Glen Affric Trail

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Overview

Glen Affric Trail: Loch Affric Circuit Guide

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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HikeList Score

Glen Affric Trail scored 81/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 71
Accommodation 75
Food & support 72
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Glen Affric Trail here is the 17.9 km Loch Affric Circuit, a moderate one-day loop in Glen Affric, in the Scottish Highlands west of Loch Ness near Cannich. It suits hikers who want a long but low-level day walk through ancient Caledonian pinewood, loch shore and mountain scenery without climbing a summit. Expect good estate tracks and clear paths, plus some rough, rocky or boggy ground. For more routes in the Highlands, see our Scotland hiking guides, including the Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail.

Route Overview

Start and finish at the River Affric car park at the end of the single-track Glen Affric minor road, reached by car from Cannich. There is no public transport to the trailhead; the car park is pay-and-display, with toilets and a picnic area. The loop follows the shores of Loch Affric, passing Affric Lodge on the north side, pinewood-regeneration areas, the Allt Coulavie burn and Sputan Ban waterfall, then reaching Athnamulloch bothy at the western head of the loch before returning by the southern shore track. The route shares ground with the Affric Kintail Way near its western end. For a coastal contrast, compare the Assynt Coastal Path or the Arran Coastal Way.

Glen Affric history and conservation

Glen Affric protects one of Scotland’s major remnants of ancient Caledonian pinewood and has been a national nature reserve since 2002, as well as a National Scenic Area and SSSI. Dudley Marjoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth, acquired the estate by 1856 and enlarged Affric Lodge by the 1860s as part of a Victorian sporting estate. The Forestry Commission bought most of the glen in 1951. Today Forestry and Land Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and Trees for Life are involved in native-forest restoration and wider Affric Highlands rewilding work.

Notable highlights

Ancient Caledonian pinewood: The circuit passes through Scots pine and birch woodland, part of one of the largest surviving fragments of the old Caledonian Forest. It is the defining feature of the walk.
Loch Affric: The route circles this island-studded Highland loch, giving repeated views of rocky shoreline, pine-clad slopes and open water.
Mam Sodhail views: Mam Sodhail rises across the loch and dominates the skyline, although the trail remains low and does not climb it.
Affric Lodge: This private, castle-like Victorian shooting lodge stands on the north shore and is a clear landmark early in the loop.
Athnamulloch bothy: A simple hut at the remote western head of Loch Affric, by the river crossing and roughly the turning point of the circuit. It is private, not an open MBA shelter.
Highland wildlife: Red deer, golden eagles, ospreys, pine martens and Scottish crossbill live in the glen; dawn, dusk and the autumn rut offer the best chances of sightings.

Challenges to expect

The grade is moderate because of the 17.9 km distance, remoteness and variable ground rather than steep climbing. The circuit is largely on good tracks and paths, but the southern side can be rough, rocky or boggy. Burn crossings, including the Allt Coulavie, may be difficult or impassable after heavy rain. The route is essentially unwaymarked, with no escape routes and no mobile signal, so carry a map or GPS.

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Ranked #410 of 974

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