Cluanie to Alltbeithe via An Caorann Mòr

Summary

The crossing of the An Caorann Mòr through the mountains is the shortest approach to Alltbeithe (Glen Affric) Youth Hostel. It is however probably the least attractive due to the extremely boggy path.

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Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

First part of the route is on a good track; the rest has a path but the going is extremely boggy.

Getting there

Start

Layby off N side of A87 below regenerating woodland.

Public Transport

Citylink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 ask to stop at Cluanie Inn.

Start Grid Ref

NH087120

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 280m (Profile)

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Explorer 414 - Glen Shiel

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

NOTE: This is a one-way walk as described to reach Alltbeithe. 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 verge to the start of the track into the An Caorann Mòr, signed for Morvich and Glen Affric. Follow the track uphill - steeply at first - with some great views of Loch Cluanie behind.

Stage 2

The gradient soon eases. The track ends after about three kilometres, with great views of Ciste Dubh ahead. Continue ahead now on a clear but boggy path, which climbs gently up the eastern flank of the glen. Eventually it crosses the Allt Coire a' Ghlas-tuill as it climbs towards the pass.

Stage 3

The highest point is almost imperceptible at around 400m, and the ground is almost always wet, 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 where a path comes down from Mullach Fraoch-choire.

Stage 4

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 some OS maps but keeps to higher ground, though there are several slight variants. With some releif, the suspension bridge over the River Affric is reached.

Stage 5

Cross this and keep left to avoid the bog as you approach Alltbeithe Youth Hostel. The Affric Kintail Way passes here - and several other routes are available including two routes to Morvich, the walk down into Glen Affric, or the ascent of Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan.

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