Our top 5 Glen Affric walks
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, Glen Affric offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore this gorgeous wilderness. From lochside escapes to woodland wanders, whatever you want you will find here. Just around an hour’s drive from us here at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness, this makes for a great day out during your stay. So here, we’ve highlighted five of the most popular walks to try when you visit Glen Affric…
1. The Loch Affric Loop
If you want to see the glen in all its glory, then a circular walk around Loch Affric is a good place to start. Although not suitable for absolute beginners, this walk should take up most of the day, which is up to 6 or so hours for more experienced walkers. You’ll enjoy woodland and moorland walking environments, as well as consistently good views of the loch.
2. Plodda Falls
Enjoy a spectacular view of these waterfalls – the highest in the area at 151 feet which is 46 metres. From the car park it is a short and accessible walk to the falls over a mainly gravel path. It should only take around half an hour to walk there, and it is most definitely worth it.
3. River Beauly and Lovat Bridge
This circular route along the River Beauly is a good one to do at any time of year. Spring and summer sees flowering meadows and swooping birds, and autumn and winter sees a changing landscape to brown leaves and a bare but still beautiful winter landscape. Starting from Lovat Bridge near Beauly, it takes around 2-3 hours on mainly good pathways.
4. Dog Falls
This trail is perfect for those looking to enjoy the varying landscapes of Glen Affric without committing to a strenuous hike. The route starts at Dog Falls car park. It takes you through ancient Scots pine forests, along the River Affric, and past the mesmerizing Dog Falls. It’s a great walk to take a picnic!
5. Affric Corbets: Càrn a’ Choire Ghairbh and Aonach Shasuinn
If you are here for a walking challenge, and are fully prepared to spend a day out on the hills, then you can’t do much better than taking on the Affric Corbets. A corbet is a Scottish mountain over 2,500 feet (762 metres) and under 3,000 feet (914.4 metres). And this walk has two of them! You can enjoy everything from the bottom of a glen to the top of a mountain here, with the possibility of stunning views waiting for you at the top. Walking up Càrn a’ Choire Ghairbh and Aonach Shasuinn is a challenge, but a worthy one.
Walking Glen Affric
Glen Affric is a wonderful place to explore. Whether you are looking for a couple of hours outside, or an adventure that lasts the day, there’s something to be found here. Glen Affric walks can be enjoyed at any time of year. Each time you visit there is something new to see in the landscape. And remember to book your stay with Abbey Holidays Loch Ness and have a comfortable and beautiful apartment to look forward to upon your return in the heart of Fort Augustus.
