River Affric
Walk by the River 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.
Our guide to Glen Affric (PDF 4.6MB) will help you explore this magical place.
Be prepared
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.
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.
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
The River Affric car park is right at the end of the public road. Try to get here early - it can get busy on fine weekends and in summer.
Please remember to bring change for the parking meter, as card payments are not available here. Parking charges are as follows:
- £1 for up to 1 hour
- £1.50 for up to 3 hours
- £2 for all day
- £8 for minibus and coach all day
Season passes are also available at the following prices:
- £25 for a yearly pass for up to two cars
- £10 for up to a fortnight for up to two cars
For more information please contact us.
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.
Walking trails
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
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
How to get 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, at grid reference NH 200 233.
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.
Between July and September, there’s a service right up the glen to River Affric on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Check with Ross’s Minibuses for details.
Nearby places
River Affric is one of four places to explore in Glen Affric. At Dog Falls there’s a classic viewpoint and wonderful trails through the forest, and there are picnic places by Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain. At Plodda Falls a dramatic waterfall plunges through a forest of soaring, tangerine-scented Douglas fir.
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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
