The best hikes from bus stations around Glen Affric National Nature Reserve

There are 5 dedicated hiking trails accessible directly from bus stations around Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, offering a range of experiences from moderate walks to more challenging ascents.

While most bus-accessible routes are moderate, the River Cannich & River Glass loop from Cannich is a good option. It's an 8 km moderate trail with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a pleasant walk along the rivers.

Yes, you can! The Plodda Cottage – Plodda Falls loop from Badger Fall is a moderate 11 km route that takes you to the impressive Plodda Falls, a 46-meter cascade with a viewing platform. Another option is the Dog Falls loop from Cannich, which leads to the scenic Dog Falls.

Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible trails are circular. For example, the Dog Falls loop from Cannich, the River Cannich & River Glass loop from Cannich, and the Plodda Cottage – Plodda Falls loop from Badger Fall are all circular routes, bringing you back to your starting point.

The trails offer a diverse range of natural beauty. You can explore ancient Caledonian pinewoods, such as the Glen Affric Caledonian Forest, discover shimmering lochs like Coire Loch and Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, and witness dramatic waterfalls like Plodda Falls. The region is also known for its rugged mountains and moorland.

Yes, for those seeking a more demanding experience, the Am Bathach & Ciste Dhubh loop from the Cluanie Inn is a difficult 14.6 km route with significant elevation gain (nearly 900m), offering a true Highland challenge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 577 ratings. Reviewers often praise the breathtaking natural environment, the ancient Caledonian pinewoods, and the stunning lochs and waterfalls that make Glen Affric a 'Highland paradise'.

Glen Affric is a prime location for wildlife spotting. While hiking, you might have the chance to see red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels, pine martens, and otters, especially along the River Affric and in the ancient woodlands.

Many routes traverse the ancient Caledonian pinewoods. The Dog Falls loop from Cannich and the SPAR Convenience Store – Comar Wood Dun loop from Cannich both offer excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in these historic woodlands.

The duration varies depending on the trail and your pace. Moderate routes like the River Cannich & River Glass loop can take around 2 hours, while longer moderate trails such as the Dog Falls loop might take 4-5 hours. The most difficult route, Am Bathach & Ciste Dhubh, can take over 5 hours.