Affric Kintail Way:
Explore the Heart of Scottish Highlands
Embark on a mesmerizing odyssey through the Scottish Highlands with the Affric Kintail Way. Starting in Drumnadrochit, this 45-mile trail is fully signposted for both walkers and mountain bikers, stretching from Loch Ness to Loch Duich in Kintail.
Discover diverse landscapes, ranging from deep lochs to towering glens and ancient woodlands. These are highlighted by the renowned Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, hailed as Scotland’s most beautiful glen. During your journey, encounter Highland nature with sightings of red deer, playful otters, and majestic ospreys.
Overview:
Begin your adventure from Drumnadrochit to Cannich, a charming introduction to the trail’s natural beauty. Venture from Cannich to Dog Falls exploring woodlands and riverside paths. Immerse yourself in the captivating Glen Affric, walking near serene lochs and towering mountains. Rest at Alltbeithe Youth Hostel in the heart of Glen Affric, offering basic yet comfortable accommodation. Embark on a rewarding hike from Alltbeithe to witness the Falls of Glomach, one of Britain’s highest waterfalls, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Conclude your adventure in the welcoming village of Morvich, reflecting on your journey amidst local amenities and captivating landscapes.
Drumnadrochit to Cannich (Day 1):
Embark on the captivating Affric Kintail Way, starting its scenic journey from the east at the Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit. This historic village, tracing its roots to the 12th century, boasts the resilient Telford Bridge, a testament to its reconstruction after a flood in the early 1800s. Explore the picturesque village green, once a haven for livestock on their way to market, and visit the Loch Ness Centre for a deep dive into the region’s history. Nearby, Strone Point features the iconic Urquhart Castle.
As you head south from the Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit, follow the Affric Kintail Way through Pitkerrald Road into the enchanting Craigmonie Woodland. Navigate the waymarked walks, soaking in panoramic views of Glenurquhart, Milton, and the legendary Loch Ness. Trace the trail along a well-maintained forestry road, offering delightful vistas of the open countryside, until you reach Balnain’s FCS car park near Loch Meiklie.
Continue your westward journey from Balnain, passing through farmland to reach Shenval. Navigate an unlisted road, crossing the A831, and follow new path sections, descending into Cannich—a village shaped by Hydro-Electric Schemes in the late 1940s. Cannich’s historical significance ties to Comar, Clan Chisholm’s seat, and its link to Bonnie Prince Charlie post the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746.
Please exercise caution at crossing points and the short stretch on the A831 during this picturesque journey through the Scottish Highlands.
Cannich Village to River Affric (Day 2):
Begin on the enchanting Stage 2 of the Affric Kintail Way, spanning just over 12 miles from Cannich to the scenic River Affric. Commence your journey at the A831 and the village’s main street, ascending Mullardoch Road behind the Glen Affric Hotel. Veer left into a forestry road, offering expansive views heightened by recent tree felling—a well-maintained surface catering to both walkers and mountain bikers.
Approximately 3 miles into the trek, the trail diverges from the forest road onto a narrower, rougher track leading to Dog Falls. Cross the wooden bridge over the River Affric, ascending through woodland to the Glen Affric Viewpoint, unveiling breathtaking vistas of Mam Sodhail, Carn Eighe, and the Kintail mountains.
Continuing southeast along the forest road, marvel at the scenic ‘islands’ in Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin and enjoy outstanding views of Sgurr na Lapaich and Tom a’ Choinich. Several opportune spots along the route invite a refreshing break amid the breathtaking scenery. Upon reaching a junction near the loch’s end, those concluding their day’s walk can turn right, passing through a gate and crossing a bridge to the extended River Affric car park. For those continuing to Stage 3, turn left at the junction.
River Affric to Alltbeithe (Day 3):
Embark on Stage 3 of the Affric Kintail Way, spanning from the River Affric car park to the SYHA Glen Affric Hostel at Alltbeithe. Conveniently utilize the car park as an ideal pickup/drop-off point with pre-arranged accommodations or consider the local taxi service, Foten Taxis. Begin by retracing your steps to the forestry road on the south side of the River Affric, continuing west.
Approximately a mile into the journey, catch a glimpse of Affric Lodge and immerse yourself in views of majestic mountain scenery, including Sgurr na Lapaich and An Tudair. These partially screen the main ridge, unveiling the twin peaks of Carn Eige and Mam Sodhail—the highest mountains north of the Great Glen. The footpath to Cougie diverges south from the forest road, crossing the Allt Garbh. As the road passes Loch Salach Ghuibhais, known as a haven for dragonflies, the mountains of Kintail and the historic settlement at Athnamulloch come into view. Cross the River Affric at the bridge near Strawberry Cottage, owned by the An Teallach Mountaineering Club and available for hire.
Beyond Strawberry Cottage, approximately 0.5km ahead, a track on the right marks the return leg of the popular circuit of Loch Affric. This can serve as an alternative route from the River Affric car park, although it is rougher underfoot with several challenging burns to cross. Continuing west along the River Affric for about 6km, you reach the Glen Affric Youth Hostel—an ideal base for exploring neighboring Munros like An Socach, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, and the outlying Mullach na Dheiragain.
During this stage, especially when the bracken is low, evidence of Glen Affric’s earlier densely populated centuries becomes apparent, with ruins of old settlements lining the way to Alltbeithe.
Alltbeithe to Morvich (Day 4):
Stage 4 of the Affric Kintail Way unfolds, commencing from the SYHA Glen Affric Hostel and concluding at the NTS Ranger Station at Morvich. Embark on the westward journey from the hostel, bypassing the high path into Gleann Gniomhaidh. Cross the Allt Gleann Gniomhaidh via a footbridge, entering Fionngleann. As elevation increases, the Camban Bothy and the watershed at Cnoc Biodaig come into view. For an intriguing detour, cross the River Affric bridge to explore the site of a WW2 aeroplane crash.
Initiate the descent toward Kintail, crossing streams from Beinn Fhada’s southern slopes and encountering small waterfalls above the Allt Grannda. Descend to Gleann Lichd, reaching the River Croe via two wooden bridges. Past Glenlicht House, damaged in the winter storms of 2013, continue along Gleann Lichd, flanked by Beinn Fhada and the Five Sisters of Kintail. Stay close to the river, passing the gate on the unlisted public road near the Kintail Outdoor Centre. Exercise caution with numerous sheep in this section. A brief walk on the road brings you to the journey’s end at the NTS Kintail Ranger Station.
More detailed information about the route can be found on the official Affric Kintail Way website.
Trail Tips:
- Recommended for experienced travellers due to strenuous sections and over 6000 feet of ascent.
- Essential items include strong footwear and warm, waterproof clothing for remote areas and unpredictable weather.
- Respect the pristine beauty of Scotland’s landscapes by carrying out all rubbish.
- Familiarize yourself with your responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Embark on the Affric Kintail Way, where each step weaves a tale of natural beauty and Highland adventure.
Take the hassle out of hiking or cycling the Affric Kintail Way with your bags and our let our baggage transfer service do the heavy lifting for you.
