Glen Affric

Everyone who visits Glen Affric comes away with the same thought – it’s got it all. From Loch Affric which nestles under some of the mountains of the nearby Great Glen to the National Nature Reserve with its ancient Scots pines – one of the few places, you can see Scotland’s native woodland as it was centuries ago. Just 15 miles away from the famous Loch Ness, Glen Affric is well worth that detour.

Ideal for walking, adventure or wildlife breaks, we’ll take you to the heart of wild Scotland in Glen Affric, but make sure that each evening, you’re back in snug, welcoming surroundings as you also get to enjoy some of the local produce and culture. There’s also the history of the Scottish Clan system – feudal families who fought over lands with real passion. Glen Affric has its own unique history in the regard – the Battle of Glen Affric was fought here in 1721 when the Ross Clan took on the Clan MacKenzie and the Clan MacRae. On this occasion, the Rosses, totally outnumbered, lost on the day.

Today, the glen is a much more peaceful place, popular with tourist and local people alike. Recognised as one of the most picturesque of Scotland’s many glens, Glen Affric. The glen is the home to a Caledonian Pine Forest Reserve and claims to have the largest surviving number of the ancient pine trees of the Caledonian Forest that once covered most of Scotland. Now protected, these distinctive trees allow you to know that you’re definitely in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

The Glen also has connections to the British Royal Family – over the years members of the family have holidayed and some of the large estates located in the glen. In 2017, Pippa Middleton, sister of the future queen of Britain Catherine, wife of Prince William, married the owner of one of these estates, James Matthews, the Laird of Glen Affric. So you never know who you’ll meet in Glen Affric – it’s worth making the effort to get there for that alone.