Northern Highlands
Glen Affric — Walking Guide
Glen Affric is one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland — a long, deep valley of ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs and high Munros.
Current conditions
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- 05:22
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- 21:11
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:00
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About Glen Affric
Glen Affric is one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland — a long, deep valley of ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs and high Munros. It is an important conservation area and the trees provide a distinctive backdrop to any walk. The glen is relatively remote: 40km from Inverness with a single-track road through it.
Getting there
From Inverness: A831 to Cannich, then minor road to Glen Affric car parks. Two main car parks: Dog Falls (NH 283 284) and the main glen car park at Loch Affric. No public transport beyond Cannich — car essential.
When to go
Glen Affric is at its most spectacular in late October and early November when the Scots pines are surrounded by turning birch and rowan — one of the best autumn colour displays in Scotland. In summer (June–August), midges are significant in the sheltered lower glen, particularly at dusk and dawn. The Munros (Toll Creagach, Tom a' Choinich, Mam Sodhail, Carn Eighe) are best May–September, with winter approaches requiring full mountain skills. The Loch Affric circuit is a year-round classic — some sections can be boggy in winter but the pines look spectacular with hoarfrost.
Highlights
- Loch Affric circuit (15km forest/loch walk)
- Toll Creagach and Tom a' Choinich (accessible Munros)
- Falls of Affric
- through-route to Kintail
Hills in and around Glen Affric
| Hill | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Beinn a' Mheadhoin | graham | 611m |
| Aonach Shasuinn | corbett | 888m |
| Toll Creagach | munro | 1053m |
| Tom a' Choinnich (Tom a' Choinich) | munro | 1112m |
| Carn a' Chaochain | graham | 706m |
| Carn a' Choire Ghairbh | corbett | 862m |
| Mam Sodhail | munro | 1179m |
| Carn Eighe | munro | 1182m |
| Sail Chaorainn | munro | 999m |
| Beinn Fhionnlaidh | munro | 1004m |
| An Socach | munro | 919m |
| Sgurr nan Conbhairean | munro | 1109m |
| Carn Ghluasaid | munro | 956m |
| Mullach Fraoch-choire | munro | 1100m |
| Carn nan Gobhar | munro | 992m |
| Mullach na Dheiragain | munro | 982m |
| Carn Mhic an Toisich | graham | 678m |
| A' Chraileag (A' Chralaig) | munro | 1120m |
| Sgurr na Lapaich | munro | 1151m |
| An Riabhachan | munro | 1129m |
Frequently asked questions
- Can I walk the full Loch Affric circuit in a day?
- Yes — the full circuit around Loch Affric is approximately 15km and 300m of ascent, taking around 5 hours at a steady pace. The path is well-maintained and waymarked throughout. The best starting point is the main Loch Affric car park at the end of the glen road. Bring waterproofs; the glen creates its own weather.
- What is the through-route from Glen Affric to Kintail?
- The classic through-route follows the valley from Loch Affric through the high bealach to the Five Sisters of Kintail and descends to Morvich near Shiel Bridge — approximately 20km and usually done in 2 days with an overnight at Alltbeithe Youth Hostel (the remotest hostel in Britain). It requires navigation skills and the hostel must be booked in advance.
- Is Glen Affric good for wildlife?
- Glen Affric is one of Scotland's best wildlife areas. The ancient Caledonian pine forest supports red squirrels, Scottish crossbills (endemic to Scotland), crested tits, and ospreys. Red and roe deer are common. The open moorland holds golden plover, red grouse and short-eared owls. Red deer stags are impressive during the October rut.
- How remote is Glen Affric?
- The lower glen (Dog Falls and Chisholm's Stone) is accessible from the car park in 15 minutes. The upper glen (Loch Affric) is about 14km from Cannich on a single-track road — allow 45 minutes by car. Beyond the end of the road, the Munros and through-routes are 10–20km into genuine wilderness with no habitation. Mobile signal is patchy at best beyond Cannich.