Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

Took a chance believing the weather forecast and drove through Inverness and north west up to Glen Affric. This has a reputation as being one of the most beautiful glens in all of Scotland although sadly it is often bypassed by Great Glen travellers. It is well worth the excursion to see rushing rivers gushing through Glenaffric forest and opening out onto an island studded Loch Affric. The surrounding forest contains some of the oldest natural Caledonian pinewoods and birchwoods making it attractive to a variety of wildlife. A break in the clouds showed us the true beauty of this area as the loch reflected the trees and surrounding hills in the autumn sunshine even though it was rather chilly. After a picnic we were glad to walk briskly along one of the less strenuous forest paths leading down to the river Affric. As we walked beside the river we were lucky enough to spot a dipper, easily recognizable by its white puffed up chest, perched on an outcrop jutting out into the river. It preened itself for a long while and then suddenly plunged into the water to search for food along the river bed. Many birds, insects and mammals, including the elusive otter, thrive in and beside rivers in the Glen Affric Reserve. The river can be a mighty torrent when in full spate and the evidence can be seen in the erosion of the tree roots and rocks along the banks. The glen is hemmed in by Munro mountains which are now topped with snow. A round journey of about 140 miles and well worth it to see such a magical place almost on our doorstep.