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Good Friday in Glen Affric was a recce for a larger group who were planning to come on Easter Monday. We wanted to walk out the route, with the different ages and mobility of folk in mind, and see where would be good for hiding and rolling eggs! I'd chosen this location partly for its scenery (we had internationals in the group) but also for its toilets, picnic tables and well maintained paths (we had young children as well as older folk coming).
Advance party consisted of Jane, her two children (8 and 6) and me. First observation was that by the time we'd driven the 10 mile twisty single track road and arrived at the car park the 6 year old in the back seat was ashen faced. The poor guy didn't complain but he looked like he was ready to throw up.
Once out of the car he quickly recovered but it put a second doubt in our minds about the wisdom of bringing the group here. The first doubt was the forecast which for Easter Monday was nothing like the one for Good Friday and it would be a shame not to see this glen at its best - which it was today!
Car park - normally a charge but today was free with charge only kicking in on Monday!
Start of the river walk - kids lead the way
We followed the blue, River Affric route, which is well sign-posted and leads down to the river with views of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin.
Old Scots Pine and Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin
To begin with the path was buggy friendly but it became less so and babies/toddlers would be more easily carried on backs than on wheels.
River Affric flowing sedately into loch
Sgurr na Lapaich through the trees
Jane had been in at her work for a couple of hours before we left and it was a long time since she'd eaten. So we looked for a good place to sit by the river and found the perfect spot.
About to bring out the sandwiches
Looking up river from lunch spot
Good path continues
Steps have been built to ease the route over rocks
River less sedate here
The path then turns right and climbs uphill away from the river, soon reaching a bench with a fine view of Sgurr na Lapaich, the snow clad peak which drew my attention through the trees for the last part of the walk.
Sgurr na Lapaich
Bridge over River Affric
River from bridge
The second leg of our excursion was to climb to the viewpoint Am Meallan, waymarked in white. Here I have to give credit to SusieThePensioner whose heroic walk up this steep path with severe arthritis deserves a medal.
It was Susie's photos that made me want to go up there so thank you Susie!
At the top of the path there's a seat and a memorial to commemorate all the foresters who worked on the restoration of the forest. As a Chisholm on my mother's side I also like to think of the generations of Chisholms who lived and worked in this glen before the brutal clearances to make way for sheep which were largely responsible for the destruction of the trees now being restored.
Kids exploring top of Am Meallan
Surveying the scene (Jane's photo)
Loch Affric from Am Meallan
Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin from Am Meallan
We were so fortunate to see the glen on such a stunning day and can thoroughly recommend both the routes. But for various reasons we didn't bring the crowd back on Easter Monday. The forecast wasn't going to justify the long drive, it wouldn't be easy to organise an Easter egg hunt or egg-rolling competition and toasting marshmallows on a fire would be outright illegal!
So the kids hadn't had their practice egg rolling until on the drive home their eagle eyed mother spotted a grassy slope in front of a church near the power station by Cannich. So the kids got to roll their eggs after all!
Perfect for rolling eggs
