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Loch Affric

Loch Affric

The Loch Affric hike is a magnificent circuit around this iconic lake in Glen Affric, which is often considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Scotland. This route crosses a variety of landscapes: Caledonian pine forests, heathland, rushing rivers, and mountain panoramas dominated by peaks such as Sgùrr na Lapaich and An Tudair.

This hike immerses you in the heart of a National Nature Reserve, home to the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered the Highlands.

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Trajet voiture DIRECTIONS

Remarks

Parking: There is a large paid parking lot at River Affric Car Park (indicative price in 2025: £3 for the day). The lot has restrooms, picnic tables, and information brochures on available hikes.

Difficulties and description of the hike

Although the circuit is quite long (about 17 km), it presents no technical difficulties and remains almost flat throughout. The unmarked trail alternates between wide, well-maintained tracks on the south bank and narrower paths on the north bank.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular scenery that unfolds along the route: Magnificent views of Loch Affric framed by majestic mountains.
  • Glen Affric's natural wealth: Classified as a National Nature Reserve, this valley is home to one of the largest remnants of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest.
  • The tranquility of the area: Glen Affric is popular, but the length of the trail ensures a moderate number of hikers and a peaceful atmosphere.
MY RATING :

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: ModerateiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 5 hiFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 17.3 km
Type of route: Loop
Elevation gain: 340 m
Maximum altitude: 315 m
Vertiginous: NoiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: No
Popularity: Low
Region: Inverness
Start point: 57.26524, -4.98468

REMARKS

Parking: There is a large paid parking lot at River Affric Car Park (indicative price in 2025: £3 for the day). The lot has restrooms, picnic tables, and information brochures on available hikes.

gpx GPX
Trajet voiture DIRECTIONS

Difficulties and description of the hike

Although the circuit is quite long (about 17 km), it presents no technical difficulties and remains almost flat throughout. The unmarked trail alternates between wide, well-maintained tracks on the south bank and narrower paths on the north bank.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular scenery that unfolds along the route: Magnificent views of Loch Affric framed by majestic mountains.
  • Glen Affric's natural wealth: Classified as a National Nature Reserve, this valley is home to one of the largest remnants of Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest.
  • The tranquility of the area: Glen Affric is popular, but the length of the trail ensures a moderate number of hikers and a peaceful atmosphere.
Loch Affric

Slideshow

Nearby hikes

River Affric

River Affric

  • Difficulty : Very easy
  • Duration : 0 h 45 m
  • Distance : 1.5 km
  • Elevation gain : 80 m
Plodda Falls

Plodda Falls

  • Difficulty : Easy
  • Duration : 1 h 15 m
  • Distance : 2.6 km
  • Elevation gain : 110 m
Dog Falls

Dog Falls

  • Difficulty : Easy
  • Duration : 2 h 15 m
  • Distance : 6.1 km
  • Elevation gain : 220 m
Loch Coulin

Loch Coulin

  • Difficulty : Easy
  • Duration : 3 h 15 m
  • Distance : 9.7 km
  • Elevation gain : 110 m

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