Scotland’s latest long distance walk has today been officially opened by Cameron McNeish. The Affric Kintail Way runs from Drumnadrochit in the east to Morvich in Kintail, just a stone’s throw from the sea on the west coast. The starting point at Drumnadrochit means it can easily be extended with a first day’s walk along the Great Glen Way from Inverness creating a satisfying coast to coast, cross-Scotland route.
The 71km route is traditionally walked east to west and split into 4 days, but there are any number of options for walkers willing to be flexible in terms of transport and accommodation options, with the route being ideal for backpackers. Whilst the central section from Glen Affric to Morvich has been a very popular summer through route for walkers, the extension of the route to take in Drumnadrochit and Cannich will make it more appealing for people looking for a longer and more varied trip. Most of the route runs over land owned by Forestry Commission Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland. Those two groups together with the Strathglass Marketing Group and Glen Urquhart Community Council have supported the development of the route which has been signposted with finger posts for its entire length including the traditionally wild and unmarked section past Alltbeithe.
Leaving Drumnadrochit the route initially runs through forestry high above Glen Urquhart before reaching the village of Cannich in Strathglass. This is the gateway to what many regard as Scotland’s most beautiful glen – Glen Affric. The route continues right up Glen Affric, through magnificent pinewoods and past stunning lochs, and then on up through the very wild and remote upper reaches of the glen, with the chance to stay overnight in Scotland’s remotest youth hostel at Alltbeithe. Finally the route climbs over the main watershed before descending through the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Kintail.
Public transport is available at the start and near the finish, and there is a range of accommodation including hotels, B&B’s, and campsites in Drumnadrochit, Cannich and the Morvich area. There is no accommodation at the River Affric stage end so transport would need to be arranged from accommodation in Cannich unless backpacking. Alltbeithe youth hostel or the more basic MBA bothy at Cambam are alternatives to wild camping before the final stage leads down Gleann Lichd to Morvich.
Check out the detailed route description and OS maps on Walkhighlands and plan your next Scottish long distance walk. There is also a dedicated Harvey map for the trail.