Glen Affric
| Glen Affric | ||
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 Glen Affric |
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| location | Highlands , Scotland | |
| Waters | River Affric , Loch Affric , Loch Beinn a 'Mheadhoin | |
| Mountains | Northwest Highlands | |
| Geographical location | 57 ° 14 ′ N , 5 ° 9 ′ W | |
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| length | approx. 30 km | |
Glen Affric is an approximately 30 km long valley ("Glen") in the Scottish Northwest Highlands . It is located approximately 15 miles west of Loch Ness . The River Affric flows through the valley and the two lakes Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a 'Mheadhoin and joins the Abhainn Deabhag to the River Glass to the west of Cannich . The western part of the valley in particular is framed by mountains, some of which are over 1000 m high. To the north, besides the Càrn Eige (1183 m), further Munros are the Mam Sodhail (1181 m), the Tom a 'Choinich (1112 m), the Toll Creagach (1054 m) and the An Socach (921 m), to the south the Mullach Fraoch-choire (1102 m) and the Sail Chaorainn (1002 m).
The valley is through one of the largest remaining stocks of Scots pine (English: Scots pine ), characterized in Scotland and is often referred to as one of the most Scottish valleys. It has therefore been protected as a National Nature Reserve and National Scenic Area since 2001 . At the beginning of the 20th century , foreign tree species such as the Sitka spruce were also planted with the aim of high timber production . Since it was taken over by the Forestry Commission, however, emphasis has again been placed on caring for the native tree species. An exception is made only for a stock of Douglas firs , which are up to 60 meters high at Plodda Falls and are therefore among the tallest trees in Scotland. Glen Affric is known not only for its pine forests, but also for the red deer that live there . The bird world is represented by the Scottish crossbill, which is endemic to Scotland, as well as ospreys , golden eagles and black grouse .
Glen Affric is largely uninhabited as a result of the Highland Clearances ; there is only a hunting lodge at Loch Affric. The Alltbeithe youth hostel is only accessible on foot in the upper valley area . Traces of earlier settlement can be found in various places, for example at Athnamulloch at the west end of Loch Affric. The valley was previously inhabited by only a few crofters , who made a living primarily by raising cattle and illegal whiskey production .
The River Affric is used to generate electricity in the lower part of the valley through the dammed Loch Beinn a 'Mheadhoin. The hydropower plant is located near Fasnakyle near Cannich. It was commissioned as part of the Affric-Beauly hydro-electric power scheme by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board .
Originally, Glen Affric was part of the Chisholm clan territory . In 1721 the valley was the site of the Battle of Glen Affric between Clan Ross and Clan Mackenzie , a dispute following the first Jacobite Rising of 1715 . In the 19th century leased Lord Tweedmouth the valley at first, and later also acquired the Guisachan Forest south of the valley. The American athlete and millionaire Walter Winans also leased land in the valley. In 1951, Glen Affric became the property of the Forestry Commission Scotland .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Glen Affric on the website of the Forestry Commission Scotland (accessed July 23, 2013)
- ↑ Scotland Forestry Commission: The once and future forest ( Memento of the original from October 14, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on August 22, 2013)
- ↑ The animal world of Glen Affric on the website of the Forestry Commission ( Memento of the original of October 13, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on July 23, 2013)
- ↑ Scotland Forestry Commission: Birds ( Memento of the original from October 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on August 22, 2013)
- ↑ Scotland Forestry Commission: Farmers and Stalkers ( Memento of the original from October 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on August 22, 2013)
- ↑ The story of Glen Affric on the pages of the Forestry Commission ( Memento of the original from October 14, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on July 23, 2013)
Web links
- Reserve Glen Affric (English)
- Strathglass & Glen Affric (English)
- Glen Affric to the sides of the Forestry Commission Scotland (English)
- Hiking trails in the valley (English)