EMMA HARRISON: The beauty of our hidden gem Glen Affric
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When looking up beautiful Glens in our many Scottish destinations, search engines come alive with where best to see amazing valleys including the hot spots – Glencoe, Glen Torridon, Glenshee, Glen Lyon, and Glen Etive, but there is very little promotion around Glen Affric.
As locals, we know it’s one of our best-kept secrets, but on the other hand, it’s also worth shouting about. Right on our doorstep, this Glen has an abundance of activities on offer and offers us the most picturesque landscapes imaginable. With wonderful walks, fantastic food and drink offerings and perfect points of interest, there’s almost something for everyone. I’ve put together information on exactly where Glen Affric is and why it is worth visiting. Perhaps this might end up being your new favourite place as it’s certainly one of mine!
The Glen is south west of Cannich – a beautiful village at the junction of Glen Affric, Glenurquhart and Glen Cannich and less than a 30-mile trip from the centre of Inverness. It stretches for 30 miles from Kintail and has a beautiful river running through it – the River Affric. Having a picnic on the river alone is one of the most pleasant things to do on a clear day, and the journey to get there is pleasurable, scenic and shouldn’t be rushed.
If you like greenery, Glen Affric is home to one of the largest amounts of ancient Caledonian Pine forest which can be seen from all angles and in fact has a National Nature Reserve status. It’s lush, it’s beautiful and it’s perfect to stroll or wheel through and admire these tall beasts. Often, there are red squirrels running up and down them, a bonus if you spot them!
For outdoor enthusiasts and hills walkers, Glen Affric has many Munros and Corbetts including the largest in the area, Carn Eige, that stands at 1830m high and is the highest hill north of the Great Glen. These mountains are rugged and offer views for miles. There’s something really quite peaceful about these hills – the space, the remoteness, the tranquility. Some enjoy walking the hills as pairs or as a trio and for the fittest, some prefer climbing these hills as one which has been named ‘The Mullardoch Round’.
If you’re a biker, the mountain bike routes are fantastic and have very little traffic on the paths. Road biking is also very popular, and rightly so, with great single-track roads – even all the way to the loch’s dead end where you can sit for a while.
The area also offers plenty of low level walking too. Walks in the area include Dog Falls and Coire Loch that can be shortened if needed. This loop view cascades, a dramatic gorge and beautiful woodland. If you’re looking for drama, Plodda Falls may be the one for you – with a waterfall over 40m high, this walk of under two miles will be sure to surprise you and you may even be brave enough to dip your toes into the water before you leave!
For something longer, the ‘Loch Affric Circuit’ is just over 11 miles and takes you round the whole loch, with a chance to see a tiny beach. This is beautiful but requires steady feet and preparation for a longer day out.
For a snippet of peace, you can head over to Glen Affric and enjoy the cafés and restaurants on offer. Bog Cotton Café in Cannich is wonderful for lunches and bakes, and you can even eat outside. The Coach House Café in Tomich is also a fantastic stop off, especially if you’re heading to Plodda Falls – their soups are always fantastic. Alternatively, on your way, you could also drive to Drumnadrochit first to pick up a luxurious packed lunch from Quila Cridhe Tearoom (Drumbuie Farm) for their legendary toasties (seriously, they are excellent!). If you’re visiting for food specifically, you could also try Struy Inn or the Cnoc Hotel for some delicious home cooking.
For overnight stays, you could head over to Glen Affric Holiday Park if you’re looking for a staycation and extend your visit in this magical area. If you’re looking for somewhere indoors, I’d highly recommend Eagle Brae which has luxurious log cabins or Tomich Holidays for lovely holiday cottages in the heart of it all.
There are plenty of other activities to get involved in including alpaca trekking with Invercannich Farm – choose your walking buddy and be amongst gorgeous scenery and Highland cows, a real winner for families, couples or even yourself. There’s also golfing available just past Beauly on your way to Glen Affric if you fancy.
There are three car parks if you are looking to visit the area – one at Dog Falls, Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin and at the River Affric which at this point, the single-track (approximately 10 miles long) ends. Albeit a long road, Glen Affric is pretty accessible and it is absolutely worth the drive from Inverness and Loch Ness.
For me, this rivals Canada – there’s so much to offer in our little local paradise and I highly recommend anyone to explore Glen Affric. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, someone looking for some peace and quiet, are a family looking for something a bit difference or even simply looking for somewhere to eat or picnic – try it, see what you think!
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