Glen Affric circuit

Glen Affric is my favorite valley in Scotland. In terms of views, perhaps a little less spectacular than Glencoe, but due to the absence of roads you will not see busloads of tourists. You only share these beautiful views with other hikers. The views from both sides of the loch are completely different and both breathtakingly beautiful, especially when the Scottish weather creates a beautiful play of shadows. Please note parking at the starting point costs 3 pounds for a day. You can only pay with coins and the machine does not give change. Toilets and picnic benches are available in the parking lot.

Today was probably the hardest hike of the holiday. Not even 20 kilometres and less than 300 metres in elevation (at least according to Komoot), so you wonder why they are classified as "hard". In retrospect, however, it was quite understandable... Loch Affric (or the entire valley, Glen Affric) was my first encounter with the Scottish Highlands, and I am still a real fan. Back then, I walked from the youth hostel in Cannich via Tomich and the Plodda Falls and then from the top down to Glen Affric and towards Cannich. A real marathon tour (and a bit more), without any electronic aids. On the whole tour, I only met 2 people (German tourists), it was a really fantastic tour. Today there is a lot more going on, we have already met a few people. The lodge on the island, where you could still walk over the bridge (extremely beautiful), is now hermetically sealed. There are also a few new chalets and a hostel, double fences and gates with multiple cameras prevent anyone from crossing - actually not compatible with the Scottish Right of Way, could the involvement of Kate Middleton's sister have played a role? As the option of doing a fairly small circuit around the lake has been eliminated, the only option now is to do the full circuit (or run in and out). Along the fences, the path through the tall heather is very narrow, otherwise there is always a fairly wide path (developed for quads). The path is made strenuous by, among other things, many stones that make it impossible to walk at a steady rhythm - and by a lot of water. You have to cross (or avoid) dozens of mud holes, some of which are deep, as well as a few small streams and even a large stream below the waterfall. Nothing dramatic, but waterproof shoes are a must! On the plus side, you have fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding Highlands (with impressive mountains, often well over 1000 meters high), as well as a nice change between heathland and forest. There are practically no places to sit. If you sit or walk on the grass, you should be careful - there is often a hidden stream there! All in all, it was a very beautiful but also strenuous tour. The closure of the lodge and the surrounding area is annoying, next time I would definitely do the alternative tour that was already planned (you probably won't meet anyone there today either)!