Glen Affric

Glen Affric

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).

It used to be part of the lands of the Clan Chisholm. The Battle of Glen Affric took place in 1721.

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.

Affric Lodge, a mansion built as a hunting lodge, is located on a peninsula in Loch Affric, while a Scottish Youth Hostels Association hostel is further up the glen at 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 5km tunnel carries water to Loch Benevean, which has also been dammed. From there, another tunnel takes water to Fasnakyle power station, near Cannich.

The final track on musician/field recordist Chris Watson's Stepping into the Dark album is entitled "The Forest Path. Meallan Na Ceardaich, Glen Affric, Scotland" and was recorded in Glen Affric.

The mountains of Glen Affric are a popular destination with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers.

External links

• Glen Affric National Nature Reserve
• Trees and wild land values in West Glen Affric: a personal view
• Glen Affric Youth Hostel
• Photos of Glen Affric
• Glen Affric walks - free guide