Long distance
East Highland Way
Links Fort William to Aviemore through the heart of the Highlands via the Great Glen, Laggan and the Monadhliath foothills. The natural eastward continuation of the West Highland Way.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 131 km/ 81 mi
- Typical days
- 6
- Total ascent
- 2500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Start → Finish
- Fort William → Aviemore
- Best direction
- West to East
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
The East Highland Way was designed as the logical sequel to the WHW — walk both and you cross Scotland from Glasgow to Aviemore. The route passes through genuinely wild terrain in the Laggan and Dalwhinnie sections. Less polished than the WHW but more rewarding for experienced walkers. The Cairngorms arrival at Aviemore feels earned.
Highlights
- Caledonian Canal from Fort William
- Laggan and the Monadhliath
- Dalwhinnie — Scotlands highest distillery
- Cairngorms approach to Aviemore
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 6-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Fort William to Laggan Locks22km · 350m ascent
Along the Caledonian Canal towpath from Neptune's Staircase through the Great Glen to Laggan Locks at the south end of Loch Lochy.
- Terrain
- Canal towpath, forest tracks. Flat and easy.
- Overnight
- Laggan Locks has the Eagle Barge Inn (floating pub) and a B&B. Great Glen Hostel at South Laggan.
- Stats
- Fort William → Laggan Locks · 22km · ↑350m
2Laggan Locks to Laggan26km · 500m ascent
Leave the Great Glen and head east over the hills to Laggan village. The landscape transitions from glen to moorland.
- Terrain
- Hill tracks, forest roads, moorland paths. Some rough ground.
- Overnight
- Laggan has the Rumble Bridge B&B and the Pottery Bunkhouse.
- Stats
- Laggan Locks → Laggan · 26km · ↑500m
3Laggan to Dalwhinnie22km · 400m ascent
Through the Monadhliath foothills and along the upper Spey to Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest distillery at 326m.
- Terrain
- Moorland tracks, river paths, old drove roads.
- Overnight
- Dalwhinnie has the Loch Ericht Hotel and limited B&Bs. Distillery worth a visit.
- Stats
- Laggan → Dalwhinnie · 22km · ↑400m
4Dalwhinnie to Kingussie22km · 350m ascent
Along the Spey valley past Newtonmore to Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park. The Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore is excellent.
- Terrain
- River paths, farm tracks, old military road.
- Overnight
- Kingussie has hotels, B&Bs and the Duke of Gordon Hotel.
- Stats
- Dalwhinnie → Kingussie · 22km · ↑350m
5Kingussie to Kincraig18km · 300m ascent
Along the Spey valley through Insh Marshes RSPB reserve — one of the finest wetland habitats in Scotland — to the village of Kincraig.
- Terrain
- Riverside paths, marshland boardwalks, quiet lanes.
- Overnight
- Kincraig has B&Bs. The Highland Wildlife Park is nearby.
- Stats
- Kingussie → Kincraig · 18km · ↑300m
6Kincraig to Aviemore21km · 400m ascent
The final stretch through Rothiemurchus Forest — ancient Caledonian pine — to Aviemore with the Cairngorm plateau visible ahead.
- Terrain
- Forest trails, riverside paths, some hill walking.
- Overnight
- Aviemore has everything — hotels, hostels, outdoor shops and restaurants.
- Stats
- Kincraig → Aviemore · 21km · ↑400m
Best months
Accommodation
Fort William, Laggan, Dalwhinnie and Aviemore have accommodation. The middle sections are remote — wild camping or plan carefully.
Resupply
Fort William and Aviemore have full shops. Laggan has a village shop. Dalwhinnie has a distillery but limited supplies. Carry 2 days between towns.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Fort William)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:31
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:45
- Civil dusk
- 21:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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