Walk 1781 - printer friendly version

Loch Affric Circular Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 11.0 miles / 17.9 km

Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NH201234
Lat 57.2657470 + Long -4.9848266
Postcode IV4 7LY (approx. location only)

Glen Affric is one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands and this walk completes a circuit of Loch Affric which is surrounded Munros (hills over 3,000 feet). The route is easy to follow and is full of interest including mountain views, waterfalls, Caledonian pinewoods plus lots more.

The walk starts at the end of the public road into Glen Affric where a pay and display car park is available for visitors (grid ref. NH201234). After parking exit along the path at the western end and continue to a bridge. Cross the bridge, pass through a small gate and continue along the track to a fork. Bear right and walk parallel to the Loch Affric on your right. After 400 metres you pass a small loch on your left. Soon you have a view to Affric Lodge on your right. The excellent track continues ahead and is part of the Affric Kintail Way.

The undulating track contours across the hillside offering magnificent views across the loch including majestic Munro Mam Sodhail. Nearing the western end of the loch, the track reaches another fork (grid ref. NH139206). Bear right, cross a stream and passes a cottage on your left to cross a larger bridge over the River Affric. You soon pass a cottage used by mountaineers. 400 metres beyond the cottage you reach a junction (grid ref. NH127208). Turn right up a narrower track that heads up a hill in a north-easterly direction.

You soon pass Loch Coulavie on your right. The onward track continues across the hillside fording a number of streams. Note after heavy rain one stream may be problematic. The track continues to a bridge over Allt Coire Leachavie and soon after a path on the left is the normal approach to Mam Sodhail. Continue ahead to reach a gate through a fence (grid ref. NH156229). You then enter a Pinewood Regeneration area where native Scots Pines are being encouraged to grow.

Pass through another fence (grid ref. NH178232) and continue alongside the fence surrounding the Affric Lodge Estate. Stay on the signed route to reach a tarmac drive which is followed back to the start.

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