Affric Kintail Way
The Affric Kintail Way is a 71 km waymarked route from Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness to Morvich in Kintail — crossing the remote Highland interior through Glen Affric, one of the finest glens in Scotland.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Affric Kintail Way
Glen Affric is consistently voted Scotland's most beautiful glen — ancient Caledonian pinewoods, clear loch water and dramatic mountain backdrops combine in a way that few other Highland glens match. The Affric Kintail Way uses Glen Affric as its central section, approaching from Loch Ness in the east and descending to the Kintail coast in the west.
For trail runners it is a two to three day challenge on good but remote terrain. The eastern section follows the Great Glen Way for a short distance before heading into Glen Affric proper. The western section crosses the high bealach (pass) between Glen Affric and Kintail — the most demanding section, above 500 m with remote moorland.
The route
Drumnadrochit to Cannich (~25 km): Along the south side of Loch Ness fringe hills, then into Strathglass.
Cannich to Alltbeithe (~25 km): The heart of Glen Affric. Past Loch Affric and the ancient pinewoods. Alltbeithe youth hostel is the only building in this section.
Alltbeithe to Morvich (~20 km): Over the Bealach an Sgairne to Kintail. The Five Sisters of Kintail dominate the western horizon.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Drumnadrochit. Bus from Inverness.
Finish: Morvich near Shiel Bridge. Bus to Kyle of Lochalsh; train to Inverness.
Best time: May to September. The bealach crossing is serious in winter.
Safety
The Alltbeithe to Morvich section is remote — Alltbeithe hostel is 20 km from the nearest road in either direction. Mobile signal is absent for much of this section. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Kintail MRT. Pre-register SMS 999.
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