A new north long distance footpath has been officially opened by one of Scotland’s best known walkers.
Cameron MacNeish officially opened the 44 mile Affric Kintail Way, which runs from Morvich in the west to Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness.
The route, which has been designed by the Strathglass Marketing Group takes walkers through some of the wildest land in the Highlands and passing a number of important historical sites.
Newtonmore-based walker and author Mr McNeish said: “This is a spectacular addition to Scotland’s walking routes – and it’s all the more remarkable when you think that all of the people who have worked on this over the past four years have done so on a voluntary basis.
“The Strathglass Marketing Group had the original vision of a long distance trail here – and they have been instrumental in getting all the partners on board and driving this project forward.
“It makes use of the old drove roads and updates them to create superb opportunities for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
“This amazing trail is a great addition to Scotland’s growing network of long distance paths and it is something of which all the partners involved should be very proud.”
Much of the trail crosses land managed either by Forestry Commission Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland and as well as passing through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, it also passes through some of Scotland’s defining history.
It passes close to Corrimony – the location of the last battle of Viking Prince Monyand a number of areas with links to the Jacobites.
The route follows largely well graded paths and is fully waymarked.
Ian Mure, of the Strathglass Marketing Group, said: “We’ve long held the view that this part of Scotland has some amazing experiences to offer visitors and the trail really captures it all. Visitors will see some of Scotland’s finest landscapes – including the unmistakeable and unforgettable Glen Affric – and have the chance to see a fantastic array of wildlife.
“But visitors will also have a great opportunity to travel through history, whether it’s at renowned locations such as Urquhart Castle and Eilean Donan Castle, or at sites connected with Bronze Age peoples, Vikings, Jacobites or the ordinary people that used to populate this landscape.”