Autumn colours create a haven for the soul in wild Glen Affric
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Glen Affric is often described as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland – and with good reason. From ancient Caledonian forests to stunning waterfalls, and from high mountain tops to peaceful lochs, the national nature reserve is truly a place to savour.
There are forest walks aplenty, including at popular spots such as Dog Falls partway down the single-track road, or you can make your way to the road end, where you can continue on foot or bike to explore deeper into the heart of this magnificent region.
The 11-mile off-road route around Loch Affric is a real adventure, or there’s a shorter viewpoint walk from the car park as well. The long-distance Affric-Kintail Way – a new route stretching from Loch Ness at Drumnadrochit to the west coast at Morvich in Kintail – also passes through this remarkable landscape.
Glen Affric is just one of many places to visit, with many people taking a trip from the Highland capital of Inverness to Beauly at the head of the Beauly Firth. On the way, there are more forest walks at Reelig Glen, once home to Britain’s tallest tree.
Beauly itself has attracted visitors from far and wide for centuries and its name translates as “the beautiful place”. Nestled by the river with its historic ruined priory and collection of niche shops and cafes, it’s easy to understand why.
The village has retained its beauty with the introduction of specialist boutique shops, an Italian pastry and coffee bar (Cafe Biagiotti) and an award-winning continental deli and eatery overlooking the village square (Corner on the Square).
At its heart, the impressive ruins of the 13th-century priory and ancient elm tree provide a sense of timeless tranquility.
The journey from Beauly to Glen Affric heads through picturesque Strathglass, where you’re spoilt for choice and can easily explore stunning glens including Strathfarrar, Cannich and Affric.
Quiet lanes make this a popular destination with cyclists and horse riders, while historic features such as Corrimony Cairn, a 4000-year-old ancient passage grave similar to those at Clava, are fascinating to investigate.
Elsewhere, a short stroll from a remote forest car park takes you to one of the most spectacular sights in the area – overlooking a 150ft drop at the magnificent Plodda Falls.
The conservation village of Tomich lies at the top of Strathglass, en route to Plodda Falls, while nearby Cannich has a shop, campsite and hotel. The village gives access to Glen Affric and Glen Cannich.
As the colours of the trees start to turn, a trip into the wild heart of this region is a chance to relax and unwind and breathe in some well-earned fresh autumn air.
