River Glass and Strathglass Valley Walk
Highlands
Strathglass is the fertile valley of the River Glass south of Beauly, running from the confluence of Glen Affric, Glen Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar to the broader Beauly Firth. The river itself is one of the clearest and most beautiful in the region, running over a gravel and boulder bed through a mix of riverside woodland, farmland and open Highland valley. The walk from Struy follows the river upstream and returns via a higher path through the hillside birch and alder woodland above the valley floor, with views south towards the Affric hills and north across the Beauly basin.
This is a relaxed and genuinely dog friendly walk in a part of the Highlands that sees far fewer visitors than the nearby famous glens. The River Glass provides outstanding swimming access at multiple points along the route, with deep green pools and shingle beaches that are ideal for dogs. Off-lead potential is moderate, with leads needed through the farmland sections where sheep are regularly grazed. The woodland sections above the valley are more open. The walk is well-suited to dogs of all ages given the flat riverside character of the valley floor. A quiet, deeply pleasant outing that rewards those willing to look beyond the more signposted attractions of the area.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- River, Woodland, Forest
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
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