This the easiest though not the shortest approach to Alltbeithe (Glen Affric YHA), Britain's remotest Youth Hostel. There is a track throughout and the forest, loch and glen scenery is wonderful.
Summary
Easy track throughout.
Terrain
River Affric car park
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Glen Affric is served by a bus running three days a week in the summer. See Ross
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1. Park in the large car park at the end of the Glen Affric minor road. This is a popular picnic site, and there are toilets available. The walk begins along the track which is the continuation of the tarmac road; the track immediately forks. It is possible to reach the hostel using the path on the northern side of Loch Affric (see Loch Affric circuit, but the southern route is easier and has better views. Take the left branch for this southern route. At the next fork, keep right. There are fine views of the first, narrow section of Loch Affric, which is bridged at its western end.
2. Ignore the footpath off left to Cougie and continue on the main track across the bridge. Soon, the main, beautiful section of Loch Affric is on your right and you'll also pass the small Loch Salach a Ghiublais over to your left.. Continue for several kilometres through the magnificent pine woods with views over the loch to the mountains beyond. It is better to stay on the track rather than take the path shown on the 1:25 000 map going down to the shore, which is indistinct and very boggy. The views across the loch to the great mountains of Carn Eige and Mam Sodhail are superb.
3. Eventually the track comes down to the grand and fast-flowing River Affric, with the great mountain of Mullach Fraoch-choire dominating further up the glen. Turn off here on the path along the riverbank to the white cottage. Cross the bridge to Strawberry cottage on the far side (used by volunteer tree-planting groups), and continue up the track. After just less than kilometre the path from the north side of Loch Affric joins in from the right; continue on the main track. This passes above the marshy Loch an Fheadain.
4. Further on the track crosses a bridge over the Allt Coire Ghadheil. Continue for a further three kilometres, passing one or two eroded sections, to reach Alltbeithe, site of the green-painted Glen Affric Youth Hostel. This is a meeting place for walks in several directions. One can head across the river and into the An Caorann Mor and the Cluanie Inn. There are two routes continuing west to Morvich in Kintail. Alltbeithe is also the usual base for ascends in the Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan group of peaks.
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