East Highland Way

The trail by Allt a' Mhuilinn

The East Highland Way is a mountainous route through Inverness-shire developed in 2007 by Kevin Langan that connects Fort William, 56°49’4"N, 5°6’39"W, with the ski and mountain resort of Aviemore, 57°11’24"N, 3°49’45"W.^[1] The name it has been given is an echo of the more famous and arduous West Highland Way: the route of the East Highland Way begins at the northern trailhead of the West Highland Way and terminates in Aviemore in the eastern part of the Highlands, in the Cairngorms.

The route is 82 miles long and takes in a varied and wild landscape through deep forest plantations, passing many highland lochs and negotiating unspoilt marshlands. The route also explores the ancient Caledonian forests of Inshriach.

John Anderson in Glen Banchor

Route Description (from west to east)

Part 1: Fort William to Spean Bridge

12 miles: 4.5 – 5.5 hours

Ben Nevis, by Fort William

The route of the East Highland Way begins in Fort William, at the northern trailhead of the West Highland Way and the south-western head of the Great Glen Way. On leaving Fort William the route follows the old Ben Nevis access track past the aluminium works and Ben Nevis distillery continuing through broadleaf forests on the lower northern slopes of Carn Beag Dearg.

The route soon crosses the deep gorge of Allt a' Mhuilinn. From Torlundy the route continues through Glen Spean by way of the Leanachan forest plantation and ascends the open hillside past Tighnacoille farm.

The route then utilises local walking trails through the woods of Mointeach Dhubh (meaning Dark Moor), heading east until descending northwards towards Spean Bridge station. Spean Bridge has many hotels, B&Bs and a shop for supplies. The Commando Memorial and Highbridge ruin are only a short walk from Spean Bridge and are worth a visit if time permits.^[2]

Part 2: Spean Bridge to Tulloch

10 miles: 5.5 – 6.5 hours

The route continues eastwards past Killiechonate and Corriechoille house, soon crossing the River Cour, which has some fine pools for wild swimming a few hundred yards downstream. On arrival at Insh Farm, the route then follows the River Spean east to Monessie Gorge, where there is accommodation across the suspension foot-bridge.

The route is way-marked through the Inverlair forestry plantation which has a steep ascent and descent. On arrival at Inverlair Lodge continue left for bunkhouse style accommodation which can be found at Tulloch Railway Station (only a short road-walk to the north; two miles).^[3]

Part 3: Tulloch to Feagour

21 miles: 7.5 – 8.5 hours

Tulloch Station Lodge Bunkhouse

An Dubh Lochan

From your accommodation, re-join the route at Inverlair Lodge and continue along the single track road to Fersit (passing An Dubh Lochan).

The route is way-marked through the Corrour forestry plantation between Fersit and Moy Bridge. From Moy, the route continues along the south shore of Loch Laggan through the Ardverikie Estate (made famous by the BBC production Monarch of the Glen).

From the stunning Falls of Pattack in Feagour,^[4] accommodation can be found by via taxi/pickup in Laggan.^[5]

Part 4: Feagour to Laggan Village

5.5 miles: 2.5 – 3 hours

Pictish Fort, by Laggan

From the Falls of Pattack car park,^[6] the route continues eastwards through Strathmashie,^[7] passing the ancient Pictish hill-fort of Dun da Lamh, within the Black Woods. The Wolftrax mountain bike centre can be found on-route with a welcome café.

After crossing the River Spey, Laggan Village can be seen only a short distance across farmland to the east. Laggan has several hotels and B&Bs.^[8]

Part 5: Laggan to Newtonmore

9.6 miles: 5 – 6 hours

Laggan Village

From Laggan, the route leads uphill through the tiny hamlet of Balgowan, where it soon departs the woods for the more open moorland of Strath an Eilich.

After crossing the moor towards Binnein Mòr, the route picks up the Cluny Estate track which leads to Dal-na-seilg bothy in Glen Banchor. The route then follows the River Calder eastwards and descends to Newtonmore on the Old Glen Road.

Newtonmore has several shops, hotels and bunkhouses.^[9]

Part 6: Newtonmore to Kincraig

15.2 miles: 6.5 – 7 hours

Ruthven Barracks, by Kingussie

From Newtonmore the route ascends past the dramatic Allt Laraidh Waterfall near Strone. The route then continues northwards until it meets the sharp edge of a large forestry plantation north of Strone sheep fank. The route turns east where Loch Gynack soon comes into view.

The route descends the along the Gynack Burn and arrives at Kingussie which has a goodly set of shops, restaurants and accommodation options.

From Kingussie, the route passes Ruthven Barracks and continues to follow the waymarked Badenoch Way^[10] to Kincraig, passing the Insh Marshes and Loch Insh Watersports Centre.^[11]

Part 7: Kincraig to Aviemore

10 miles: 4 – 5 hours

Loch Insh, by Kincraig

From Kincraig the route passes the dramatic Frank Bruce Sculpture Park and soon arrives at Feshiebridge.

From here - the route climbs through the Inshriach woods past Drakes Bothy and the Island Castle of Loch an Eilein. This area is very sensitive due to presence of capercaillie (a large rare ground nesting bird) and as such great care should be taken to reduce noise, human waste and to remain on the path at all times. The route then passes Lochan Mor and descends to the road triangle at Inverdruie.

The finishing point of Aviemore (Morayshire detached, locally situate in Inverness-shire) is only a short road-walk north-westwards. Here the East Highland Way connects with the Speyside Way.^[12]