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The Coast
to Coast Spectacular
Some
of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland is viewed on this trek
which is full of variety and interest. Starting from the east, the
route takes you from the North Sea at Inverness across the highlands
to the Atlantic and Ardnamurchan Point, ie the most westerly point
on the Scottish mainland. Returning south back via the lovely Isle
of Mull, this route is truly spectacular. Highlights include the Great
Glen Way, the Caledonian Canal and magnificent Glenfinnan.
Whilst
many may consider the west to east option preferable due to prevailing
winds, we much prefer the east to west route as the scenery becomes
more and more magnificent as you go west, culminating in an unforgettable
experience as you approach the Atlantic, through the wilderness of
Ardnamurchan.
| Day 1 |
Travel to Inverness
Travel north to Inverness for your first overnight stay prior
to the start of the trek. |
| Day
2 |
Inverness-Dores
10m/16km
You start with a lovely walk through Ness Islands then onwards
to the banks of the River Ness. Tarmac for 3 km then a delightful
woodland walk on the banks of the river and Loch Ness. |
| Day
3 |
Dores-Foyers
11m/17.5km
Climb up into the hills on a minor road, then sweep down to the
banks of Loch Ness. Spectacular views, including Falls of Foyers.
Some tarmac (8 km), then track, woodlands and forest track. Height
gain 200m. |
| Day
4 |
Foyers-Invermoristion
13m/22km
A special charter boat takes you to the other side of Loch Ness,
then onwards on forest track, climbing up into the hills and back
down again to Invermoriston. Height gain 200m. |
| Day
5 |
Invermoriston-Fort
Augustus 12m/20km
The Great Glen Way continues to climb up and down the forest areas,
then down to Fort Augustus, a pretty village on the Caledonian
Canal. Height gain 150m. |
| Day
6 |
Fort Augustus-South
Laggan 12m/20km
Continuing along the Great Glen Way, then down to the canal to
trek alongside Loch Oich, a gem of a walk today. |
| Day
7 |
South Laggan-Gairlochy
11m/19km
You join the Great Glen Cycleway (forest track ) for a while,
then a minor road with an opportunity to visit a museum to immerse
yourself in the fascinating history of this area. |
| Day
8 |
Gairlochy-Glenfinnan
11m/18km
Follow the Caledonian Canal to the end, past Neptune's Staircase
and look out to the Atlantic, before you enter Fort William. Then
a short rail link to magnificent Glenfinnan to walk in the steps
of Bonnie Prince Charlie who raised the Standard here for the
Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. |
| Day
9 |
Glenfinnan-Acharacle
7m/12km
A spectacular cruise and historical commentary (on Wednesdays
only). Otherwise a bus link (cruise or bus not included in price),
then trek to a great castle hidden away in a remote area. |
| Day
10 |
Salen-Kilmory
12m/20km
Superb coastal trek, picnic on a remote sandy beach with wonderful
views to the Small Isles of Rum and Eigg. |
| Day
11 |
Kilmory-Kilchoan
16m/25km
A trek into the past, by sandy beaches and the remnants of communities
ravaged by the Highland clearances long ago. Final trek to the
most westerly point on the mainland, Ardnamurchan Point. |
| Day
12 |
Kilchoan-Tobermory-Oban-Glasgow
Ferry to the Isle of Mull then onwards to Oban for an overnight
stay in Oban or train south to Glasgow and overnight in Glasgow.
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12 nights B&B, all en suite
or private facilities, mixture of Hotels, Guest Houses and very
good B&B's.
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Charter boat across Loch Ness.
- Taxi transfers
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Maps and route notes
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Daily baggage transfers
COST: £610/person, based on two persons
sharing accommodation and baggage transfer costs.
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Can leave out night 12 Oban or
Glasgow, if preferred, subtract £20/person.
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Can add a couple of nights on
Mull, to see puffins etc and Staffa/Iona.
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No Sunday sailings Kilchoan-Tobermory
except for July and August. No bus Glenfinnan-Acharacle on Sundays.
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Best option is to be in Glenfinnan
on Tuesdays, then can get cruise to Acharacle.
Packed lunches
These are not included in the above cost but are available
if booked in advance.
Evening meals
Available nearby in most cases, although in isolated locations
they will be available in the accommodation, booked not pre-paid.
Length of trek
This trek can easily be shortened - please enquire if interested.
Availability
May to September but please enquire
regarding specific starting dates.
Key symbols
Difficulty
of Terrain |
Route
Finding |
Navigational
Skills |
| Moderate,
but with two more strenuous sections |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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