Where Ancient Forests Meet Modern Conservation in the Heart of the Highlands
Often hailed as Scotland’s most beautiful glen, Glen Affric stands as a testament to both the majesty of our natural heritage and the power of thoughtful conservation. Just a short journey from the village of Cannich, this remarkable landscape offers our guests an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Scottish Highlands at their most pristine and inspiring.
A Living Piece of Ancient Scotland
Glen Affric is home to one of Scotland’s largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest—a globally unique ecosystem that once blanketed much of the Highlands. Here, magnificent Scots pines, some over 500 years old, stand alongside birch, rowan, aspen, and juniper in a landscape that has evolved naturally over millennia. These ancient woodlands provide sanctuary for some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife, including golden eagles soaring overhead, red deer grazing in forest clearings, and if you’re fortunate, glimpses of the elusive Scottish wildcat or pine marten.
The glen’s network of pristine lochs—including the stunning Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’Mheadhoin—mirrors the surrounding peaks and forests in their crystal-clear waters, creating some of the most photographed vistas in Scotland.
Rewilding in Action
What makes Glen Affric truly special is witnessing nature’s remarkable capacity for recovery. The area sits at the heart of the ambitious Affric Highlands rewilding project, a groundbreaking 200,000-hectare initiative that represents the largest rewilding landscape in the UK. This 30-year vision is already showing remarkable results.
Through careful collaboration with local landowners and communities, natural processes are being restored across the landscape. Deer-proof fencing allows young trees to flourish without browsing pressure, while riparian restoration along rivers and streams provides crucial shade for cold-water species like Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels. The regeneration is visible everywhere—baby Scots pines pioneering new ground, red squirrels returning to former territories, and rare wildflowers carpeting the forest floor.
Recent conservation successes include the protection of ancient pines in Glen Loyne, including Scotland’s oldest wild Scots pine at over 566 years old, and the restoration of 23 hectares of riparian woodland on Corrimony Farm in 2023.
Adventures for Every Explorer
Glen Affric’s combination of accessible paths and wild terrain makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. The area offers some of Scotland’s finest walking opportunities, from gentle lochside strolls to challenging mountain expeditions.
Walking & Hiking
The crown jewel is the 11-mile circular walk around Loch Affric—a challenging but rewarding full-day hike that showcases the glen’s diverse landscapes. Starting from River Affric car park, the route takes you through ancient pinewoods, across open moorland, and along the dramatic shoreline with stunning mountain vistas at every turn. For those seeking shorter adventures, waymarked trails at Dog Falls and River Affric offer easier options with spectacular waterfall views.
The area also serves as a gateway to some of Scotland’s highest peaks north of the Great Glen, including Carn Eighe (1,181m) and Mam Sodhail (1,183m), offering experienced hillwalkers the chance to “bag” several Munros in a single expedition.
Water-Based Adventures
The lochs of Glen Affric provide exceptional opportunities for canoeing and paddleboarding. The sheltered waters of Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’Mheadhoin offer peaceful paddling through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes, with excellent chances of spotting otters, ospreys, and other wildlife. The dark, peaty waters reflect the surrounding mountains and forests, creating an almost mirror-like surface on calm days.
For the more adventurous, multi-day canoe expeditions can explore the network of connected lochs, with wild camping opportunities on remote shores surrounded by towering peaks.
Multi-Day Adventures
The glen serves as a key section of the Affric Kintail Way, a spectacular long-distance trail that crosses from Inverness to the west coast. This route includes an overnight stay at Alltbeithe Youth Hostel—Scotland’s most remote youth hostel, accessible only on foot and offering an authentic wilderness experience four hours’ walk from the nearest road.
A Vision Realized
Glen Affric perfectly embodies the philosophy that conservation and outdoor recreation can thrive together. The ongoing rewilding efforts are creating a more biodiverse, resilient landscape while maintaining the area’s appeal as an outdoor adventure destination. Every visit here supports this vital conservation work and demonstrates how responsible tourism can contribute to nature recovery.
For our customers seeking an authentic Highland experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty, world-class outdoor activities, and the chance to witness conservation in action, Glen Affric represents the very best of what Scotland has to offer, at any time of year. Whether you’re planning a gentle day walk around the loch, an ambitious canoe expedition, or a challenging mountain adventure, this remarkable glen promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Glen Affric is easily accessible from our Highland base near Inverness, with the main access point at River Affric car park just 10 miles from Cannich via single-track road. Contact us to discuss incorporating this spectacular destination into your Scottish adventure.
