This is the shortest approach to Alltbeithe (Glen Affric) Youth Hostel, but also the least attractive due to the extremely boggy path.
First part of the route is on a good track; the rest has a path but the going is extremely boggy.
Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 ask to stop at Cluanie Inn.
Layby east of Cluanie Inn.
NOTE: This is a one-way walk as described. Park in the layby on the north side of the A87, just over a kilometre east of the Cluanie Inn. Walk east for a short distance along the road to the start of the signposted track into the An Caorann Mòr , signed for Glen Affric (about a kilometre and a half east of the Cluanie Inn). Follow the track uphill, with improving views of Loch Cluanie behind.
The track ends after about three kilometres. Continue straight ahead on the path, which climbs gently over the pass at around 400 metres, always keeping to the east side of the valley. The going is extremely boggy, but there are some good views west to Sgùrr a Bhealaich Dheirg over the Bealach a Chòinich. The path eventually descends, passing the foot of Coire Odhar.
As the Fionnglean comes into view, there are green boggy vehicle tracks going off first right then then left; these all lead ultimately to the same place but it is better to keep to the footpath, keeping well above the river, as the other ways are even boggier. The route does not descend to the confluence of the rivers as shown on the 1:25 000 map but keeps to higher ground, finally following a fence down to the bridge over the river Affric.
Cross the suspension bridge and keep left to avoid the bog as you approach Alltbeithe Youth Hostel. Several other walks lead away from here, such as two routes to Morvich, walk down into Glen Affric, or the ascent of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan.
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