East Highland Way

The East Highland Way connects Fort William and Aviemore, both renowned outdoorsy areas in Scotland. Begin in the shadows of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, and wake up to a breathtaking view. The trail predominantly follows forestry tracks through woodlands but also ventures into open sections with superb views across the central Highlands.

Be aware of the most challenging section, Laggan to Newtonmore, passing through the remote Glen Bachor with three river crossings, which may be impassable in difficult conditions. In case of bad weather, there are alternative routes on minor roads and cycle paths.

Due to the lack of waymarks, self-sufficiency and navigation skills are a must for this trail. A map is necessary. Given that you spend almost all the time on visible tracks, an online map is probably sufficient. However, during bad visibility in boggy areas, a paper map for a better overview is recommended.

Despite being an easy walk and having accommodation available almost every day, this trail is considered moderate. For enthusiastic hikers, the best part is that it links three popular long-distance trails: the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way, and the Speyside Way. So, if you can’t get enough, just keep walking!

How to get Around

Both your starting point, Fort William, and your endpoint, Aviemore, have railway and bus stations connecting to major cities in Scotland, including those with international airports.

On your way, Spean Bridge, Kingussie, and Newtonmore also have rail and bus services. Tulloch is served by rail, and Kincraig is accessible by bus. However, it’s important to note that the central section until Newtonmore is without public transport.

Similar to many other countries, the optimal time for hiking is during the summer months (April-September). However, Scotland offers a unique proposition with its landscape dominated by hills, lots of hills! The highest mountain, Ben Nevis, stands at 1345m (4413ft). So yes, Scotland is hikable all year long, and each season brings its advantages and challenges.

Summer Months: During the summer, you are blessed with long days, providing ample time to cover your distance without feeling rushed. It’s an opportunity to enjoy lochs for a swim and have leisurely lunches with scenic views. Especially in certain highland areas, hiking during the dark should be avoided due to boggy terrains that require special attention. The summer months generally offer the driest days, with temperatures reaching about 18-20°C (65-68°F). However, Scotland’s abundance of water, including rivers, lakes, and marshes, brings its biggest challenge: MIDGES! Tiny little mosquitoes that can be quite bothersome and sting.

Winter Months: On the upside, winter months are free of midges, but there’s a trade-off. Expect a lot of rain, and snow is possible from the end of October until March. The days become significantly shorter, nights colder, and storms more frequent, making camping more challenging. But in the winter months, you have the opportunity to see the country with fresh eyes as trees and fields undergo a transformation, changing their colors from green to warm orange all over.

In conclusion, a very German piece of advice from my side: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong gear!” Scotland will be your grandest adventure with the right equipment.

Ensure you’ve chosen the right season for you.

For Summer Months:

• Don’t forget a mosquito net for your face, thin long sleeves, trousers (no worries, Scottish summers rarely exceed 20°C), or insect repellent.
• Opt for a tent that is mosquito-safe.
• Since it rains about 182 days in Scotland (lucky you, this part of Scotland counts as one of the driest), a rain jacket is essential, even in summer. You will never be safe from getting wet.

For Winter Months:

• Always pack a hardshell raincoat and rain trousers – you will get wet!
• Depending on your chosen trail, include an ice axe and crampons.
• A tent is often inevitable, especially in remote areas where bothies or village accommodations may not be accessible. During winter, storms can be intense, so ensure your tent has sufficient safety lines. If not, your tent may break or fly away. A dangerous situation in which none of us wants to find ourselves.

General Gear:

• A water filter is a must-have due to Scotland’s abundance of water sources and rich wildlife. Filter or boil water for at least 3 minutes. This way some areas even allow you to carry none at all.
• A paper map is recommended for a good overview of the area, helping you find quick escape routes or alternative paths. And as a good practice for upcoming trails where you simply need it.
• Scotland is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, and seals. Not a danger for you but maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbance.
• Always check the weather before heading back on the trail.
• Due to remote areas with unreliable reception, especially for solo hikers, a satellite tracker is highly recommended and can be a lifesaver.
• A guidebook provides insights into upcoming terrain and helps you find suitable spots for your tent, considering the boggy areas where camping may be restricted.

With this comprehensive gear, you can hike with confidence, whether navigating through summer rains or winter storms. Stay safe and enjoy the adventure!