|
 A guidebook’s just out for Scotland’s newest long-distance walk – the East Highland Way.
Founded in 2007, the East Highland Way (EHW) connects parts of three of Scotland’s existing long-distance paths – the West Highland Way, the Speyside Way and the Great Glen Way – to form a new coast to coast route, between Loch Linnhe and the Spey Bay at Buckie. It also means that two of Scotland’s top adventure bases, Aviemore and Fort William, are linked by a footpath.
“The contrast in natural habitats along the route provides the East Highland Way with a distinct character,” says the EHW’s creator and guidebook author Kevin Langan.
“The journey passes seamlessly through enchanting broadleaf forests, loch-side trails and quiet mountain wilderness. It skirts unspoilt marshlands and also explores the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine forests of Inshriach.
 “The route’s been optimised to engage with accommodation where possible, making it more accessible for walkers of all abilities,” he finishes.
The East Highland Way (so named as it finishes in Aviemore on the eastern edge of the Highlands, apparently) is 78 miles or 125km long. The new guidebook has maps and wonderful pictures. It costs £11.95 and is available from http://www.easthighlandway.com/, as is more info on the walk.
And Kevin’s not the only one branching out from the traditional Scottish long-distance paths. Hiker Ronald Turnbull has released a guidebook called Not the West Highland Way, offering alternative ideas to the WHW, which he refers to as a sweet shop when you don’t have any money – you can look, at this case at all the glorious mountains, but you’re not allowed to touch, as the path stays low (and close to the main road).
Look out for a full review of Not the West Highland Way in November/December’s Adventure Travel, or for more info before then see http://www.cicerone.co.uk/.
 |
