Glen Affric

The first evening of the May 1980 holiday and, after finding a B&B in Cannich, we've motored down past Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin and along a short stretch of gravel road, only just opened to the public. It ended in a forest clearing at the west end of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin and, after climbing a short path to a viewpoint, we had our first ever view of Loch Affric and its surroundings.
 
The west end of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin (which is often Anglicized to "Loch Benevean"). This area is home to one of the largest remnants of original natural forest in Scotland. 
The view to the west, and Sgurr na Lapaich is prominent. Sgurr na Lapaich ("Peak of the Bog") is a "top" of Mam Sodhail, though many feel it should count as a Munro in its own right.
Open stands of Scots pines glow in the evening sunlight. 
We headed down towards the water's edge to get in among the trees...
...and reward ourselves with this view of the outfall from Loch Pollan Buidhe.
The Highlands were in a hauntingly beautiful mood that evening. Sgurr na Lapaich, with patches of snow still visible, silhouetted against the evening sun (it was around 9pm).
A telephoto through an avenue of pines, into Loch Pollan Buidhe from the car park.
Sgurr na Lapaich again, seen from the short path up to the viewpoint
It's said by some to be the finest glen in Scotland, and who would argue after seeing it under conditions like this? Loch Affric, with its surrounding mountain ranges.
And in the other direction, Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin looks almost as inviting.
A perfectly placed bench seat from which to contemplate this vista of forest, lake and mountain
The car park from the viewpoint. The lone car down there is ours. It was time to return to it and head back for a meal at the Cannich hotel before they stopped serving.

Back to Affric index page

This page last updated 30th March 2001