Glen Affric has been described by many writers of Scottish Books as "the most beautiful Glen in Scotland." It is a place that I have visited many times and having seen this place at first hand and also many other Glens in Scotland I will not try and dispute this claim.
THE LOCATION
Glen Affric lies on the A831 just 24 miles to the West of Inverness, 15 miles from Drumnadrochit, and 65 miles to the East of Fort William.
GLEN AFFRIC
Access to Glen Affric is via a single track Road that leaves the A831 at Fasnakyle Power Station near Cannich.
This Road initially follows the River Affric and then eventually runs alongside the shores of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin. It is a dead end Road that continues for 5 miles so your return journey will be back along this same route.
Glen Affric is an example of one of the largest surviving natural Pine Forests in Britain. These Woodlands
form part of the CaledonianForest which once stretched right across this part of Scotland from Inverness on the East Coast to Fort William on the West. It is a unique habitat supporting many examples of Fauna and Flora that is found nowhere else in Britain.
The Forest that remains today is only about 1% of its original size. For centuries the Timber from these forests was very highly sought after for Ship Building and also for fuelling the Iron Smelters during the Industrial Revolution. These Forests were then further destroyed by the Victorians who introduced large numbers of Sheep and Deer into the Glen, the grazing from these Animals destroyed the young Pine Shoots and it seemed like the Forest that had dominated this region for over 10,000 years was doomed.
In 1951 Glen Affric was purchased by the Forestry Commission and from this date onwards conservation and restoration of the Forest has been the main objective. In 1994 The Glen was designated a Caledonian Forest Reserve, and in 2001, as a direct result of the conservation work that had taken place, Glen Affric was finally accepted as a National Treasure, and it was then given the status of National Nature Reserve.
FACILITIES IN THE GLEN
This is the wild wilderness of the Scottish Highlands so don't expect a great deal of facilities here. There are however several Car Parks within the Glen, and the two largest Car Parks at the Dog Falls and at the side of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin both have Public Toilets with disabled facilities as well as Picnic Tables where you can enjoy a snack in a fantastic setting.
THE FAUNA AND FLORA
The unique habitat of Glen Affric contrasts between the ancient Pine Woodlands and the wild open moorland that continues beyond Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin when the single track Road ends.
The Pine Woodlands are the home of the Capercallie, a huge member of the Grouse family that is the size of a Turkey and Crested Tits, both of which are found here and nowhere else in Britain, whilst the Scottish Crossbill is found here and found nowhere else in the World.
Animals within the Forest include the rare Pine Martin and Red Squirrels, which are surprisingly abundant. Whilst the River and Lochs support Otters and both Red and Black Throated Divers.
Glen Affric is a paradise for the Birdwatcher, the Nature lover and the walker, whilst the Rivers and Lochs are ideal Fishing grounds as they hold large numbers of both Trout and Salmon.
Much of the beauty of Glen Affric is with the scenery and the great outdoors and there are many footpaths that leave the Car Parking areas where you can quickly wander off the beaten track, but be warned some of these paths can be rather tricky underfoot, especially after heavy rain.
I would particularly recommend the around the Dog Falls. The Dog Falls is a Waterfall, one of several Waterfalls in the Glen, but the most impressive. Dog Falls are so named because of the shape of the falls which follow the shape of a Dog's leg. The Falls are a series of rapids and then the main Fall. The River here is spanned by a wooden Bridge which provides a perfect spot for a photo opportunity.
CONCLUSION
Glen Affric is a truly fantastic place to spend a day, especially if you are lucky with the Weather as this Glen can be a real Sun Trap in places.
As with all areas of the Scottish Highlands it is however not an easy place to access and the Weather here can change quickly, even in the middle of the Summer so care should be taken at all times.
It is also one of the worst places that I know for Midges, the scourge of the Scottish Highlands.
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