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MapLoch Affric Circuit

Distance: 18 km
Time:
5-7 hours
Grade:
Moderate
Terrain: Good paths; minor burn to be crossed but apparently more tricky when in spate
Start: Car park at end of Glen Affric minor road (my other half thought it was the end of the world)

I admit, this is probably the longest walk we've ever done, and my other half was rather nervous about it, especially since there's (or was?) a warning that mobile phones are of little use in that area. That said, the terrain is good, and it's popular enough, so you won't be the only one walking around. It's described on the Walkhighlands website and in several walking guides.This walk around Loch Affric is considered a "gem", and with good reason.

Loch AffricStart at the car park. Aye, there's a small charge to be paid. But there are toilets there! Very, very useful after such a long drive.

You walk anti-clockwise and soon pass the Affric Lodge on your left. It's one of the very few buildings you will see on your route.
Once you're past this, you're in pine territory. Walking among pines and mountains.
Loch Affric

Loch AffricAs Loch Affricyou can see, it's a very clear path with little shade. So trust me, you can get a decent tan the day you walk around Loch Affric. (You can probably get a proper soaking too, if you picked a bad day.) Do admire the Granny pines (very, very old pines). For myself, I was very happy to greet the young ones. Regeneration is happening around the loch.

Loch Affric with Mullach Fraoch-choireAll the time, this fine Munro is angling for your attention: Mullach Fraoch-choire (summit of the heathery corrie). It's way behind Loch Affric, but it's so prominent, you would be tricked into believing it's lying right at the banks of the loch.

Loch Affric

Cross the bridge over the Allt Coire Leachavie and continue on the track. The pines will fade out and eventually you will reach the end of Loch Affric. Before you reach Loch Coulavie, you need to cross the Allt Coulavie. Loch CoulavieIt was very low when we did the walk, but apparantly it can be more tricky to cross when the burn is in spate.

Continue on the track, which goes southwards now, until you reach a broader track. Right will lead you to the "loneliest of all Youth Hostels": Alltbeithe. But we are heading back and will be enjoying the southside of Loch Affric.
Loch Affric Crossing a bridge across the River Affric we are now enjoying the views to the north. Always take the broader path (one that can carry a vehicle). Sgurr na LapaichIf the path feels less scenic, do focus on the surroundings. Lots of gorgeous pine trees to admire - and hug - as well as some amazing mountain scenery, most strikingly Sgurr na Lapaich (rocky peak of the bog) - maybe a tad more tricky to hug from that distance.

Sgurr na Lapaich

On your left you will pass a small hillock and if you still have the energy after the several kilometers of walking, gazing and - in my case - treehugging - you can climb it to enjoy even more fabulous panoramic views.

Loch Affric

Always stay on the main path, but unless you want to venture inside the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve for several more kilometres, do head back to the car park (left turn).
And after such a fine day, maybe - just like my other half - you'll say: "This wasn't 18 km, surely!".

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