When thinking about what I wanted to write about for ScotGEM Stories, one day particularly came to mind. During a fantastic six-week rotation in the Highlands from August to September 2022, our group enjoyed exploring many of the unique and beautiful delights of the Highlands. A great balance was struck between working hard throughout the week during our Adult Years block, whilst utilising our weekends to experience the fabulous lochs and mountains of the Highlands. Combined with the beautiful late summer weather, we very quickly saw how the Highlands offered the perfect equilibrium between work and tranquil fun.
The day in question was by far my favourite day of our Highland adventures. In total, nine of us embarked on the one-hour drive, south-west of Inverness, to Glen Affric; a sunny and uplifting road trip ensued. Armed with copious bottles of water, sandwiches, and jelly babies, we embarked on the 18km circuit of Loch Affric.
Glen Affric is consistently voted as the finest of all Scotland’s glens; and it was easy to see why. The route quickly took us high above the loch, with magnificent views across the loch and the surrounding mountains such as Sgùrr na Lapaich and Mam Sodhail. Along the route, we enjoyed walking through wooded sections of Scots Pine – some of the last remnants of the original Caledonian Forest. These elegant pines (known as “Granny Pines”) are famous for being one of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sheltering spots from government troops during the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Just over halfway round the route, we stopped off for some much-needed lunch and took in the spectacular views. I can honestly say that I have never experienced such a beautiful lunch spot, with rolling views over to the Kintail Munros.
The track continued for kilometre after kilometre, and although our feet were starting to become tired, we frequently remarked that we couldn’t quite take in the scenery before our eyes. Four and a half hours later, and we were back to the cars, ready for a swim…
A ten-minute drive along the Glen and we discovered Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin. An expanse of iridescent water, it was the perfect spot for a peaceful, but crucially safe, swim. Although I didn’t have a wetsuit, I was grateful for my neoprene gloves! Rich in original Caledonian pine, the loch offered a small island about 50m from the shore that could quickly be swam to. We couldn’t believe we had come across such a glorious swimming spot by chance!
Onto Drumnadrochit for a hearty chippy before the last stop on our day out…
Contented with experiencing fabulous scenery, stunning freshwater lochs, and some satisfying scran, we stopped off at Lochend, on the banks of Loch Ness for stone skimming, reflective chats, and watching the gorgeous colours of the sunset over the loch.
A day to truly remember and never forget.
Madeleine is a second year ScotGEM student currently based within NHS Fife. She is excited to start her LIC year with NHS Highlands in Fort William.