Scottish Coast to Coast Walk
- Walk across Scotland through ever-changing landscapes
- Enjoy a fireside dram at the end of an unforgettable day
- Finish at the foot of Ben Nevis - Scotland's highest mountain
- Traverse the incomparable Rannoch Moor
- Enjoy hearty dinners at cosy Highland hotels
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive PerthPerth is an elegant town of almost 50000 sited on the banks of the River Tay at the head of the Forth of Tay and the jumping off point for your coast to coast walk. Perth is easily accessible by road, rail and car from Glasgow and Edinburgh (1h20) or further afield.
Settle into your accommodation, take a stroll or visit St John’s Kirk.
Hazeldene Guest House is a 4-star Victorian guest house situated on A94 and within a 10 minute walk of Perth City Centre and many good restaurants. All the rooms are modern and en suite. In the morning, the owners will cook you a superb Perthshire breakfast!
The Auld Manse Guest House is a traditional Victorian House situated a short walk from Perth city centre.
The bustling city centre is just minutes from the hotel. Their rooms are simply furnished and tastefully decorated with all the amenities you require. Their lounge bar, with its pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, is a wonderful watering hole. As for a true taste of Scottish hospitality, why not sample a traditional Scottish malt from our extensive range there's a dram to suit all tastes!
After collecting a pebble from the banks of the River Tay you head north along the banks of the Tay to Luncarty and Stanley. The Tay is the longest river in Scotland and you will get to know it well over the next few days.
As there is only one suitable accommodation in Bankfoot, if it is not available on the dates you wish to travel you will spend 2 nights in Perth and transfers to and fro will be included.
Ascent approx 200m
The Bankfoot Inn is a traditional, family run, 18th Century Scottish Inn surrounded by rolling hills. A former coaching Inn it originally served as a resting place for weary travellers, and still does today! You are sure of a warm welcome at this beautifully restored property and there is a adjoining restaurant serving locally prepared fayre. The public and lounge bars are the perfect place to unwind after a good days walking with a selection of single malt whiskies and real ales from Scotland’s microbreweries.
Hazeldene Guest House is a 4-star Victorian guest house situated on A94 and within a 10 minute walk of Perth City Centre and many good restaurants. All the rooms are modern and en suite. In the morning, the owners will cook you a superb Perthshire breakfast!
The Auld Manse Guest House is a traditional Victorian House situated a short walk from Perth city centre.
Following a very quiet county road you quickly leave Bankfoot behind and climb gently alongside Garry Burn to Glen Garr. You may be tempted to climb the Obney Hills to visit either the obelix or prehistoric fort, which mark their summits. Continue to Dunkeld via the Rumbling Bridge and Hermitage. The Hermitage has long been a stopping point on the grand Scottish Tour. The mature forests, streams and waterfalls make for a delightful end to a pleasant day.
Dunkeld and Birnam straddle the River Tay and much of the townscape has been restored by Historic Scotland, making it one of Scotland’s prettiest towns. Dunkeld Cathedral is a particular highlight.
Ascent/descent approx 300m
Built in 1815 as a former coaching Inn the hotel is steeped in history. Today it offers wonderfully relaxing rooms with all the conveniences to make for a lovely stay. Both the Woodlands Bistro and the Highlander restaurant offers a wide selection of choice and there is also an extensive wine list.
Today your Coast to Coast moves up a notch with a tough day over the moors and through forests to Aberfeldy. You start by following the old military road to Ballinloan and then climb over Grandtully Hill to Aberfeldy. The excellent cakes at the Watermill cafe in Aberfeldy should only be skipped in emergency!
Ascent 650m, descent 600m
Balnearn is a Victorian style property set within approximately three quarters of an acre of grounds. They have 10 comfortable and well-presented rooms, 7 of which have shower rooms and 3 with bathrooms. All their rooms have flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. If you wish to keep in contact they provide free Wi-Fi access for your convenience. Each room has a high standard en-suite or private facilities with high pressure showers and the majority have heated towel rails and we provide Scottish Fine Soap toiletries.
The Ailean Chraggan Hotel and Restaurant is all about Scottish hospitality in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Each of the five spacious en-suite rooms has been tastefully refurbished to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Their restaurant has a reputation for consistently high quality traditional food, they use the freshest fish and shellfish, seasonal game and local produce.
Fernbank House is an impressive Victorian House once owned by the Earl of Breadalbane. It was built in the late 19th century and is now owned by Annette and Rory Macdonald and their family. They offer a warm welcome to their home that offers a high standard of service and comfort.
The Birks of Aberfeldy are the first of many highlights on an action packed day to Fortingall. Following footpaths and farm roads you soon reach Kenmore at the head of Loch Tay. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Scottish Crannog centre or alternatoivey the Kenmore Hotel, one of many claimants to the title of Scotland’s oldest inn. Leaving Kenmore the route climbs over Drummond Hill, rewarding with expansive views of Loch Tay.
The hamlet of Fortingall is famous for having the oldest tree in Scotland and is reputedly the birth place of Pontius Pilate - the son of a Roman Legionary and a local girl.
Since there is only 1 suitable accommodation in Fortingall and there is no availability when you wish to travel, you will spend 2 nights in Aberfeldy with transfers to and fro included.
Ascent/descent approx 750m
The Fortingall Hotel is a charming country house which offers great hospitality. They have 10 guest rooms which all have luxury en-suites, flat screen TV, fluffy robes, luxury toiletries and a decanter of whiskey. They have a good reputation for great cuisine using local sourced produce and creating imaginative menus.
Balnearn is a Victorian style property set within approximately three quarters of an acre of grounds. They have 10 comfortable and well-presented rooms, 7 of which have shower rooms and 3 with bathrooms. All their rooms have flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. If you wish to keep in contact they provide free Wi-Fi access for your convenience. Each room has a high standard en-suite or private facilities with high pressure showers and the majority have heated towel rails and we provide Scottish Fine Soap toiletries.
The Ailean Chraggan Hotel and Restaurant is all about Scottish hospitality in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Each of the five spacious en-suite rooms has been tastefully refurbished to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Their restaurant has a reputation for consistently high quality traditional food, they use the freshest fish and shellfish, seasonal game and local produce.
Get ready for a wonderful day of classic Scottish hillwalking through an empty corner of the highlands. You follow a rough track to Glenmore Bothy, with the iconic shape of Schiehallion looming ahead. A ruined highland village lies at its feet. Once you climb over the shoulder of Schiehallion it is all downhill to the Kinloch Rannoch. The path is indistinct and very rough/boggy in sections, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
Ascent 700m, descent 750m
This highly acclaimed design-led luxury hotel incorporates excellent five star boutique accommodation perfectly in tune with the naturally stunning surroundings of the picturesque Scottish Highlands in Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire. Dunalastair Hotel Suites offers a perfect blend of history and elegance with modern conveniences of the highest standards and a luxury designed with guest comfort at its heart. Wifi is available. Complimentary parking is available.
Stunning views surround this grand hotel where you will receive traditional Scottish hospitality. Meals can be enjoyed in the Ptarmigan restaurant or the Schiehallion Bar. At Loch Rannoch Hotel, they use only the freshest of ingredients to provide fantastic food, expertly prepared, in beautiful surroundings with superb service. You may wish to enjoy the delights of the Craig Varr leisure complex, the perfect way to relax after a long days walking.
The empty highland landscape and dark waters of Loch Rannoch are your only companions as you walk to the remote Bridge of Gaur. You follow the small almost completely traffic free road on the southern shore of Loch Rannoch for most of the day, although some small off road diversions are possible.
Ascent 230m, descent 200m
Nestled at the West end of Loch Rannoch, in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Offering high quality, hotel standard, bed & breakfast accommodation. The tranquil setting of the Bridge of Gaur Guesthouse is set 5 miles from Rannoch Moor, one of the last wilderness areas in Europe.
Situated in perhaps the most remote area of Britain this is a wonderful place in which to enjoy the wilderness of Rannoch Moor while relaxing in front of the warmth of a log fire. Mouth watering home cooking will place you in good stead for the walk ahead that is if you can force yourself to rise from the comfortable beds!
The emptiness of Rannoch Moor is beguiling. A big sky landscape of marsh, rivers, lochs and bogs populated only by deer. Your walk follows an ancient right of way which cunningly finds a route through this empty, but beautiful, landscape. Kingshouse Hotel, sitting picture perfect in front of Buachaille Etive Mor marks the end of your day’s walk.
Ascent 225m, descent 375m
Kingshouse Hotel sits in splendid isolation on the wild Rannoch Moor with arguably Scotland's best view of Buachaille Etive Mor.
The Kings House Hotel is centred around a 17th century Inn, believed to be one of Scotland's oldest licensed establishments. The original building was used after the Battle of Culloden in 1745, as a barracks for troops of George III, hence the name Kings House. The building has now been altered considerably over the past century and has now been redeveloped, refurbished and transformed to the highest standard. All rooms are comfortably decorated and have all the amenities you require for a comfortable night’s stay. There is also a drying room for those rainy days. The location of the Kingshouse Hotel could not be better and the view across to Buachaille Etive Mor has to be one of the most stunning vistas in all Scotland!
They are a family run, three-star, Scottish Tourist Board guest house situated right next to Glencoe Village at the foot of Glencoe itself, Strathassynt Guest House offers a home away from home in the Scottish Highlands.
Nestling in the heart of Glencoe’s amongst the spectacular and majestic mountains the Clachaig Inn has been a source of accommodation to walkers for over three hundred years. The Inn has 23 modern bedrooms with en-suite facilities and great views of the surrounding landscape. The restaurant’s menu is a blend of modern ideas and fresh produce, sourced from local suppliers wherever possible and will definitely have something to suit every taste. The Inn has three bars each with its own distinctive and lively character where you can relax in the evening and meet the friendly locals.
Joining the West Highland Way you are soon climbing the Devil’s Staircase at the head of Glencoe. A short sharp climb rewards with 360 degree views of the peaks of the western highlands. Kinlochleven sits winking at you from the valley far below and you will be enjoying a drink before you know it.
Ascent 400m, descent 600m
Alt-Na-Leven guest house is well situated in the centre of Kinlochleven.
The Highland Getaway has wonderful accommodation that is clean, comfortable and perfect for relaxing after an adventurous day on the West Highland Way. The Highland Getaway Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or to unwind in the evening with a tasty meal or nightcap after a day of exploring the highlands.
The guest house is located at the head of Loch Leven, just 3 minutes’ walk from Kinlochleven village centre. All the rooms are en-suite and with mountain views. The whole guesthouse including all rooms is strictly non-smoking. A wonderful accommodation and you are assured a very warm welcome.
All that remains is a final push to the west coast at Fort William. Reflect on a coast to coast journey of contrasts as you walk through the remote Lairigmor pass towards Ben Nevis. Scotland’s highest mountain, which marks the end of your coast to coast epic. Well done!
Ascent/descent 650m
Dora welcomes you with open arms to her beautiful guest house - Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnie and just a short stroll from the town centre Myrtle Bank is a wonderful place to relax at the end of the West Highland Way.
Stobahn Guest House is situated just above Fort William High Street with rooms overlooking Loch Linnhe. Five minutes walk away from the bus and train station.
The Garrison Hotel signifies the newest, 4-star, boutique hotel to open in Fort William. Built on the site of the Old Police Station, on the High Street of Fort William, the hotel offers all that a weary walker would wish for! With 41 rooms, each tastefully decorated to offer guests chic, stylish accommodation within comfortable surroundings, there is also restaurant serving lunch and dinner plus a bar to unwind at the end of ‘Way’.
Continue your adventure in the Highlands or return to Glasgow by train (4hrs) or bus (3hrs).
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This is a fairly tough walk through some very remote areas so is best suited to more experienced walkers who can navigate using map and compass. They will be rewarded with an unforgettable walk!
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
The route comprises of hill and mountain tracks through woodland and forests and also moorland. You will also walk on riverside trails, minor roads and highland paths, some of which can be indistinct and boggy. There are also some parts where you will walk in remote areas, so it's important to be vigilant on these sections, especially when it is foggy.
We specifically choose each nights’ hotel, inn, guesthouse and B&B to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. They range from remote highland inns with a history dating back hundreds of years to charming family run B&B’s. We aim to use three star accommodation as a minimum but some remote inns are either not graded or only two-star. Each night offers something different.
In both Bankfoot and Fortingall there is only 1 suitable accommodation. If they are full, you will spend 2 nights in Perth instead of 1 in Perth and 1 in Bankfoot and 2 nights in Aberfeldy, instead of 1 in Aberfeldy and 1 in Fortingall. Transfers to and from are included in both scenarios.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Due to the remote nature of this trip, it is not available for solo walkers. However, if you require single rooms these are available, although a single supplement is payable. Single rooms in remote inns or small B&B’s may not have en-suite bathrooms.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Most accommodation offers a full Scottish Breakfast as well as a continental option. You won’t start the day hungry!
Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.
This route is not way marked (with the exception of the last two stages, which are on the West Highland Way), and a few sections follow indistinct trails. We provide GPX tracks, on our free Macs Adventure smartphone app, which should be used for navigation alongside the route notes on this trip. You should be a competent navigator with map and compass, and if desired we recommend bringing maps as a back up to your phone for navigation. Alternatively, make sure you have a rechargeable battery pack with you for your phone, or that more than one member of the group has the maps and GPX tracks downloaded on their phone for navigation as an additional back-up.
- 10 Nights in B&B's, guesthouses and country hotels
- 10 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack and route notes with maps
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to Perth / from Fort William
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
The Scottish Coast to Coast Walk is available from the end of March to October. You can start your walk on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturdays, but not on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays. This is limited due to the fact that some of the accommodations are closed on certain days of the week.
Perth is a major transport hub and easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh by road, rail or coach. The train from Glasgow takes 1h20 and 1h15 from Edinburgh.
Regular trains (3 per day) and buses (4+ per day) run from Fort William to Glasgow. The journey takes 3 hours by bus and 4 by train, although the train is more scenic.
Visit www.travelinescotland.com to plan your journey by public transport.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
The daily distances are up to 17 miles and the trip is graded moderate to strenuous so you should have a good level of walking fitness as you will be walking for up to 8 hours each day. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Highlands are very popular especially in May and the summer.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website.
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year for walking in Scotland because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although having walked in the highlands extensively I believe that any time from late March to October offers a wonderful experience.
Midges are small biting insects (much like North American gnats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets and several sections of the way are closed to dogs as they are permissive paths through farm land.
You can use public transport, local taxis or our baggage van may be able to move you to the next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.
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Why Macs
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Founded in 2003
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.