East Highland Way

This is walk was not so much physical draining but more mental draining and I think that due in part to volume of walking through miles of forest particular Corrour forest. Dont let this put you off as it still a great walk with main sights.

I had a plan which quickly when out the window but here goes

Day 1 Fort William to Inverlair (21.4 Miles)

A wet start to the day unfortunate there no official starter marker for east highland way (or i couldn't find it) so i guess using gps. Talking of markers there so few way marker on this walk you really need to be on ball with map and compass a few time I had double back as the map can be slightly unclear as is guide book. Day 1 took me though Nevis mountain range (watch out for mountain bikers on section) dropping down in Spean bridge I took the slightly detour for memorial and associated sights of high bridge and old railway but choice to come back via road as it was shorter easy route. As you leave Spean bridge most of good wild camping ground is taken up scouts campsite which is a bit annoying as there not even a fresh water piton there for walkers (but i not going to grumble) . As you progress along walk and pass first farm (and first marker) you enter sheep fields for me this was worst part as it was extremely wet under foot and made for some pretty dismal walking. As follow puggie line you go thoguth woods and come across the suspension bridge. Here you need to double back on yourself through gate (tractor normal park in front of second marker) and follow the river. (i made the mistake and when to far and was total lost and camp on river edge for night. it was following morning i refound the track). To enter inverlair forest you need fort strema which was fairly straight forward.

Day 2 Inverlair to Feagour

Still a wet start to day but it was a semi pleasant walk through some of remain forest (some were cut down). There a lot of forest walk to day and it hard on feet. Once you leave Inverlair you have a wee bit of road walking before entering Corrour forest. This almost broke me as it just endless miles of hard semi boring confiorer woodland with a attic speeding toward you occasionally. I found myself slowing as I walked thought here and difficult to spur myself on. Once you leave this forest you follow the shore of Loch Laggen and best inland beech. It made for a great wee dip to cool off. As you leave the shore of Loch Laggen you climb up into Ardverikie Estate (or Gelnbogle from Mochard of Glen) there are some beauitful view to be had as you walk through here.

NOTE: t he estate has made changes to route but has chnaged the wayward markers (there are two) to match instead of turning off the main forest track you continue over a new bridge.

After this bridge beware of a new construction project there are heavy plant running around and no additional pathway was made for walkers As you leave estate and walk towards the Falls of Patrick there was meant to be additional route to avoid walking down main road. However not matter how much I look or search I couldnt find this route and one track i did find was closed for safe reasons. I decide to camp at fall of Patrick. I would advice against this as it been abused by others it more like a human toilet than anything. it wasnt nice campsite I had but after walking along forest tracks my feet were in bad way and I was too tired to care. I just got up ealry following day and moved on.

Day 3 Feagour to Newtonmore (14.7 miles) (i original plant for hald of this distance but just decide i want a warm campsite for night)

This has to be most beautiful section of walk with stunning views The first stage I walk though woodland beofre dropping in to Laggan Village (has public toilet there) here i took a D tour crossing bridge and walking about 1 half up road to Pottery Barn and Bunkhouse for some light lunch (or that was plan). the sandwich was huge a door wedge with huge mug of coffee. I would recommend this to place to anybody. On leaving laggen village I walked through Glen Banchor. Glen Banchor is hard to put into word it honest the most peaceful relaxing beautiful place to be I wish i had long here. Path is vague in place but it is there after bothy the pathway is almost impossible to see if you have GPS stick to it like glue as you walking through bog and in time of bad weather you can easly see how wet it could be. I had dry walking though here but there are several large streams which would be hard to cross after heavy rain. As you lea Glen Banchor you head along road dropping into Newtonmore. I miss the truning but still end up in village. Home for night was Sprey Bridge Campsite. IF there one thing I learn dont believe the reviews. Whilst it most basic campsite it utterly charming. You pay 20p for *mint in steaming hot shower. It level clean and quiet and lovely place to go.

Day 4 Rest Day

Highland Folk Museum and Clan Museum are well worth a visit and are both FREE which is amazing.

Day 5 Newtonmore to Aviemore 26 miles the plan was to split this into two but it was to temping to do it one

You climb out and Newtonmore and over toward Kincrag. if it hadnt been for mist as you climb up on to moor you had some beautiful views. For those planning this walk as you leave Newtonmore to begin the climb over more you might hae to find and alternative route as occasional access is not allowed (according to sign when red flag no access is allowed for safe). As i climb up onto more the sheep seem rather surprise to see a walker. When you go to corss the stream on top of more dont be tempted to use old bridge which rotten or ford stream just keep pressing on as there a new bridge further down stream which is ideal for crossing. On second part of more the bird will harmless dive bomb you. As you enter gold course again route has major change again for safety reason but is easy enough to follow. The second part of this walk take pass Ruthven Barricks this does require a bit of road walking. as you walk though rspb reserve you get some nice views some of hills can be slip. Final part take you through forest which escape my memory but it wildlife rich and provide some beautiful views. AS you leave this second Scottish estate you enter Aveimore. Aveimore is very different place signs only go one way in town. For those looking for campsite in Aviemore cross bridge and walk straight head it about mile outside Aveimore (it call high peak). It nice campsite with a odd feeling about it but it ok. Again there no end official finish marker so after walking 82 miles I called Moutnain Cafe my end point. It had fantastic breakfast thee and would go again.

Overall this walk test my mental fitness rather than physical and was a let down in some places. Whilst wild camping option it was hard to find good spots along way. It was one of more quiet walk I done but not one i repeat with some many other good walk out there. This walk feel like something missing.