Hiking The Glen Affric Kintail Way | 45 Miles Of WILD
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- In April I set off to solo hike the 45 mile Affric Kintail Way, which runs from Drumnadrochit to Morvich through Glen Affric, said to be the prettiest glen in Scotland. I tackled the route across 3 days, staying one night at Cannich Camping and other wild camping deep in the glen nearby the Glen Affric Youth Hostel.
This might not be the longest trail out there, but the remoteness, stunning landscapes, bothies, wildlife, and easy navigation make it suited for experienced and novice walkers alike.
02:00 - Day One, Drumnadrochit to Cannich
33:01 - Day Two, Cannich to Wild Camp
1:15:00 - Day Three, Wild Camp to Morvich
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i suffered a torn cruciate ligament at the age of 19 and am now 62 . despite the severity of the injury i have trained and enjoyed the outdoors all my life including taking part in bodybuilding, martial arts and hiking and have up to now avoided surgery. However i now find myself struggling with severe pain and need a knee replacement. It can be difficult to motivate yourself when pain or lack of function limits your previous abilities and this can lead to some very real mental health issues . Videos like this are great and encourage people to do as much as you can within your abilities and keep challenging your self. This is vital to keep positive and fight off depression. Great vlog.
Wow, what an lovely comment, thank you so much. I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are in. I hope you can adapt and overcome. Seems like you are doing so well, so keep on keeping on! You've got this!
Thank you for this Abbie. I started watching your videos last year and they (you) inspired me so much that as a 57 year old female recovering from a pulmonary embolism I plucked up the courage and took to my feet! This year I completed the Hebridean Way, the Great Glen Way, walked and camped across the Shetland Isles but my favourite walk to date was the spectator Affric Kintall Way! I even spent one night at the remote youth hostel. So a big thank you Abbie for being such an inspiration. Already looking at walks for 2024!Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and your family. ❤
Wow you're doing amazing! What an inspiration you are! Keep on keeping on! And thanks for being here!
I always try to tell people, the best time to be in the Scottish highlands is a window which appears every year, somtime between mid April and mid May. Clear skys, cool air, warm sun and no midges. Some years we get lucky and the good weather can run from late March, however usually by mid May, the reign of terror by the midge has begun. A telltale sign of good walking weather in the western highlands in the spring, is a forecast of East winds, these almost always bring cool dry airflows and outstanding clear air conditions.
😁 Hi Abbie, i have been a fan and followed your adventures for years now. After having emergency spinal surgery almost 3 years ago now which saved the rest of my life been in a wheelchair paralysed. My recovery and learning to walk again has even surprised my neurosurgeon , myself and close friends.. I have been out hiking, wildcamping as much as im able to but Now im ready for a multidayer. After much deliberating i have decided to do the AKW this August solo as it looks for me obtainable at a slow pace. I have gjven myself a full week to cover the route so i can take my time and take it all in. I have watched this video time and time again and love it. Thanks for inspiring me and countless others 😁 Takecare and yes, its all about pain management but been outdoors takes the pain of my mind 😁👍 Everything is in place, i just need to go and enjoy every minute of the trail 👍😁👍🏴
Your dedication to the outdoors is surpassed only by your skill at presenting your adventures.
Thank you so much ❤️
Thanks for sharing your story. I was in the Cairngorms this year and decided against a high altitude walk because the fog had rolled in. So I stayed down in the valley and walked from Loch Morlich to Ryvoan Bothy. I get the feeling of wide open spaces. Thanks to you Abbie I made the solo trip from Australia to the Scottish Highlands. Lynn
That is awesome!
This honestly feels like a early Christmas present seeing your video on my feed . I could listen to you talk about these adventures all day and feel happy .
Wow, thank you!
Hi Abbie…… it’s good to be out on a long distance trail with you again, a true hiker is not deterred by inclement weather because we come prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us…… hoping to enjoy more long distance trails with you….. Take Care, Stay Safe, Stay Wild! 😀
I love the positive, encouraging message at the start of the video. It really hits home for me. I went from having to learn to walk again, to going out for day hikes. I still deal with chronic pain, and the depression that often goes with it. When I hike, I feel alive, I feel better. When I come across challenging areas that would have made me give up in the past; I stand there and think "What would Abbie do" I take a deep breath and I start to look around for the little things mother nature puts in your path to help you. little trees that can be used to hold on to, foot holds and rocks that are there to support you. I take my time. Eventually I am able to get through. I have literally stood there and yelled "I did it!!" There's nothing like that feeling. Nature really does have a way of healing your soul. I do wish we had more wild camping available where here in Canada. Not having a car, I'm limited to using city transit to get me to the outskirts of town, and then having to hike a while to get to spots. If I could break up my day, camp out once I get to a point, I could really enjoy mulit-days on the trails. I may approach some of the local farmers on the outskirts, and see if I can get permission to pitch a tent for a night in the future.
Wow. What an amazing landscape. I love the Scottish Highlands.
How is it possible that she doesn't have a million subscribers! She's amazing!
Amazing Abbie! I hardly have the patience to watch a box office movie but I've just watched 1 hour and 45 minutes of this video and I'm so disappointed it had to end. You managed to inspire someone who already wanders the magnificent glens and mountains of Scotland. Keep doing what you do ♥
What a thoroughly wonderful superbly put together film, immersed from start to finnish, and your narrative was just so addictive. Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce this gem, much appreciated by many I am sure.
Glad you enjoyed it!
A wonderful adventure - those views were amazing! I think the turkey/chicken might have been a Muscovy duck
Abbie, you are a poet. You paint a beautiful landscape with words.
Brill vid as usual. Brings back memories 👍
During a 2 week E-Mountain Bike Hol in Scotland, me and my mate, E-Mountain Biked this route 5yrs ago, From Cannich to Morvich, with a wild camp, I was 67yrs old, my mate 60, Don't bike the other way. Its Hike a Bike, well past the big waterfall. . BTW IMHO, Glen Affric is the most beautiful Glen in Scotland 🥰
Nice one!
It is beautiful which there is no doubt . Arguable if its the most beautiful in Scotland though . Strathfarrar takes some beating. So do a few others I can mention. Glen torridon.
I went thro Affric in 2021 on my MTB, same as the guy you passed at the top of Glen Lichd, going the same way. I had to carry my gear and the bike separatley up that pass, so I went up and down that climd twice, he had it easy. It took me six hours to get from Glen Lichd to Camban Bothy, thats 3 miles in six hours. It was hell at the time but a challenge and although I said to myself, I'm not doing this again, I might. It was an awesome trip I recommend to anyone who wants to get "out there". If doin it by MTB, its best to follow the route from East to West.
What a fantastic journey to be with you on, but for me, your words at the end of the story...truly inspiring Abbey, I thank you for them. Truly uplifting.
Great way to spend a Saturday night watching your video. Each time I watch one it's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers.....or should that be walking boots! Another triumph, thank you Abbie! Scenery and tour commentary were superb. How lucky your were with the weather on the last day! Simply stunning. Another hike for my list I feel!
Stunning walk, will definitely do that here in Scotland, I walk only passing Great Glen Way and starting point about 3 months ago haha...but will do East Highland and Speyside Way first in June probably.
Atb
Loves this trail. Thank you for taking us along.
Familiar territory for me, now living in Spain, it was great to see you enjoying my local area. The Kintail to Beauly through glen Affric, is an annual event to raise money for charity. 50 miles, I did it once in 7 hours and am still proud to have achieved it. Thank you Abbey, lovely video. I should add that the Highland cross is 30 miles fast walking or running and 20 miles cycling.
Very cool!
Abbie, so inspirational. Massive well done and I hope you realise the positivity you are oozing. Thank you, The Hairy Haggis
Thank you for the beautiful film. It’s a favourite place of ours and one we return to frequently, there really is something particularly special about it. It was lovely meeting you on the trail on the southern side of Glen Affric on the Friday! Naomi & Tom
You have come from far, if I may say so. Abby, you seem to be more comfortable in and with yourself. And you did it. What an incredible beautiful journey. The video, the landscape...just wow! You have every reason to be proud on yourself. This trail almost seem to embrace you. Merry Christmas to you, your partner and families
Thank you so much!
❤this. Thank you Abbie, from NZ. I was born in Scotland but NZ has been home for 59 of my 71 years. I’ve been back 3 times as an adult. Great movie.
Thanks for watching!
loved this Abbie, from the tea pots to the lichen insights. If only Pipa et al shared your sense of wonder.
Didn't expect this. What a nice surprise!
I find breaking ice in rivers kind of like popping bubble wrap. Both are awesome!!
The remains of the snowy mountain tops are just perfect - enough to look pretty, not enough to be tiresome, Scotland civilised - well timed, Abbie! 😊
What a well rounded film, ur quite good at this, aren't you!? 😉
The clear vistas as a result of the clear felling are lovely but unnatural. Naturally, it was all woodland during the last ~11,700 years of the most recent climate era, the Holocene. I'm in favour of regeneration but leaving open areas for food production, viewpoints and camping spots etc. In a word, balance. The experience from the Mar Lodge, Cairngorms regeneration over the last 30 years, is that all humans need to do to restore the original trees, is to undo what they've done. The natural seeds are still in the ground and will activate.
Looking at the map I guess the adit was something to do with the tunnels siphoning off water from the streams in addition to the reservoir for Fasnakyle Power Station. ♥hydro power.
The forestry vehicles are called Forwarders - collecting felled wood from inside the woods and bringing it to a point where the road going trucks can pick it up. As an engineer, I love the sophistication of the machinery ...and man can suppress nature with it 😕
You have a wonderful way of articulating the beauty of these landscapes!
Watching this during a week of dry cold weather here in the Highlands, and wishing I could be doing a trail like that instead of being back to work . I will hopefully do this later in the year . Great video 😊
Wish I was out in those wild places right now!
Loooove this girl❤ what a true warrior💪🏼
Stunning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'd like to do a few more multi-day point-to-point hikes in 2024. Your video has floated The Affric Kintail Way pretty much to the top of the list.
Amazing and very inspiring - I will be looking to walk this trail in a few months' time. Your articulate, informative presentation skills kept me rapt the whole way, many thanks for your efforts and enthusiasm 👌
such a lovly hike Abbie so looking forward to the hike after this one when ever that is out. i have hiked the hills on both sides of the valley ill post some photos. when looking at hils once you were out of the trees i was trying to name them .
That’s the best Christmas present from you Abbie ❤Nice one as always!
Happy holidays!
Love it. I can smell spring through the screen, ahhhh thank you for that
Glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoyed watching this video. Brought back memories of when we did this hike a few years back. We started at Cannich, not Drumnadrochit, due to the busy road. It was difficult to park in Cannich, so we drove up to Dog Falls Car Park and started the trail from there. We did this during lockdown and in the heat of May/ June with biting midges. Stunning scenery.
Sounds lovely!
Wow, Abbie - that was a phenomenal trip, especially the latter half! Glen Affric looks like the kind of area you could spend years exploring and not get bored. What an amazing and stunning landscape! I was really looking forward to watching this when it came up in my feed (and I saw your Instagram post), and though the beginning wasn't too scenic (we have so much heart-breaking clearcut logging here in BC) the middle and end was just exceptional. Not a place I'd be in a hurry to leave!
I've camped next to water that was too loud and it really messed with my sleep so - like you - I now seek out more soothing sites for rough camping. But not silent, as my imagination will then pick up on every sound...
I really appreciate you pointing out aspects of Leave No Trace as well - it's an important message to get across, especially to folks new to backcountry camping. I've reached the opinion that there is almost never a need for a campfire, especially in backcountry or wilderness areas. It's maddening to come across live trees that people have either cut or attempted to cut, or fire scars right in the middle of camping spots, ruining them for decades. I'd love to see LNT and outdoor organizations and companies downplay campfires a bit more.
Awesome thanks for filming this
I was there last year and climbed the five sisters of kintail and I'm planning on doing the kintail way this April or may . Looking forward to watching this tonight
Merry Christmas Abbie Barnes
Sounds great!
Fantastic Abbie, great achievement and a brilliant video👊 This took me back, I did this route in April 2022 and absolutely loved every second. Breathtaking landscape, so glad you decided to have a go 🙌 you didn't happen to see the little lego dude I left in Camban bothy? 😆
Have a lovely Christmas, looking forward to more videos in 2024
Sounds great! Sorry no lego man 😂
Enjoyed this very much indeed. In lots of ways. You are so right Abbie , you don’t need to go up them all the time , you can take the low road too. It’s just as much seeing as climbing. And sometimes go up a little one to get a good look at bigger neighbours. All so satisfying, I know you agree. Best wishes 😊
Thanks Abbie! Wilderness is where you belong, and it shows. You carry it over to us. You always make it a day and dark days never last. Nature is the best medicine. Thanks a lot, more if that, please and have a great new year. You are really born to be wild! Cheers!
Wow, thank you!
Looked another brilliant adventure 😊 those views are really stunning, amazing that you saw so many deer 🦌 thanks so much for sharing your adventure
Glad you enjoyed it!
Abbie thankyou!! Absolutely mind blowing scenery., I feel totally inspired, as always, watching your videos.!! 😀🤙👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you Abbie. I'm recovering from surgery and this is the best for healing. 🇦🇺
The whole video was good, but the second part was just insane, I was literally open mouthed at the views you were seeing. Completely wasn't expecting anything like that, I've seen many videos on the more popular trails in Scotland, and they don't come close to what I have just seen.
Stunning video, very well done. I just loved it 👍💪🏞🚶🏴
Totally agree! It is a hidden gem!
Those camara shots on the morning of day 3 were absolutely amazing
Helps when the landscape is amazing in every direction 😂😂
I don’t think I take the time to appreciate the detail you put into your videos, the different shots, the commentary etc. This looks a great trail to go and do. I’ve done the Great Glen Way so need to get myself up to Drummnadrochit again.
Thanks so much! Yes many many maannyy hours goes not into filming but editing and post production too. Super grateful to have that acknowledged! Thanks for being here!
Simply inspirational Abbie. Another little pearl of a film by one of the best in the business. Thank you for bringing me along on your latest adventure.
Watching this on my Boxing day 2023...Thank you! Merry Christmas to you Abby. This is my therapy.
Enjoyed watching this. I did the AKW this year too. Day 1 to Cannich was a bit meh, but after that it is just stunning. Stopped at the hostel overnight - what a place. 👍👍
Fantastic again Abbie! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us!
Nice to see you back at it Abbie x MrJiggs
Thank you! Simply inspirational, Amazing landscapes.
Fabulous video - looking forward to your 2024 adventures 😁
I loved this hike for many reasons..Thank you for taking us all along your journey..Well done
Glad you enjoyed it!
Never as in EVER stop being goofy, ms Bumblebee 🤣
Awesome video as always. Cheers!
Thank you 😁
Well, that's decided my adventure for Spring 2024. I hope not too many have watched this and will have the same idea. I don't want the Glen crowded! Happy Christmas Abbie.
Haha! Enjoy :)
Cool adventure Abbie! 👍
Thank you! 😀
Wow what an absolutely stunning route ❤Def one for the list!
What a great Christmas gift! Thank you!
Hi Abbie, brilliant video. I love Glen Affric. We spent a week walking the highlands a couple of years ago and had a cottage in Cannich that we used as our base. Thank you for sharing and bringing back some wonderful memories. 😀🥾⛰🏴🏕️
So how do I spend my Christmas Day 🎉with you … perfect day with perfectly videos of your life journeys . Been watching for years and so proud of how you have grown xx well done
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this one Abbie. The trail looks absolutely amazing in the valley in particular. Would love to do this one day.
Nice to see you walking in the U.K. again Abbie (the videos that I subscribed for). The views and experiences of the second half of this trail certainly made up for the monotony and blandness of the first half. Unfortunately my walking in the U.K. might have come to an end, but walking vicariously with you is a pleasant alternative to the real thing.
Thanks for the comment! I hope you'll enjoy the other UK hikes filmed this year coming soon: the Skye Trail and Snowdonia Slate Trail :)
Hi Abbie, I've been watching your films for a while and really enjoy them. I particularly enjoyed the Affric Kintail Way. Could you tell me if the way is clear the whole way? I've walked the WHW and as you know yourself it's quite hard to get lost, but I wondered if the AK trail was similar in that respect. I would love to do this solo but I'm a little nervous of getting lost! Thank you so much for sharing your hikes with us.
Thanks Abbie. I always enjoy your films.
Glad you like them!
great video as always. stayed at strawberry cottage a few winters ago - did beinn an t-socaich. walk through to morvich been on the list for a while...
and yeah, tent meals are great.
Another Christmas, another lovely video from you Abbie, thank you so much. Funnily enough, in the 1990's I worked on a project for Iridium, the satellite network that Zoleo use. We couldn't find enough people who actually needed comms so far off grid!
Oh wow! Well, thanks for helping get it up and running!
Thinking back ... the plan was for a satellite phone network with special phones that had large aerials, there simply wasn't the demand for that. What we've ended up with works well, based on what you showed us !
Really enjoy your videos! Watched most before i got my own channel! Keep up the good work! Subscribed! 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Another amazing video Abbie i always look forward to them, i dont get outdoors nearly as much as i should, but these videos make me feel a little closer to the great outdoors lol
Glad you like them!
A fab trail Abbie. Never heard of this one before. Love all the woodland landscaping 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Uplifting. Thank you
Looks stunning, Abbie. What a beautiful glen. Looks like ideal hiking weather to me and you seem genuinely happy throughout
Hope you have a hyggeligt christmas x
Thank you for being here ❤
Oh I loved that ❤
Brilliant video! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Lovely hike Abbie, nice to see you back out and full smiles once more :)
Hiya Abbie. Love your videos. Very informative, insightful and at times philosophical.
I just got back from a weekend of hiking in Knoydart. I personally think it's the most beautiful place in Scotland by a country mile, and perhaps even the UK. You should definitely go there if you haven't already. Absolutely incredible place. The walk in from Kinlochhourn to Barisdale Bay is nothing short of spectacular. Nowhere else like it in Scotland.
Anyway, keep on keeping on and take care. ❤
Wow what a beautiful place for hiking I'm up that way in May 2024 hiking ben nevis for my 50th thank you for all the videos this year truly amazing 👌merry Christmas and a Happy New year 🎉 😀
Such a great filming and editing my friend. I enjoyed watching your awesome video. Outstanding atmosphere.
Thank you very much!
A wonderful video and commentary and route. Thank you Abbie. Good luck in 2024
Brilliant Christmas morning watch 🎄Thanks Abbie and Merry Christmas
Same to you!
Those forestry blocks are the outdoors luxury hotel, warmer microclimate in there, no wind, no mud and a soft carpet of needles to sleep on .
Thank you thank you thank you Abbie!!! You are a superstar! Your videos help me get through my bad days. I just love being able to join your adventures between my own. Happy new year to you, Bobby and Anna.
What a beautiful, beautiful trail. Loved watching this video.
stunning video! Cheers!
Always wonderful.. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing.
Same to you!
After spending a very small amount of time in the highlands in October, this video makes me want to go back for more. Very well done and enjoyable. Thanks Abbie.
It is quite an addictive place 😂
I loved the Affric Way😊
Thank you Abbie for the lovely Christmas present of this video.! I will push me to head out to the Olympic National Park for a short overnight trip 😊
Have fun!
I love them Highland Koos 😀
Happy Christmas dear, and all the best to you and yours 🎄
Same to you!
My wordy, I sat through the whole lot of that and it was magnificent. You have a real special way of telling your story, bravo.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Inspiring and awesome as ever 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Superb video, Abbie.
We're blessed to have so many different amazing landscapes in our (relatively) small island. Let's hear it for glaciers 🙂
Totally agree!
That is an amazing path, at least on the second half. Personally, I find it depressing to walk through these clear-felled areas. I almost stopped watching your video (not because of you, obviously) as I found the first half of the trail not exactly interesting. But the second half was absolutely mind-blowing. Thank you for introducing this trail to us.
Thanks for sharing!
Another great video. Happy Christmas and have a great 2024 xx
Thank you! You too!