Discover the East Highland Way with Escape Cottages Scotland

If you’re looking for a long-distance walk that showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands, the East Highland Way is a fantastic choice. Stretching for 134km from Fort William to Aviemore, this unofficial but increasingly popular walking route takes you through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.

At Escape Cottages Scotland⁠, we are lucky to have several holiday cottages located close to the route, making them ideal places to stay while exploring sections of the trail or completing the full walk.

What is the East Highland Way?

The East Highland Way was devised in 2007 by Kevin Langan as a route linking some of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trails. The walk connects the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way with the Speyside Way, creating an incredible journey across the Highlands.

The route follows forestry tracks, tarmac roads, estate paths, and footpaths, passing mountains, lochs, rivers, and castles along the way. Walkers are treated to stunning views of famous Highland landscapes including Ben Nevis, Creag Meagaidh, and the magnificent Cairngorms National Park.

While generally considered a moderate walk, there are some tougher sections along the route and good navigation skills are essential. The East Highland Way is only lightly waymarked, so walkers should carry a map, GPS device, or phone navigation system.

East Highland Way Route Breakdown

The full route usually takes around 7 days to complete:

Fort William to Spean Bridge – 19km

Spean Bridge to Inverlair – 16.5km

Inverlair to Feagour – 34km

Feagour to Laggan – 8.5km

Laggan to Newtonmore – 15.5km

Newtonmore to Kincraig – 23.75km

Kincraig to Aviemore – 16.5km

There are a few river and burn crossings along the route which can become impassable during spate conditions. Alternative sections using minor roads and cycle paths are available when water levels are high.

Stay Along the East Highland Way

Accommodation along the East Highland Way can be limited, especially during the busy summer season, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Escape Cottages Scotland offers several excellent bases close to the route:

Fersit Log Cottage near Lochaber

Birch Cottage in Balgowan just outside of Laggan

Monash in Aviemore

Whether you are walking the entire route or exploring shorter sections, our cottages provide a comfortable place to relax after a day in the Highlands.

Planning Your Walk

The East Highland Way is accessible by public transport, with railway stations at both Fort William and Aviemore, as well as regular bus services connecting many Highland communities.

The best time to walk the route is during the summer months, when daylight hours are longer and conditions are generally more favourable. However, Highland weather can change quickly, so waterproof clothing is essential all year round.

Walkers should also note:

Ticks are prevalent in the Highlands, so take suitable tick precautions

Shops and pubs can be limited on some sections, so carry sufficient food and water

Good walking boots are essential

Always carry a first aid kit

Tell someone your planned route before setting out

Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions

Useful Route Information

For updated route information, interactive maps, and walking advice, we recommend visiting Walkhighlands⁠.

The East Highland Way offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the quieter side of the Highlands, away from some of Scotland’s busier walking routes. With breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and welcoming Highland accommodation along the way, it’s easy to see why this route is becoming increasingly popular with walkers from across the UK and beyond.