About the event:
At a Glance...
Bike into Glen Affric close to the Alltbeithe SYHA from the Glen Affric car park on the Friday afternoon/evening
Set up wildcamp and bag the remotest Munros over two days, then bike out.
Day trip to the closest Munros (Tom & Toll) from Glen Affric
Some bogs and trackless sections
Spectacularly remote location - An almost jurassic Glen
Incredible views
Accessible from Fort William or Inverness by road only
West Highlands
Where is Glen Affric?
Glen Affric is the Glen to the north of Glen Shiel. Glen Shiel is a popular location due to the historical battles and the A87 Road to the Isles running through it. Hidden away however is Glen Affric - a fabulous Glen that seems almost untouched by humans. Ancient caledonian pine gives a fully alpine feel.
The mountains to the south form the North Glen Shiel mountains - the back of the Brothers & Sisters of Kintail. It's the remote mountains on the north side of the Glen we'll be visiting from Glen Affric.
To get here a car is needed. This is another place that strikes off from the village of Cannich - a small place with the Loch Mullardoch and Glen Strathfarrar Munros accessible from here.
Cannich lies off the A82 between Fort William and Inverness - striking off west of the road when alongside Loch Ness.
About the Adventure:
The area is characterised by rugged and big rocky mountains. There are 8 Munros on offer.
In the centre, a trio lie to the north of a track that leads in from Glen Shiel (close to the Cluanie Inn) to Alltbeithe SYHA. The Sgùrr nan Ceathreamhnan trio here is renowned for its remoteness and the commitment required to climb them. They are situated many kilometers from the nearest public road, making the approach a significant part of the challenge! But the views on a fine day over the Glen Shiel Brothers and Sisters is to be savoured.
We'll begin the trip cycling in along a good track to the south of Loch Affric. This continues for many kilometers and eventually leads down to Strawberry Cottage. Here we cross the bridge and the trail becomes more challenging. It's recommended to park the bikes a little bit further on and walk the rest of the way to set up a wild camp. Once we've put our tents up, we'll head up this remote central trio and likely head down at sunset.
We'll decamp and head back toward the bikes and unload our camping gear. The central trio form a line with the majestic Carn Eighe and Mam Sodhail towering above. Beyond these two, a rather insignificant lump sticks out - Beinn Fhionnlaidh - a few hours trudge there and back again.
As evening draws in we'll head back to the cars.
The final day is just a day trip. We'll meet at the Glen Affric car park (or just before it as the official one charges significantly). It's a nice jaunt to Tom a' Chòinich (a shapely peak with rocky ridges), and Toll Creagach (a more rounded mountain with mossy upper slopes).
Even if you're only joining us for Tom & Toll, you'll need a bike. This area is huge and distances vast. Bikes really help.
The aim is to cycle in on the Friday afternoon/evening ready to bag the central trio on the Saturday, then the Carn Eighe group on the Sunday (and cycle out), then Tom & Toll on the Monday as a day trip. We will be wild camping for two nights. The weather can alter plans so please be prepared.
The Central Trio:
An Socach (921m / 3,022ft)
Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan (1,151m / 3,776ft)
Mullach na Dheiragain (982m / 3,222ft)
The Carn Eighe Group:
Mam Sodhail (1,181m / 3,875ft)
Carn Eighe (1,183m / 3,881ft)
Beinn Fhionnlaidh (1005m / 3,297ft)
Tom & Toll:
Tom a' Chòinich (1,112m / 3,648ft)
Toll Creagach (1,054m / 3,458ft)
Meeting Point:
We'll meet at 1600 (4pm) before the Glen Affric Quarry car park here. Please click on the link to open the location in Googlemaps. You can use this for your satnav.
Difficulty:
We'll need to bring everything we need for 2 days with us. There are good cycle tracks throughout the area but for the wildcamp we'll have to walk in the last sections. It's recommended to bring what you can in a pannier on your bike and a large rucksack that will fit all of your camping gear.
We will need to quickly pack once we park our bikes and head to our wildcamping spot.
The days are long and demanding. There are places where we will need to scramble and places where we'll be off paths.
For Tom & Toll, it is still a long day made shorter by bikes - but the approach can be boggy. The descent off Toll Cregach is trackless.
Prerequisites:
A very good level of fitness is required. Some experience of camping / wild camping is essential.
Cost:
The trip costs just £199 per person with discounts for booking other people. This is for the full three days including the remote wildcamp. If you're just joining us for Tom & Toll, it's £50.
However, you will have to be prepared to be flexible with your diary as we'll aim to make the most of the best weather for wildcamping. Tom & Toll may happen on any of the days.
Numbers:
We can take a maximum of 8.
Equipment:
Please see the All Activities section of the kit list here as well as the wildcamping section.
You will also need your own bicycle with helmet, lock and any spare inner tubes and other bits and bobs in case of issues.
Walking poles are recommended.
We can lend out bits and bobs if needed but have a look at the kit list at what we can offer you. It'll be first come first serve!
Images from Past Events
To Book
If you want to chat to me about the event then please feel free to do so - email is a good start as I'm often out and about with limited phone reception. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions too.
To book simply click 'Register Now' and follow the instructions (or on mobile, the link below). You'll get an automated confirmation reply but I'll follow that up when I get back to civilisation to say thanks and with more detail about the event.
Please ensure you've read the booking Terms and Conditions and you are aware of what you need to bring by downloading the gear list.
Please check carefully which tickets you are booking and for how many. We try and be flexible but of course that brings loads of options!