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Brothers standing in front of Glen Affric

There are 4 car parks in Glen Affric. One is at Plodda Falls, which you can read about here. The other 3 are situated along the same road not too far from Cannich. I would suggest going to the River Affric car park first and then start making your way back towards the Dog Falls car park before leaving.

Family Friendly Glen Affric Walks

First, we drove up to the River Affric Car Park. The road is a single track road but there are many passing places. Just make sure to take your time and go round the corners slowly.

Toilets at River Affric Car Park

River Affric Car Park

There are 3 trails to do at this car park. The car park costs £2 for a day ticket which you can then use in the other car parks. You will find toilets and picnic benches so it’s a great first stop for a family-friendly walk.

Brothers standing in front of Glen Affric

Glen Affric

Am Meallan Viewpoint Trail

This is the MUST do walk to do. Its a short steep climb but the view is outstanding. My youngest son managed the climb just fine with a little helping hand. We sat for a long time enjoying the views. It is only a short walk which is all uphill from the car park but you will not be disappointed.

River Affric Glen Affric

Glen Affric

River Trail

This is roughly 1/2 mile loop walk. We only walked down to the river edge before turning around and walking back up towards the car park. If my youngest son wasn’t getting hungry then we would have walked the whole loop.

River Affric Loop

This is a 12-mile loop walk. This is probably not a child-friendly walk as there are several burns to cross and the trail can be rough in places. However, you know your child’s ability so if you do plan on doing this loop walk then go prepared with enough food and drink for the day.

Throwing Stones at Glen Affric

Glen Affric

Brothers at Glen Affric

Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain

There are no walks at this car park or toilets. However, it is a beautiful setting for a lunchtime picnic. It has a lovely stony beach so the kids can throw stones for a bit. We stopped for our lunch on one of the picnic benches and then I took lots of photos as it was so beautiful.

Dog Falls at Glen Affric

Dog Falls Car Park

Lastly, we headed to the Dog Falls car park. Here you will find toilets and picnic benches if you wish to have a picnic. Remember to display your car park ticket. At Dog Falls you will find 3 walking trails.

Walking the Viewpoint Trails at Glen Affric

Viewpoint Trail

This follows the Affric Kintail Way uphill to the viewpoint (see above). It’s a long slog with two tired kids but if the weather is decent then you will be rewarded with great views over Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain. Unfortunately, it started to snow/hail when we got to the top, so we didn’t get to see the views. Once at the viewpoint, you just make your way back down the way you came.

Dogs Falls Glen Affric

 Dog Falls Trail

This is a loop walk that is 2 miles long. We only walked to Dog Falls and back as the boys were tired. It can get pretty uneven in places and there were some narrow sections so you really do need to take care.

Near Dog Falls Glen Affric

Coire Loch Trail

Coire Loch Trail is the longest trail which is a lovely woodland walk with some viewpoints along the trail. We didn’t do this walk but from the pictures, I have seen it really does look like a great walk.

Glen Affric Views

Glen Affric Walks With Kids

You really are spoilt for choice at Glen Affric. You don’t have to do the whole trail, you could do parts of the trails as we did. There is great flexibility depending on how your children are at walking.

Also, remember there are hardly any phone signals in Glen Affric. So make sure you go prepared with enough food and water to last you the whole day. The nearest shop is in Cannich.

Have you ever been to Glen Affric before? Let me know in the comments below.

Glen Affric in Scotland | Find some great family friendly trails in Scotland

Tin Box Traveller
The Helpful Hiker

About Author

I have always had an interest in travel and now I have My two boys I want them to see more than just the UK. I hope to give advice and tips to other parents who are anxious about travelling with their children.

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14 Comments

  1. Wow, wow, wow! This makes me wonder why the heck i’m not living in Scotland! Reminds me of when I lived on the South Island in New Zealand. Stunning…your children are lucky to be growing up somewhere so beautiful with such adventurous parents. #MondayEscapes

    1. I know, its amazing what is in your own country to explore. We have been putting this trip off for ages but so glad we finally got round to doing it. Its so stunning.

  2. Oh how I wish to be able to do a 12 mile walk with the kids. One day. But maybe we will start with the smaller treks. Thanks for linking up to MondayEscapes.

  3. This looks and sounds like a stunning place to walk. The photo with the kids looking out at the view is amazing! It’s also good to know that there are some tougher routes in the area too should people be planning on spending a bit more time up there to explore the region. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling. We’re back open in the morning for new posts.

  4. That picture of your two boys is stunning, absolutely beautiful and such amazing scenery. It sounds like an action packed day with lots of awesome places to explore. The parking sounds like a bargain for the day (always a bonus!) and some brilliant picnic spots. Thanks so much for sharing with us #AdventureCalling

    1. Thank you! I think it’s my fave picture I’ve ever taken! Yes, its great when parking is cheap, and the fact you can use the same ticket in multiple car parks is an added bonus.

  5. We’re heading to Glen Affric for the first time this Easter – have been reading your Scotland posts for some ideas as we also love to walk. We’re really looking forward to it!

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