388 hikes walked and documented
Menu

River Affric Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Very easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
0h45 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
1.5km
Elevation gain
80m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
285 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Inverness
Start point
57.26521, -4.98464
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The River Affric walk provides a quick introduction to the spectacular beauty of Glen Affric, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys in Scotland. In just 1.5 kilometers, this route reveals astonishing diversity: a forest of ancient Caledonian pines, the swirling waters of the River Affric, and an exceptional view of Loch Affric dominated by the glen's mountains.

This hike is ideal for those with limited time or looking for an accessible walk and is a perfect introduction to the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

River Affric Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The hike combines two trails: the blue-marked River Trail and the white-marked Am Meallan Viewpoint Trail. These well-maintained trails are accessible to all and present no difficulty.

What you'll love

  • The exceptional panorama from the Am Meallan viewpoint offers a bird's eye view of Loch Affric, framed by the majestic peaks to the west of the glen.
  • The rushing waters of the River Affric: the river, colored amber by the peat, is particularly spectacular after rainfall.

Practical information

Access and parking

The "Loch Affric Circuit" parking lot is located at the end of the public road, about 11 miles after the village of Cannich. Parking is subject to a charge (indicative price for 2025: £3 for the day). There are toilets, picnic tables, and information on local hikes.

Route

This route combines the blue (River Trail) and white (Am Meallan Viewpoint Trail) marked trails. You can start with either one depending on your preference.

Glen Affric
Glen Affric
Loch Affric
Loch Affric
River Affric – photo 3
Caledonian pines
Caledonian pines
Caledonian pines
Caledonian pines
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric
River Affric

More hikes to do in Scotland

Nearby hikes

Inverness

Loch Affric

Moderate5 h · 17.3 km · 340 m D+

Inverness

Plodda Falls

Easy1 h 15 · 2.6 km · 110 m D+

Inverness

Dog Falls

Easy2 h 15 · 6.1 km · 220 m D+

Torridon

Loch Coulin

Easy3 h 15 · 9.7 km · 110 m D+

Torridon

Beinn Eighe

Hard8 h 30 · 19 km · 1,220 m D+

Inverness

Rogie Falls

Very easy1 h · 1.5 km · 50 m D+

Inverness

Silverbridge

Very easy1 h 30 · 3.3 km · 50 m D+

Torridon

Falls of Balgy

Easy2 h 30 · 8.1 km · 170 m D+

Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/river-affric/