Glen Affric’s captivating Caledonian pine forest beckons adventurers to enjoy its serene winter wonderland. This guided excursion promises an unforgettable journey through a landscape sculpted by glaciers, where visitors may spot majestic golden eagles soaring overhead. Led by an experienced mountain guide, the intimate group of eight you will traverse snow-capped trails, discover the enchanting Plodda Falls, and savor a delectable picnic lunch featuring local delicacies. For those seeking to escape the ordinary and commune with nature, this meticulously curated experience offers a chance to disconnect, explore, and uncover the hidden gems that make Glen Affric a true highland gem.
Key Points
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This guided winter walk in Glen Affric offers a personalized 6-hour excursion with a qualified mountain leader, showcasing scenic routes and wildlife spotting opportunities.
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The tour includes pickup from Inverness, a scenic drive, a picnic lunch, and a walk through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, with a maximum group size of 8 guests.
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Participants must be at least 12 years old, and the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or babies under 1 year.
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The tour cost is $726.96 per group (up to 4 people), with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Participants should come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and optional gear such as walking poles is available.
Activity Overview and Pricing
The Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Priced from $726.96 per group (up to 4 people), this 6-hour excursion provides a comprehensive experience.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving their spot now and paying later. Led by a qualified mountain walk leader, the small-group tour (maximum 8 guests) includes pickup from Inverness city centre accommodation, a scenic drive, and a picnic lunch featuring local delicacies.
Participants can look forward to witnessing wildlife such as golden eagles and black-throated divers, as well as exploring the ancient Caledonian pine forest in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve.
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Experience and Highlights
Small groups (max. 8 guests) ensure a personalized experience on the Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk. Led by a qualified mountain walk leader, the tour offers a scenic drive along Beauly Firth and Strath Glass before reaching the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest of Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. Highlights include spotting majestic wildlife like Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles, and enjoying a picnic lunch featuring local delicacies. The guided walk through the mystical forest culminates at the stunning Dog Falls, leaving guests with an unforgettable connection to the rugged Scottish landscape.
Experience | Highlights |
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Small group sizes | Scenic drive |
Qualified guide | Wildlife spotting |
Picnic lunch | Ancient forest |
Itinerary Details
What does the itinerary for the Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk entail?
The tour begins around 9:30 AM in Inverness city center. The first stop is Plodda Falls, a 46-meter high waterfall.
Next, guests embark on a scenic drive to the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, home to the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest. Along the way, they may spot wildlife like Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles, and Black-throated Divers.
After a picnic lunch featuring local produce, the group explores the Dog Falls and walks through the ancient forest.
The return journey passes through Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness before reaching Inverness.
Inclusions and Equipment
The tour package includes transportation from Inverness city center, as well as the services of a qualified driver and walking guide. A light lunch of homemade soup, oatcakes, and local produce is provided. Guests can also use a small day rucksack for carrying items. Optional equipment rentals are available, including walking boots, waterproof jackets and trousers, and walking poles.
Included Items | Optional Rentals |
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Transportation | Walking Boots |
Guided Services | Waterproof Jacket |
Light Lunch | Waterproof Trousers |
Day Rucksack | Walking Poles |
– | – |
These inclusions and equipment ensure guests can fully enjoy the scenic Glen Affric winter walk in comfort and safety.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information and Restrictions
Despite the stunning natural beauty of Glen Affric, this guided winter walk isn’t suitable for all visitors. The tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years, and it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years old.
Participants should come prepared with sun hats, jackets, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
The weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to bring weather-appropriate clothing and waterproof gear.
This guided walk through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest promises breathtaking scenery, but it’s crucial to carefully consider one’s fitness and abilities before booking.
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Getting to Glen Affric
Conveniently, the guided Glen Affric Winter Walk includes pickup service from Inverness city centre accommodations, making the journey to this remote Highland destination effortless for participants. The scenic drive takes guests along the Beauly Firth and Strath Glass, offering breathtaking views en route to the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve.
Route Details | Distance | Duration |
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Inverness to Plodda Falls | 24 miles | 40 mins |
Plodda Falls to Glen Affric | 16 miles | 30 mins |
Glen Affric to Inverness | 36 miles | 1 hour |
This efficient transportation ensures guests can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Glen Affric without the hassle of navigating the remote region independently.
What to Bring for the Walk
Before embarking on the Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk, participants should ensure they’ve the appropriate gear and equipment.
It’s recommended to wear warm, waterproof layers, including a hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. A small day rucksack is provided for carrying personal items, but participants may also want to bring a water bottle, snacks, and any necessary medications.
While walking poles are optional, they can provide extra stability and support on the uneven terrain. Participants should also pack rain and wind-resistant clothing, as the weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests planning to join the Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk often have several common questions.
Is the walk suitable for children? Unfortunately, no – the tour isn’t recommended for kids under 12 due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Can I bring my pet? Pets aren’t allowed on the walk to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
What should I wear? Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are a must.
Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Activity?
This activity has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. Children under 12 are not recommended to participate due to the nature of the winter hike and terrain.
Can I Bring My Own Lunch Instead of the Provided One?
The guided winter walk includes a light lunch of homemade soup, oatcakes, and local produce. Bringing one’s own lunch is not mentioned as an option, so it’s likely not permitted on this specific activity.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Group Sizes?
The pricing for the guided walk is offered as a per-group rate, so larger groups may be able to take advantage of this pricing structure. However, there don’t appear to be any specific discounts advertised for larger group sizes.
Can I Book a Private Tour With Just My Group?
Yes, you can book a private tour for just your group. The activity allows for groups up to 4 participants, and the price starts at $726.96 for the entire group regardless of group size.
Are There Any Fitness Requirements to Participate in This Walk?
The activity has some fitness requirements. Guests must be able to walk for up to 6 hours, navigate uneven terrain, and carry a small day rucksack. It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or very young/old participants.
Recap
The Glen Affric Guided Winter Walk offers an unforgettable experience through stunning landscapes. Explore the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, spot wildlife, and enjoy a scenic drive and picnic lunch. With a qualified mountain walk leader and a maximum group size of 8, participants can expect personalized attention and an enjoyable outing. Essential gear is recommended for an unforgettable winter adventure in the Scottish Highlands.
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