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Affric Kintail Way
Arrival day: Arrive in Drumnadrochit
Arrive from either the Inverness or Fort William directions. Drumnadrochit is a small, bustling village a short walk from the shore of Loch Ness. If you’ve got time, why not take a look at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition (very popular with Nessie hunters!) or famous Urquhart Castle?
B&B in Drumnadrochit (breakfast)
Arrive from either the Inverness or Fort William directions. Drumnadrochit is a small, bustling village a short walk from the shore of Loch Ness. If you’ve got time, why not take a look at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition (very popular with Nessie hunters!) or famous Urquhart Castle?
B&B in Drumnadrochit (breakfast)
Stage 1: Drumnadrochit to Cannich
Blue 3 (grade) 23.8km with 430m ascent, 395m descent
Leaving behind the village of Drumnadrochit, your first walking day begins with a climb through Craigmonie woods. Much of the forest has been cleared, so there are plenty of views into and across Glen Urquhart, and the miles fly by. Passing the hamlet of Shenval, you’ll soon reach Corrimony and its 4,000-year-old Chambered Cairn – a worthwhile detour and a fascinating sight. Reach the quaint village of Cannich and its cafés and pub. This first stage is steady and is contained within the valley.
B&B in Cannich (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 23.8km with 430m ascent, 395m descent
Leaving behind the village of Drumnadrochit, your first walking day begins with a climb through Craigmonie woods. Much of the forest has been cleared, so there are plenty of views into and across Glen Urquhart, and the miles fly by. Passing the hamlet of Shenval, you’ll soon reach Corrimony and its 4,000-year-old Chambered Cairn – a worthwhile detour and a fascinating sight. Reach the quaint village of Cannich and its cafés and pub. This first stage is steady and is contained within the valley.
B&B in Cannich (breakfast)
Stage 2: Cannich to River Affric
Blue 3 (grade) 20.1km with 410m ascent, 225m descent
Leaving Cannich today, to break into Glen Affric proper, an undulating forestry track takes you to Dog Falls. Take some time to explore the waterfall and its dramatic rocky gorge. As you continue, now on the southern shore of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, the full beauty of Glen Affric and its Caledonian pine and birchwoods begin to unfold. Take a break on the lochside and watch out for birds and other wildlife! At the end of the day, cross the river Affric to reach the River Affric car park. As there is no accommodation here we take a taxi back for a second night in Cannich.
B&B in Cannich (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 20.1km with 410m ascent, 225m descent
Leaving Cannich today, to break into Glen Affric proper, an undulating forestry track takes you to Dog Falls. Take some time to explore the waterfall and its dramatic rocky gorge. As you continue, now on the southern shore of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, the full beauty of Glen Affric and its Caledonian pine and birchwoods begin to unfold. Take a break on the lochside and watch out for birds and other wildlife! At the end of the day, cross the river Affric to reach the River Affric car park. As there is no accommodation here we take a taxi back for a second night in Cannich.
B&B in Cannich (breakfast)
Stage 3: River Affric to Alltbeithe
Blue 2 (grade) 13.8km with 230m ascent, 210m descent
Now we explore the Highlands! A taxi brings you back to the roadhead in Glen Affric. Today is a relatively short day on easy tracks, perfect to fully immerse yourself in some of Scotland’s finest scenery. A mile into your walk watch out for Affric Lodge – a veritable palace, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the glen, such as Sgurr na Lapaich. Follow the path along Loch Affric until you reach the old settlement at Athnamulloch. After crossing the river Affric, continue west. A wind turbine in the distance is the first sign you’re approaching Glen Affic Youth Hostel, where a warm welcome awaits.
Glen Affric Youth Hostel (please bring your own breakfast and dinner)
Blue 2 (grade) 13.8km with 230m ascent, 210m descent
Now we explore the Highlands! A taxi brings you back to the roadhead in Glen Affric. Today is a relatively short day on easy tracks, perfect to fully immerse yourself in some of Scotland’s finest scenery. A mile into your walk watch out for Affric Lodge – a veritable palace, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the glen, such as Sgurr na Lapaich. Follow the path along Loch Affric until you reach the old settlement at Athnamulloch. After crossing the river Affric, continue west. A wind turbine in the distance is the first sign you’re approaching Glen Affic Youth Hostel, where a warm welcome awaits.
Glen Affric Youth Hostel (please bring your own breakfast and dinner)
Stage 4: Alltbeithe to Morvich
Red 3 (grade) 16.4km with 130m ascent, 395m descent
The final stage awaits with grand mountain scenery and a wonderfully remote and wild feeling. After passing lonely Camban Bothy, cross the watershed at Cnoc Biodag. Walking under the impressive shadow of Beinn Fhada on one side and the Five Sisters of Kintail on the other side, your journey takes you down the length of Gleann Lichd to finally reach your journey's end at Morvich. Congratulations on completing the Affric Kintail Way!
B&B in Morvich (breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 16.4km with 130m ascent, 395m descent
The final stage awaits with grand mountain scenery and a wonderfully remote and wild feeling. After passing lonely Camban Bothy, cross the watershed at Cnoc Biodag. Walking under the impressive shadow of Beinn Fhada on one side and the Five Sisters of Kintail on the other side, your journey takes you down the length of Gleann Lichd to finally reach your journey's end at Morvich. Congratulations on completing the Affric Kintail Way!
B&B in Morvich (breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Morvich
Enjoy your last breakfast on the shores of Loch Duich before departing from the trip. Take the Citylink bus back to Inverness, Fort William or Glasgow, or onwards to the Isle of Skye if time allows.
Enjoy your last breakfast on the shores of Loch Duich before departing from the trip. Take the Citylink bus back to Inverness, Fort William or Glasgow, or onwards to the Isle of Skye if time allows.
Options
Make the trip shorterAs accommodation options along the Affric Kintail Way are fairly limited, it is difficult to make individual stages longer. If you only have 4 nights to hand, it might be an idea to skip the first stage and start your walk directly in Cannich. You would then still walk the entirety of Glen Affric, but save one night.
Make the trip longer
Also due to the limited accommodation along the Affric Kintail Way, the length of the individual stages is difficult to adapt. It is however possible to add extra stages to your holiday. For a spectacular Coast to Coast trek, why not start in Inverness and walk to Drumnadrochit before starting with our Stage 1? Or add on one of our Mountain Days (see below). Please ask us for details.
Additional Mountain Days
Although not included in your Alpine Exploratory walking holiday, you might be keen to bag some of Scotland’s famous Munros or simply add a mountain day to enjoy views down the Glen. In that case, we would recommend staying an extra night either at Glen Affric Youth Hostel or in Morvich at the end. Please ask us for more information on the usual approach to this Scottish hillwalking, which has unique challenges of navigation, terrain and weather. We would be glad to suggest various routes for you to consider. At the moment we do not offer routecards for these hillwalks but we are happy to give hints.
Hike with a guide
Hike with confidence in the company of our fully qualified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs), with the navigation, accommodation and arrangements taken care of. You're welcome to walk on any date within our season and we can adjust the hike to suit your needs.
2026 Prices
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Affric Kintail Way 1 May to 16 Sept 2026 |
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| Classic | |||
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3 stages (4 nights) |
GBP 620 Singles 250 |
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4 stages (5 nights) |
GBP 690 Singles 290 Main Trip |
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5 stages (6 nights) |
GBP 770 Singles 340 |
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| Options | |||
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Baggage transfer All stops (not hostel) |
Please ask | ||
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Baggage transfer Direct |
Please ask | ||
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our standard schedule of accommodation is a mix of comfortable and welcoming inns and B&Bs for 4 nights of your trip. Breakfast is included during these stays and we book ensuite rooms whenever possible. As there is no accommodation at the end of Stage 3, we will transfer you back to Cannich for a second night. The highlight of the trip is your stay at Glen Affric Youth Hostel on your fourth night. The friendly eco-hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike and is about closest you’ll get to an Alpine hut in Scotland! Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and guests are asked to bring their own sleeping bags, torch, as well as food and drink for dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day. We would usually secure dormitory places, but can try for private rooms if you prefer.
We book accommodation as close to the route as possible but sometimes it might be necessary to transfer by bus or taxi to and from your next B&B or hotel. Your info pack contains full details of your accommodation including contact details and directions.
Hutty and Comfy options
Due to the limit accommodation options for walkers on the Affric Kintail Way we don't offer any comfier or more basic itineraries. If you'd like to customise your accommodation in any way, please contact us and we’ll advise on the small ways we can alter your trip.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms. Please note we aren't able to book single rooms in the hostel.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. If you are still interested in this trip, we do have availability on our guided trips.
Our standard schedule of accommodation is a mix of comfortable and welcoming inns and B&Bs for 4 nights of your trip. Breakfast is included during these stays and we book ensuite rooms whenever possible. As there is no accommodation at the end of Stage 3, we will transfer you back to Cannich for a second night. The highlight of the trip is your stay at Glen Affric Youth Hostel on your fourth night. The friendly eco-hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike and is about closest you’ll get to an Alpine hut in Scotland! Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and guests are asked to bring their own sleeping bags, torch, as well as food and drink for dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day. We would usually secure dormitory places, but can try for private rooms if you prefer.
We book accommodation as close to the route as possible but sometimes it might be necessary to transfer by bus or taxi to and from your next B&B or hotel. Your info pack contains full details of your accommodation including contact details and directions.
Hutty and Comfy options
Due to the limit accommodation options for walkers on the Affric Kintail Way we don't offer any comfier or more basic itineraries. If you'd like to customise your accommodation in any way, please contact us and we’ll advise on the small ways we can alter your trip.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms. Please note we aren't able to book single rooms in the hostel.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. If you are still interested in this trip, we do have availability on our guided trips.
Route
Stage 3: Arriving into Glen Affric
Our approach to the Affric Kintail Way
The Affric Kintail Way is a relatively new walk, officially opened in 2015. Our trip gives a complete journey on foot from Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness, to Morvich in Kintail, near the West Highlands seaboard. You will be staying in comfy inns and B&Bs as close to the route as possible, with the highlight of the trip being your night at Scotland’s remotest youth hostel in the heart of Glen Affric. Every year we recce and update our routecards to inform you of any changes over the winter.
The Terrain
The Affric Kintail Way follows tracks and footpaths throughout, although they can be wet underfoot and indistinct at times. The terrain is varied and is made up of hill tracks, narrow mountain paths, riverside trails as well as forest tracks, minor roads and tarmac as you approach villages. Some of the ascents and descents are steep and on rough ground, but the paths are usually in good condition which makes the going as easy as possible. The trail is waymarked with the Affric Kintail logo on posts, but it is necessary for at least one party member to be competent to navigate with map and compass.
Is it for me?
The Affric Kintail Way makes a delightful trek for normal, fit walkers who are happy to walk for between 5 to 7 hours per day along a long-distance trail. For a relatively short trip, we see the grand scenery of one of Scotland’s loneliest and most beautiful glens, all while keeping the terrain relatively easy to walk and navigate. The Affric Kintail Way will suit walkers who value remoteness and authentic wilderness over cafes and souvenir shops along the road. This, however, also requires some planning ahead of where to buy food, as well as carrying your sleeping bag (or liner) and provisions for your night at the Glen Affric Youth Hostel.
Difficulty
The challenge of the Affric Kintail Way lies in the remoteness of the trail, and the weather which might change significantly even over short sections of the trail. After leaving Cannich the terrain becomes increasingly remote, the upper reaches of Glen Affric being typical of those isolated and uninhabited Highland glens. On Stages 3 and 4 there are no refreshment stops and no options of shortening or skipping the stages in case of bad weather or injury. Some of the ascents and descents are steep and require sure-footedness in places, particularly in windy or rainy conditions.
Walking Guide to the Affric Kintail Way - our detailed read
How to get there
Travelling through Inverness
Your holiday starts in the village of Drumnadrochit, South West of Inverness, and ends in the hamlet of Morvich, 10km from Scotland’s famous Eilean Donan Castle. The simplest travel option to Drumnadrochit is the bus from Inverness, and Inverness itself has an airport (connections from London and throughout the UK) and trains to Edinburgh or Glasgow. From Morvich, take the bus back to Inverness, or down to Fort William, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
If you are able to travel further within Scotland, then Morvich is well-placed for Skye: simply take the bus in the other direction onto Skye. Once at Uig, at the tip of Skye, the Outer Hebrides are reachable by ferry. Please ask us if you would like to know more about Scotland and the onward possibilities.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point. The aim is that our trekkers arrange their travel by the simplest and most scenic means as suits their plan.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- Breakfast on 4 out of 5 mornings on our standard itinerary
- Taxi transfer between Cannich and River Affric on Stage 2 and 3
- Detailed Routecards AKW1-4 of the Exploratory system, printed on waterproof paper
- 1 topographical maps of the route
- Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (8am until 8pm in the UK)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Local transport whilst on the trip unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals
- Breakfast at Glen Affric Youth Hostel (please bring your own)
- Baggage transfers (available as an extra)
Baggage transfer
We offer our baggage transfer service for all nights except the Glen Affric Youth Hostel. Please ask us for details if you are interested. Alternatively please ask us about having your luggage sent direct from Drumnadrochit to Morvich ready for your onward travels in Scotland.
Got questions about the Affric Kintail Way?
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about any aspects of your planning and preparations! Lucy, Steph, Nicky, Rob, Evie, Ben and Amy will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time walking our routes and more broadly exploring ski and hiking trails around the world so do feel free to ask anything at all.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time Monday to Friday |
| Australia | 02 8319 2266 |
| Canada | 416-548-4819 |
| New Zealand | 04 889 4515 |
| USA | 646-757-1102 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Along with the UK, our best-represented countries are the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Please use our national-rate numbers for a cheaper call to contact our office in Edinburgh.
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Approaching Glenlicht House on Stage 4
Alpine Exploratory
Alpine Exploratory is a system of knowledge on the best mountain trekking in our areas, giving clients superb holidays based on this exploration.
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