Suggestions for a 3-day walk in the Highlands

[jazzmozz]

Hello,
Last year my best friend and I did 3 stages of the Cateran trail. Some years ago we walked the complete West Highland Way. You could say that we like walking in the Highlands and that we're experienced hikers.

For this summer (probably June), we would like to do another walk in Scotland, but we have some requirements/limitations:
1. Three day walk
2. Either part of a long distance path or individual walks; but finish of each stage should be the start of the next
3. Start or finish is within max. 3 hrs driving of Edinburgh or Glasgow airport (because we come from abroad)
4. Between 16 and 25 km (10 and 15.5 mi) each day
5. Catered accommodation (hotel, hostel or B&B) at start and/or finish and at the end of each stage
6. Nice scenery of course and a whiskey distillery to quench our thirst won't be rejected

I have done some research and the only option I could find until now is the Rob Roy Way (stages 1. Strathyre to Killin, 2. Killin to Ardtalnaig and 3. Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy) although finding accommodation in Ardtalnaig could be problematic.

Any other suggestions are more than welcome and highly appreciated!

Thank you.

[Driftwood]

It would be adding a ferry trip at the start and end, but you could consider the Arran Coastal Way.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran/arran-coastal-way.shtml

I've only had one stay on the island, and spent more of that in the hills than around the coast, but it's a stunning place, and ticks most of your requirements. Even getting there, and the ferry from Ardrossan, may well be possible within 3 hours from Glasgow Prestwick airport, depending how the flight and ferry times line up. There are train stations close to the airport and ferry terminal, so that may be an alternative to a hire car - as foot passengers have it quicker and easier for the ferry arrangements.

There's also a bus service around the island, which would make it easier to close the loop on whichever stages you chose. And Lochranza, one stage start/end point, has the Arran Distillery

[jazzmozz]

Thanks Driftwood for your suggestion. I will dive into it but at first glance it looks promising!

[Sgurr]

Or you could add a ferry to Islay which is absolutely full of whisky distilleries . You could do malky_c's trip and stay in the bothy overnight

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=70800

and then add the three distilleries walk

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/islay-jura/three-distilleries.shtml

The only problem is getting from the end of one to the beginning of the other, but there are taxis on Islay and the mileage is low.

Catch the other ferry back

[jazzmozz]

Or you could add a ferry to Islay which is absolutely full of whisky distilleries . You could do malky_c's trip and stay in the bothy overnight

Thanks Sgurr, but this is not the optimal trip for us as bothies normally aren't catered and we have to add a ferry (which may become problematic if our flight is delayed). The presence of distilleries is nice and all but does not outweigh the practical problems. So I will continue searching. But thanks anyway for your input.

[jmarkb]

Newtonmore to Grantown via the East Highland Way / Speyside Way might work, with overnights in Kincraig and Aviemore. Possible to get the train to Newtonmore.

[Sgurr]

You could do the last three legs of the West Highland Way backwards


https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/west-highland-way.shtml

[Plavuizen]

Whatyou could do is what I did two years ago:
Day 1 arrive at Glasgow airport and train to Taynuilt.
Day 2 walk to Bridge of Orchy via Glen Kinglass, 44 km,
Day 3 bus to Kingshouse and walk via Rannoch Station to Corrour Station, 40km (you can skip the second halve by taking the train), train to Spean Bridge.
Day 4 walk from Spean Bridge back to Corrour (30km) and train back to Glasgow.
Day 5 fly back home.

Nice surroundings, and whiskey available in the hotels and no need to hire a car, but remember: long distances to walk!