Feagour to Kingussie 19.5 miles / 31 km

Day 5 Kingussie to Aviemore 20 miles / 32 km

Depart Onward travel from Aviemore

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £945 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

EHW2

6 Days / 7 Nights

13.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £1060

Average miles : 13.5 miles per day

Tour code: EHW2

Difficulty : Moderate

6 Days / 7 Nights (EHW2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Fort William for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Fort William to Spean Bridge 11.5 miles / 19 km

Day 2 Spean Bridge to Inverlair (overnight Spean Bridge) 10 miles / 15.5 km

Day 3 Inverlair to Feagour (overnight Newtonmore) 21 miles / 33.5 km

Day 4 Feagour to Newtonmore 14 miles / 22 km

Day 5 Newtonmore to Kincraig (overnight Newtonmore) 15.5 miles / 24.5 km

Day 6 Kincraig to Aviemore 10.5 miles / 16.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Aviemore

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1060 per person

Enquire Now

EHW3

7 Days / 8 Nights

12 miles per day

Moderate

From £1150

Average miles : 12 miles per day

Tour code: EHW3

Difficulty : Moderate

7 Days / 8 Nights (EHW3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Fort William for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Fort William to Spean Bridge 11.5 miles / 19 km

Day 2 Spean Bridge to Inverlair (overnight Spean Bridge) 10 miles / 15.5 km

Day 3 Inverlair to Moy Bridge (overnight Spean Bridge) 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

Day 4 Moy Bridge to Feagour (overnight Newtonmore) 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 5 Feagour to Newtonmore 14 miles / 22 km

Day 6 Newtonmore to Kincraig (overnight Newtonmore) 15.5 miles / 24.5 km

Day 7 Kincraig to Aviemore 10.5 miles / 16.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Aviemore

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1150 per person

Enquire Now

EHW4

8 Days / 9 Nights

10 miles per day

Moderate

From £1305

Average miles : 10 miles per day

Tour code: EHW4

Difficulty : Moderate

8 days / 9 Nights (EHW4)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Fort William for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Fort William to Spean Bridge 11.5 miles / 19 km

Day 2 Spean Bridge to Inverlair (overnight Spean Bridge) 10 miles / 15.5 km

Day 3 Inverlair to Moy Bridge (overnight Spean Bridge) 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

Day 4 Moy Bridge to Feagour (overnight Newtonmore) 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 5 Feagour to Laggan (overnight Newtonmore) 5 miles / 8 km

Day 6 Laggan to Newtonmore 9.5 miles / 15.5 km

Day 7 Newtonmore to Kincraig (overnight Newtonmore) 15.5 miles / 24.5 km

Day 8 Kincraig to Aviemore 10.5 miles / 16.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Aviemore

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1305 per person

Enquire Now

East Highland Way Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Fort William

By Air

Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport.

Nearest Major Airports: Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport.

All airports run regular public transport services to the city centres. From Glasgow, you can then directly travel to Fort William by train (journey time 3 hours 45 mins). From Edinburgh, you can travel to Fort Wiliam by train via Glasgow (approximate journey time 4 – 5 hours). From Inverness, you can travel to Fort William by Citynlik Bus (journey time 2 hours).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Fort William.

There are regular train services from Glasgow to Fort William (journey time 3 hours 45 min) and Edinburgh via Glasgow (journey time 4 – 5 hours). On an average weekday, there are 3 trains travelling from Glasgow to Fort William.

The Caledonian Sleeper travels from London Euston to Fort William overnight (journey time 12 hours).

There are also regular Citylink bus services from Inverness to Fort William (journey time 2 hours), Glasgow (journey time 3 hours) or Edinburgh (journey time 4 hours 30 min).

As the train and bus services can be very busy, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Fort William for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Departing Aviemore

By Air

Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport and Aberdeen Airport.

Nearest Major Airports: Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport.

Aviemore is located on the main Highland railway line between Inverness (journey time 35 min) and Edinburgh (journey time 3 hours), from where you can connect with a train to Glasgow (journey time 50 min). To return to Aberdeen Airport, change trains in Perth (journey time 3 – 4 hours). The journey from Aviemore to London Kings Cross takes approximately 9 hours.

All airports run regular shuttle bus services to the city centres.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Aviemore Station.

The journey from Aviemore to London Kings Cross takes approximately 9 hours.

There are also regular Citylink bus services from Aviemore to Inverness (journey time 45 min), Glasgow (journey time 3 hours) or Edinburgh (journey time 3 hours).

As the train and bus services can be very busy, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park in Aviemore for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the East Highland Way.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Jacobite Steam Train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Fort William

Climb Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain
Enjoy a spectacular scenic journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, famous as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films
Visit the historic 13th century ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle
Visit Nevis Range, a year round mountain resort, where Britain’s only mountain gondola will transport you to 650m on the slopes of Aonach Mor

Newtonmore

Visit the wonderful Highland Folk Museum and learn how our Scottish Highland ancestors lived, how they built their homes, tilled the soil and how they dressed
Visit the Clan Macpherson museum and hear the stories of the famous men and women of the clan who have changed the face of the world
Walk the 10km Wildcat Trail and keep your eyes peeled for the real thing, and for the 129 lifesize wildcat models!

Kincraig

Enjoy the variety of watersports on offer at Loch Insh, including sail sports, paddle sports, raft building, fishing, rowing and pedalos on the loch. On land, you can also try your hand at archery or skiing on the dry slope
Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra at the Highland Wildlife Park

Aviemore

Enjoy walking in the Cairngorm Mountains.
Enjoy a variety of water-sports on Loch Morlich
Take a stroll in the beautiful Rothiemurchus forest, and visit Loch an Eilein with it’s castle on an island
Take a trip on the Strathspey Railway through the Cairngorms National Park

How do our Walking Holidays Work?

For more than 20 years, we’ve been weaving together unforgettable walking holidays amidst the enchanting landscapes of the British Isles. Dive deeper into how they work in our comprehensive guide. Read more

Our client walking in the North York Moors National Park

Hiking the Path Less Travelled on the East Highland Way

Starting in Fort William and ending in Aviemore, the East Highland Way traverses 82 miles through enchanting forests, mountainous landscapes, and unspoilt wilderness. Read on to find out more about the road less travelled... Read more