Guided Walk: Glen Affric

Guided Walk: Glen Affric

  • Glen Affric on a sunny winters day, with frost and blue skies
  • Plodda Falls in Glen Affric - water tumbling into a pool
  • a tree-lined Loch Affric on a calm autumnal day
  • Glen Affric on cloudy moody day

Activity Overview

What to Expect on a Walk in Glen Affric

This walking tour through remote Glen Affric is more than just sightseeing; it is an immersive experience that will awaken your senses and leave you with a profound appreciation for the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Your Journey Begins:

We whisk you away from your Inverness city-centre accommodation at around 9:30 AM, marking the start of your small-group walking tour through the captivating heart of the Highlands. As we journey for an hour along the scenic shores of the Beauly Firth and up the lovely Strath Glass, captivating countryside views unfold around every bend.

First Stop – Majestic Plodda Falls:

Our first rendezvous with nature is at the majestic Plodda Falls, nestled near the quaint conservation village of Tomich, the birthplace of the beloved Golden Retriever dogs. Here, we embark on a leisurely 2.5 km stroll through towering stands of Douglas Fir, leading us to the Abhainn Deabhag River. Following the river upstream, we arrive at the breathtaking spectacle of the 46-metre high Plodda Falls. Witnessing their full glory after heavy rainfall is a truly awe-inspiring experience. For those with a head for heights, a cantilevered viewing platform offers a stunning perspective of the cascading falls.

Into the Heart of Glen Affric:

A scenic 20-minute drive further reveals the treasures of the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. Here, we encounter one of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest that once blanketed 80% of Scotland. This haven for wildlife, including Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles, and Black-throated Divers, forms the core of the grand “Affric Highlands” re-wilding project, a testament to nature’s resilience. Prepare to be touched by the soul of this extraordinary place.

Lunchtime Delights and Loch Affric Viewpoint:

We then savour a picnic lunch bursting with delicious local produce, followed by visits to a rugged river section and a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the upper glen and Loch Affric.

Dog Falls and a Walk Through the Ancient Forest:

Our next stop is the enchanting Dog Falls, where a 1.5-2 hour guided walk immerses us in the heart of the ancient forest. As we traverse the peaceful trails, we’ll have opportunities to spot native flora and fauna, breathing in the crisp Highland air and truly connecting with nature.

Return Journey and Lasting Memories:

With memories etched in hearts and cameras alike, we head back to the minibus for a scenic return journey to Inverness via Drumnadrochit and the shores of Loch Ness. As the day draws to a close you will depart with a sense of wonder, having experienced the magic of snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and embraced the true spirit of the Highlands.

Why book with In Your Element?

  • Small groups (max. 8 guests)
  • Led by a qualified mountain walk leader
  • Collected from your city centre accommodation
  • Includes lunch of hot freshly made soup, oatcakes and local cheeses (dietary requirements catered for).
Inverness & Loch Ness
Up to 4 people (£400); 5-8 people (£550)
(Minimum) £400
6 hours
November to March
12 Years

Suitability

No previous experience required.

What to Bring Along

  • Drinks or snacks that you may choose to purchase from a shop or café en route.
  • Walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, walking poles. These can all be hired from us for a small additional fee if you do not have your own. Please see ‘Optional Extras’ on check-out.

What’s Included

  • Transport from Inverness city centre
  • Services of a qualified driver/walking guide
  • A light lunch of home-made soup, oatcakes, and other local produce
  • Use of a small day rucksack for carrying small items such as phones and waterproofs

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FAQ’s

Weight limits for Kayak and Canoe Tours

Maximum Weight – 18 Stone (114 kg)

We limit participant weight to 18st (114 kg) because from the customer’s point of view:

– there is the safety aspect – i.e. their ability to exit the kayak safely in the event of a capsize (due to the limited size of the cockpit).

– This isn’t as much of an issue for canoe trips, but still makes things more difficult

– There is then the process of getting back in the kayak or canoe. We need to take customer weight into account because our expedition leader may need to rescue the paddler, and amongst other things, this would involve pulling them out of the water, and getting them back into the kayak or canoe, typically during bumpier water conditions. So the weight limit is also put in place to help our guides during rescues.
– During canoe expeditions, it is important that the 2 people paddling together in the canoe are roughly the same weight, otherwise the boat will be out of balance from back to front. This makes it more difficult to control the boat, particularly if windy.
– Finally, from comfort and practicality perspectives, customers will need to be able to get in and out of the kayak several times each day – it is particularly important to be able to do this quickly and unaided if, for example, landing on a beach at times when there a few waves around.

A Guide to Midges in Scotland

If you’re planning to explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes this summer, it’s advised to take precautions against attracting midges and other insects. Learn where to expect them and how best to avoid getting bitten.

FAQS about Midges

What are midges? 

Small two-winged flies which often from swarms or clouds. There are a number of different species of midge, some of which partly feed off nectar in addition to the blood of animals and sometimes humans.

Which type of midge lives in Scotland?

The Highland midge. It’s found throughout the British isles, northern Europe and even northern China.

Are midges like mosquitos? 

No. While midges might look like mosquitos close up and suck blood, they are not mosquitos and do not spread malaria.

What do midge bites look like?

Small red dots which can develop into itchy, painful swellings and even blisters.

Are midge bites serious?

Midge bites are harmless but if the skin around the bite becomes broken it could become infected.

How do midges detect their prey? The midge locates its prey by picking up carbon dioxide exhaled into the atmosphere.

Did you know? Only the female midge bites!

Where are the midge hotspots Scotland?

The west of the Highlands, islands and parts of the Cairngorms. They are also found in Perthshire and Argyll.

At what time of day are midges most active?

At dawn or dusk. They also like damp, clammy days with overcast skies and little wind.

At what time of year are midges most common? 

From May to October.

Where are midges found?

Midges love humid and damp conditions as well as shady spots. Marshlands, grasslands, forests and woodlands, the banks of rivers, ponds and lochs; all are magnets for midges.

At what time of day are midges most active?

At dawn or dusk. They also like damp, clammy days with overcast skies and little wind.

What can you do about them?

We advise buy a midge-head net and possibly buy some insect repellent too, e.g. check the Smidge website.  Midges won’t generally bother you during activities, but if they are around, you may bump into them if you are standing waiting, changing clothes, or resting during an activity.

Participation in In Your Element outdoor activities carries a small risk of injury.  That is unavoidable and something that all participants must accept prior to booking. Although we put a number of measures in place to protect customers, you might still twist your ankle or fall of your bike.

As a company we take a number of steps to minimise the risk of injury to our staff and customers:

  • Our instructors and guides are all fully-trained in the activities they are delivering, and must undergo not only activity-specific training, but also venue-specific training.
  • In Your Element has a comprehensive Safety Procedures and Risk Assessment Document, which is updated on an ongoing basis and audited externally by the activty licencing authority.
  • All our instructors are first-aid trained.
  • Prior to all activity sessions, participants are given a safety briefing and where required, coaching.
  • If weather is looking rubbish, we’ll consider the resulting risk of continnuing with an activity session.
  • We have industry-leading liability insurance should a serious injury ever occur.

In Your Element has an excellent record for safety, so you should feel assured that you are in good hands,  If you do sprain your ankle or get a scrape or 2, we’ll be able to help out where required. However, the odd minor bump or bruise is often a sign that you’ve had a great time and shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

We offer a several activities and have a variety of booking terms in conditions.  You will be given the opportunity to read these prior to booking, so please take the time to do that so you know what’s what.

In general though:

  • You have up until 48 hours before booking to cancel a scheduled activity session that is booked online – this might be TreeZone, a canoe tour, archery or axe-throwing session.
  • For private group bookings, the cut-off point for a refund is 4 weeks prior to the booking date unless we can find replacement business.  There are some extenuating circumstances, but you should bear this in mind when booking.
  • Multi-day Adventuers Holiday typically have a cut-off point of 6 weeks prior to the booking date.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE BOOKING TERMS BEFORE BOOKING!

One of the great things about Scotland is that it rains regularly.  That means we don’t often have water shortages like some other countries!

So, it it’s raining all you need to do is bring a waterproof coat.  It might be worth bringing a change of clothes for afterwards if your legs and feet get wet.

We’ll only cancel an activity session when we feel it will be dangerous to continue.  Think flooded river gorges or swollen rivers.  We might also cancel if there is thunder and lightning forecast or strong winds.  If there are blizzards on the way, that sometimes causes issues too!

Safety is always out first priority, so if we think there is a risk, we will cancel and refund your booking or offer you the chance to reschedule.

So, in short…. remember your waterproof and embrace the precipitation!

Generally speaking, you won’t need any specialist clothing or equipment, but where you do, we will provide it for you.

As a rule of thumb, wear clothing suitable for outdoor activity.

  • So, ideally synthetic/ sporty/ merino clothing, but not cotton/ denim as it stays wet if it gets wet.  Think layers – so you can add or remove as required.
  • Remember to bring waterproofs – it is Scotland afterall.
  • Hats for the cold or the sun.
  • Shades so you look good!
  • Suitable shoes – ideally robust outdoorsy trainers or boots.
  • You might want to bring a midge head net (mainly for late June, to early September).  You won’t always need one of these but they can save the day sometimes.
  • For water-based activities, bring a towel.
  • Water bottle and a snack.

If there’s anything else you need on the day we will let you know when you book.

As a mobile activity company, In Your Element is in the enviable position of being able to offer activity experiences just about anywhere across Scotland.

Although there are a large number of scheduled activity sessions in fixed locations at fixed times we can also offer tailor-made experiences at many other venues and locations.

Our Main Activity Locations are:

  • Aviemore
  • Inverness & Loch Ness
  • Fort William
  • Loch Lomond (Including Forest Holidays Argyll & Forest Holidays Strathyre)
  • Loch Tay Highland Lodges

If you’re not intending to visit one of the areas mentioned, don’t despair. As a mobile activity company, we may be able to bring an activity to a location near you.

We know of lots of venues across Scotland but can also come to your exclusive use venue or accommodation if there are suitable grounds, perhaps use a park nearby or even your garden.

If you have an event in mind and are looking for group activities, get in touch and we can advise on the what, where, and how.

Medical Conditions

We are not able to give medical advice so we recommend checking with your doctor before you book.

I live with a disability. Will I still be able to take part?”

That depends a lot on the type and severity of the disability you live with.  We will always try our best to accommodate people and so far we have had an amazing variety of people who have successfully participated in many of our activities. However, if you are at all unsure, it is best to get in touch before coming along, to discuss things in more detail.

TreeZone Treetop Adventures

We have some more information for you at our Aviemore course, and if you want to come and have a look around before you book to get a clearer idea of what TreeZone entails, then pop in and we’ll happily show you around and discuss your needs.

Alternatively, contact us to chat with us.

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