River Affric

A rushing river, the gateway to Glen Affric

Here, at the end of the public road, Glen Affric opens up and you are surrounded by the mountains. The wild land is home to golden eagles, mountain hares and red deer.

Autumn and winter are the best times to see deer, when they come down from the hills to find shelter and feed on bark and young saplings. In the past, wolves helped to keep the delicate balance between deer and trees. Now we fence some areas of forest to keep the deer out, and control their numbers so both trees and deer stay healthy.

Walking trails

River Affric route card (PDF)

Walking

Am Meallan Viewpoint Trail

A brisk climb through the bracken and birch trees reveals a magnificent viewpoint looking across Loch Affric to the mountains beyond.

Firm gravel path with uneven rocky sections. Steep slopes and several sets of rocky steps. Includes a road crossing.

¼ miles / 0.6 km

Allow
¼ hour

More information

From the viewpoint there’s a grand panorama of the mountains at the head of the glen. Drovers used to bring herds of cattle through the mountain passes, driving them from the small farming communities in the west of Scotland to market in Inverness.

Walking

River Affric Trail

Descend to the banks of the River Affric, where the peaty waters surge powerfully between Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhain.

Uneven gravel path with rocky sections and exposed tree roots. Some steep slopes and several sets of uneven stone steps. Optional rough and narrow rocky section.

½ miles / 0.9 km

Allow
½ hour

More information

The river is spectacular after rain, as it rushes through the pinewood. Look for the swirling patterns in the rocks by the river’s edge, and keep a watch for deer in autumn and winter. You’ll need sharp eyes to spot their reddish coats among the trees and bracken.

Activities

Off the beaten path

If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the starting point for some superb longer routes in superb mountain scenery. Remember that there are no signposts once you leave the waymarked trails from the car parks, and there is no mobile phone signal so it is difficult to call for help if you get into difficulties. You need to be fit, confident at map-reading and navigation, and well equipped with clothing and food. Check our advice on hill walking before you set off.

The circuit around Loch Affric itself will give you a real flavour of the mountains that separate east and west Scotland. It’s about 11 miles (18 km) and fairly level. It’s easy to find your way, but on the north side of the loch you have to cross burns that have no bridges. This can be tricky after heavy rain, and you may need to go some way up or down the burn to find a safe place to cross. You’ll find more details of the route, together with reports from people who’ve done it, on the Walk Highlands website.

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Parking (charge)

Easy-access facilities

Viewpoint

Picnic area

Be prepared

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

Be warned that 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.

There are toilets here, open in the summer months.

A bite to eat

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.

Car parking information

The charges to park at River Affric are:

Payment options: Coin only

• £3 for all day
• £12 per minibus all day
• This car park is not suitable for coaches
• Still have time left on your ticket? Tickets purchased at River Affric are also valid at Dog Falls, so make the most of your trip and visit the neighbouring forest.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

More parking info

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. River Affric is about 10 miles (16 km) along this road.

Using SatNav?

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

Public transport

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

Get directions