Wild Trees Walk - Glen Affric

Wild Trees Walk – Glen Affric

Dog Falls, Glen Affric National Nature Reserve

Join us for a special Wild Trees Walk through the awe-inspiring ancient woodlands of Glen Affric. Set in the landscape around Dog Falls – a dramatic cascade nestled among lochs, moorland, and some of the finest remaining fragments of Caledonian pinewood – this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and discover what makes these woods so ecologically important.

Glen Affric is part of a National Nature Reserve managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, and plays a vital role in protecting Scotland’s native biodiversity.

Led by our expert field team, you’ll be introduced to the Wild Trees Survey approach – a hands-on method, originally developed by Trees for Life, which we use to assess woodland health and resilience across the Affric Highlands rewilding landscape. You’ll learn how we monitor the condition of veteran Scots pines, birch, aspen, rowan and hazel, and track natural regeneration and biodiversity that support a thriving forest ecosystem.

Along the way, we’ll explore the different species of trees and plants that make Glen Affric so special - particularly species that indicate healthy, old-growth woodland. We’ll also seek out tree-dwelling lichens like tree lungwort, which thrive in this humid, temperate rainforest environment and tell us a lot about air quality and habitat continuity.

This walk is part of Affric Highlands, a pioneering 30-year rewilding initiative uniting communities, landowners, and nature-based enterprises to restore native woodland, peatland and river systems across the wider region. By taking part, you’ll be supporting our long-term efforts to boost biodiversity and strengthen the land’s ability to adapt to a changing climate.

Spaces are limited, so book early and come prepared for a walk through one of the most breathtaking and biodiverse places in the Highlands. We look forward to seeing you among the wild trees of Glen Affric!

Event itinerary:

10:30 - Meet at the Dog Falls car park

10:40 - 12:30 - Wild Trees walk along a stretch of the Dog Falls Trail

12:30 - Return to car park and end of session

What to Expect from Us

• Toilets: There are public toilets available at the Dog Falls car park, but no toilet access during the walk itself. Please note that use of public facilities is at your own risk.
• First Aid: Our team will provide basic first aid and emergency care if needed.
• Food & Drink: We will not be providing snacks or refreshments—please bring your own.
• Photography & Filming: We may take photos and short videos during the walk for use in our communications. We'll ask you to sign a photography consent form before setting off. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know on the day and indicate this on the form.

What We Expect from You

• Arrange your own travel to and from the event.
• Be comfortable walking for 1–2 hours over uneven ground at a relaxed pace.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks.
• Share this information with everyone in your group in advance.

What to Bring

• Warm, waterproof clothing and a hat (weather-appropriate gear is essential).
• Sturdy, waterproof footwear with good ankle support.
• Sun protection and water if it’s a warm day.
• A snack and drink to keep you going for two hours.

Additional Info

You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience to take part. However, participants must be either:

• Aged 18 or over, or
• Aged 12–17 and accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.

You’ll receive a participant registration form and a reminder email before the event. If you haven’t registered with us before, please complete and return the form ahead of the walk.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact sian@affrichighlands.org.

We’re looking forward to walking with you in Glen Affric!