Glen Affric
National iconOld pinewoods along the glen, then remote high Munros at the far west end — one of the wilder corners of the Highlands
The eastern end is easy and pretty, with Scots pine and birch along a string of lochs, remnants of the old Caledonian forest. Walk in from Cannich and the crowds thin within the first mile.
Head further west and it turns serious. The scenic area and the nature reserve together cover about 244 km², and the high ground includes Carn Eighe, the highest Munro north of the Great Glen, with Mam Sodhail alongside it. Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan, further out again, is one of the more remote Munros in the country — a long day whichever way you come at it.
The pinewood walks near the car parks suit an easy afternoon. The tops are a different proposition, with long approaches, no shelter and weather that turns quickly. Check the forecast and carry what you would carry for any big Scottish hill day.
