Walking in Glen Affric, Highland, Scotland

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Glen Affric (Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Afraig) is a glen south-west of the village of Cannich in the Highland region of Scotland, some 15 miles (24 km) to the west of Loch Ness. The River Affric runs along its length, passing through Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin (Loch Benevean).

The area is a Caledonian Forest Reserve, a National Scenic Area and a National Nature Reserve. Often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland, it contains one of the largest ancient Caledonian pinewoods in Scotland as well as lochs, moorland and mountains. The track in the picture forms part of the 18 km Loch Affric circuit walk.

Affric Lodge – (see link) www.ipernity.com/doc/cardiganieuan/43461028 the hunting lodge built by Lord Tweedmouth – is located on a peninsula in Loch Affric, while a Scottish Youth Hostels Association hostel is further up the glen at remote Alltbeithe.

The glen is part of the Affric/Beauly hydroelectric scheme, constructed by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board. Loch Mullardoch, in the neighbouring Glen Cannich, is dammed, and a 5 km tunnel carries water to Loch Benevean, which has also been dammed. From there, another tunnel takes water to Fasnakyle power station, near Cannich.