by Myth » Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:46 pm
Date walked: 13/06/2008
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Multiple circuits, and several partials, from 1974-present... twice round in 2008 already. Done solo, family groups, walking friends, and as part of hillwalks. Definitely one to carry food on... and watch out for midges - this could be the worst place in Scotland on a still summer evening.
I know nothing of Alaska, but I agree - this is one of the highlands best walks, and Glen Affric is well worth a visit even if you choose to only do part of this walk, or one of the other waymarked walks further down the Glen - the three walks from Dog Falls are also lovely. The top car park has been worked on in the past year, and is much improved, but the toilets are still only open for the main tourist season.
I prefer the Glen best in April/May, before the midges come on strong, but a good summer breeze will keep them down too - and by early June the birch are in leaf which fills in the colour.
The route description gives passing mention to the two fords - beware. The first (only a short way from the keepers cottage is eroding badly this year, and the stream is flowing down the path. Stout footwear, and much clambering through the undergrowth can get you over dry, but the climb off the stepping stones is committing. The later fording has been quite serious last year, and although I've made it accross dry twice this year, that was with walking poles for balance, and throwing daypacks on ahead - the best place to ford on foot is downstream of the path, but if it's been raining, you may be better just wading - please don't take a chance, slip and hurt yourself, as there is no help, and no mobile signal - not even up most of the surrounding hills.
Once you're round the top of the loch and join the Main Path (Highland Cross route!) you're over half way. Crossing the stream on the other side of the steading can be done by a log - again downstream of the ford. From here the path becomes a forest road (hard packed), and closes in a bit - appreciate what views you do get, because the seem to vanish early after you've finished the climb, and drop into the forestry nearer the cottages.
