Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain

A lochside picnic spot with gentle woodland paths

This secluded car park is set among Scots pine and birch trees, with a lovely view of the loch. It’s a great place for a picnic or just to enjoy the peace and quiet. There are no waymarked trails, but small paths lead through the trees along the loch side. A few hundred yards back down the glen, the steep track by Allt na Imrich (the burn of the flitting) has stunning views.

The loch is as much a part of the National Nature Reserve as the forests, but it’s not quite as natural as it looks. It’s part of an ambitious hydro-electric project, developed in the 1950s. Water is piped from Glen Cannich, just to the north, into Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain. From there it flows to the power station at Fasnakyle, down the glen towards Cannich.

This elaborate system was developed to protect Glen Affric’s landscape and wildlife. It means Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain only had to be enlarged a little, and the dam at the end of the loch is so small you’re hardly aware of it. But the loch’s level does change, depending on how much water the power station needs. That can make life difficult for birds like black-throated divers, which nest around the loch. We provide small floating islands where they can find a fringe of reeds that’s always just above the water level.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

Visiting Glen Affric

Much of the road through the glen is single track, like many Highland roads. Drive slowly, and pull over to let other cars pass at the passing places.

Glen Affric is a place to leave the bustle of the modern world behind – including its technology! There is no mobile phone reception in the glen, so you won’t be able to use electronic maps that rely on a network connection.

Life’s essentials

The nearest toilets are at Dog Falls. You’ll find places to eat in Cannich or Tomich and a shop in Cannich. There are no cafés or shops in Glen Affric itself.

Getting here

From Inverness or Fort William, follow the A82 along Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit. Turn onto the A831, signposted for Canaich (Cannich). In Cannich village, turn left onto the minor road signposted for Glen Affric. Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain is about 8 miles (12.8 km) along this road. Please note, the car park is not suitable for coaches

Using SatNav?

IV4 7LN is the postcode for the centre of Cannich village. Follow directions above from there.

Public transport

Buses run from Inverness to Tomich and Cannich throughout the year. For details visit Traveline Scotland.

Get directions