Oft dubbed Scotland's most beautiful glen, Glen Affric is all glassy lochs, craggy mountains, Scots pine and healthy populations of otters, pine martens, wildcats and golden eagle.

Towards the eastern end of the glen – about 5km/3miles from the village of Cannich, – lie picnic areas and handful of short and easy hiking trails. One goes to Dog Falls an attractive little waterfall.

At the western end of the valley options are more demanding but also more rewardingly wild. The 10mile/16km walk around Loch Affric is straightforward but will take around 5hrs. From the halfway point at its western end you can even strike off for 6miles/4km to the remote Glen Affric Youth Hostel. It's great as a base for hikes into the surrounding mountains or even as a stop on a two-day hike to the west coast.

Practical Info

forestryandland.gov.scot/glen-affric