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Hidden Gems of the Scottish Highlands

Date published: 9/11/2022

Discover these hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands

When you stay at our log cabin village in the Highlands, you’ve already found your first hidden gem. Eagle Brae is located on a secluded hilltop, between the magnificent glens of Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar. We’re only 23 miles from Inverness, yet we’re hidden away in the wilderness. Once here, you may never want to leave! And with our luxury 5-star accommodation, home-cooked meals, online concierge services and acres of land to explore, you don’t have to. But for those who do want to venture out, we’ve picked out some of our favourite secret spots for you to visit in the local area…

Reelig Glen stone bridge and grotto

Reelig Glen is a narrow gorge on the Moniack Burn, surrounded by ancient coniferous woodland. Many of the trees are over a century old and more than 50 metres high, making them some of the tallest trees in Britain! This is a nice place to visit for a local forest walk, and the attractive 19th-century stone bridge and grotto there are interesting features. You’ll find them about halfway around the walk.

River Affric river and hill walks

The River Affric walk at the very end of the Glen Affric road is another one of our hidden gems. As you get to the end of the road, the landscape opens up and you find yourself in the midst of the glen, surrounded by mountains on all sides. There is a wonderful half-hour walking trail here, on the banks of the river. This is also the starting point for some amazing longer routes, for experienced hill walkers. However, you will need to be fit and well-equipped with map and compass, clothing and food before venturing into the hills. Hillwalking advice.

Snowy scene with woman and dog at the River Affric
Shanti and Pawana enjoy a snowy walk by the River Affric

Cannich village

We have many lovely villages all within easy reach of Eagle Brae. Cannich is one of our favourites though. It’s close to Dog Falls and Plodda Falls, two spectacular waterfall walks in Glen Affric. It’s great for wildlife spotting and fishing. And you can stop for lunch at the Bog Cotton Cafe (summer season only).

Corrimony Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is not far from Cannich village. A little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Corrimony Nature Reserve is managed by the RSPB and provides habitat for a great many species of birds, including black grouse, golden eagles, greenshanks, crested tits and Scottish crossbills. It’s a peaceful place to visit and has a fantastic waymarked nature trail.

Loch Toll a’Mhuic, Strathfarrar

Glen Strathfarrar is not as well-known as Glen Affric, but is equally as magnificent. It’s remote and mountainous, with pristine Caledonian pinewoods, glistening lochs and towering Munros. A truly magical place to visit. Loch Toll a’Mhuic is a great wee hill loch on the north side of Strathfarrar, just before Loch Monar. There is a pathway in, and the loch has steep sides, Munros all around it and a cute little sandy beach at the back.

 Loch Toll a'Mhuic on the north side of Strathfarrar
Loch Toll a’Mhuic is a fabulous little gem near Eagle Brae

These are just a few of the many hidden gems near Eagle Brae. Please come and chat with us at reception during your stay and we can help you make the most of your time. Find more great local places to visit on our blog and book your log cabin break in the Scottish Highlands today!

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