Image 1 of 55
Image 2 of 55
Image 3 of 55
Image 4 of 55
Image 5 of 55
Image 6 of 55
Image 7 of 55
Image 8 of 55
Image 9 of 55
Image 10 of 55
Image 11 of 55
Image 12 of 55
Image 13 of 55
Image 14 of 55
Image 15 of 55
Image 16 of 55
Image 17 of 55
Image 18 of 55
Image 19 of 55
Image 20 of 55
Image 21 of 55
Image 22 of 55
Image 23 of 55
Image 24 of 55
Image 25 of 55
Image 26 of 55
Image 27 of 55
Image 28 of 55
Image 29 of 55
Image 30 of 55
Image 31 of 55
Image 32 of 55
Image 33 of 55
Image 34 of 55
Image 35 of 55
Image 36 of 55
Image 37 of 55
Image 38 of 55
Image 39 of 55
Image 40 of 55
Image 41 of 55
Image 42 of 55
Image 43 of 55
Image 44 of 55
Image 45 of 55
Image 46 of 55
Image 47 of 55
Image 48 of 55
Image 49 of 55
Image 50 of 55
Image 51 of 55
Image 52 of 55
Image 53 of 55
Image 54 of 55
Image 55 of 55
A Valley of Caledonian Forest - Glen Affric
Wilderness, Mountains, and winter
Our journey starts Cannich, surrounded by mountains and the sharp air of January. We begin with an informal chat in the village, giving everyone the chance to get to know one another, carry out final kit checks, and discuss the adventure ahead. Winter travel demands good preparation, and we'll make sure everyone is comfortable with their equipment before heading into the hills.
Over the following days we'll journey on foot through one of Scotland's most beautiful glens, following ancient paths beneath snow-dusted mountains and alongside the waters of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin and Loch Affric. Rather than seeking the high summits, this expedition is about slowing down and experiencing the landscape in its winter state, where frost-covered pines, frozen burns and quiet woodland create an atmosphere unlike any other season.
The route takes us through the heart of the ancient Caledonian Forest, one of the last surviving fragments of the vast Boreal Taiga that once covered much of Scotland. Towering Scots pines, ancient birch woodland and heather moorland take on a completely different character beneath winter skies, while the surrounding peaks provide a dramatic backdrop throughout our journey.
Each day we'll cover comfortable distances, taking time to develop practical winter skills such as navigation, campcraft, route planning and travelling efficiently in cold conditions. If the weather is kind, we'll camp beside the loch or within the shelter of the forest, spending long evenings around the fire beneath some of the darkest skies in Britain.
Winter is one of the best times to discover the hidden stories of the landscape. Fresh snow and soft ground reveal the movements of red deer and mountain hares, while the quiet glen offers excellent opportunities to spot Osprey, ravens and other Highland wildlife.
This is a journey that grants you time spent soaking in one of Scotland's last great wild places walking through ancient forests, following the shores of frozen lochs, and experiencing Glen Affric at its most peaceful, wild and beautiful.
Our journey concludes having travelled from the high mountain pass to the ancient forests of Glen Affric, building the confidence and skills to explore Scotland's winter valleys safely while experiencing one of the country's most spectacular landscapes at its quietest and most beautiful.
-
Day one- We meet in Cannich by the Bog Cotton Cafe. Here we’ll have a kit shake down, crack out the maps, and spend a bit of time discussing the upcoming adventure. We then set off along the Kintail Way into Glen Affric, stopping for our first camp with plenty of time to get set up.
Day Two- We set out early after breakfast to make the most of the ascending day, working to develop navigation skills along the way, we hike into Munro populated Valley with epic ridges, escarpments, stream and Lochs all around.
Day Three- Waking up in the mountains brings all kinds of joy and experience, and we’ll get everything we could imagine during the second day as we travel in some of Scotlands remote backcountry. The weather will play a role on day three more than any other, mountain travel at its most authentic! We may summit a munro, or explore a lower valley, as we travel East beyond the Gates of Affric.
Day Four- Now deep in the middle of the Highlands we start to descend from our high places and arrive back into Cannich, adventurers made in the Winter Valley.
-
Navigation
Map reading
Uses a compass
Contour interpretation
Natural navigation
Stove cooking
How to camp in the hills, campsite selection and other nuances
-
Food- This expedition is self catered, as you’ll largely be cooking on hiking stoves and carrying your food with you. We’ll send you a detailed welcome pack full of advice and recommendations if you need them.
DETAILS:
Travel and arrival -Detailed joining instructions will be sent out to you well in advance of the expedition.
We will meet at the Bog Cotton Cafe in Cannich at 10am on day 1.
Accommodation - All wild camping, a night on the hills and the rest waterside.
Weather/conditions - Scotland in May can be changeable, please make sure you read the kit list thoroughly.
Age requirements - 18+.
Fitness/ability - You need a basic level of fitness to attend this expedition. We suggest that being able to walk 15km each day for the mountain days at a relaxed pace is a good minimum bench mark with a rucksack of camping gear. We want you to enjoy the expedition so please contact us with any questions on this.
Payment - To book we will take a 25% non returnable deposit with the balance due 10 weeks before the expedition start date. See our full Terms and Conditions.
Insurance - We have comprehensive liability insurance and risk assessments, but we suggest that you have your own insurance policy that covers your kit and yourself.
First Aid/Medical - The leaders are experienced in remote first aid and are trained to First Response Emergency Care level 4 (Ambulance ECA). We will carry a comprehensive expedition first aid kit and Garmin Inreach device for emergencies. Please bring with you plenty of any required personal medication.
Toilets - On expedition, toilets will consist of a trowel and a walk a good distance from camp.
KIT OverView
-
A comprehensive kit list will be issued on booking, with advise and details from your guides, however a bullet point list may looking something like this:
Brew kit- mug, spoon, tea/coffee/hot chocolate etc (a small camping stove is a useful extra)
Waterproofs: jacket and trousers
Head-torch and spare batteries
Water bottle
Wooly Hat
Flask for hot water/ hot drink
Small First aid kit- plasters, painkillers, steri-wipes etc (should fit in a trouser pocket).
Toilet kit- tissues, hand sanitizer, lighter, wet-wipes
Sun-cream
Sunglasses
Warm Sleeping bag-in its own dry bag
Sleeping mat
Tent
A full set of warm, dry clothes for the end of the day.
Waterproof socks/ warm socks
Wash kit: toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel as minimum
Spectacles/contact lenses/spares
Plate/bowl and eating utensils
One luxury item-a book, MP3 player, etc
Waterproof whistle to be carried on your person.
A small knife, such as a folding pocket knife or fixed blade more.