Glac nam Meirleach

Valley in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Glac nam Meirleach

Walkers carpark near Chisholme Bridge
Walkers carpark near Chisholme Bridge Credit: Steven Brown

Glac nam Meirleach, also known as the Valley of the Thieves, is a stunning glen located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the glen is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich history.

The valley is surrounded by majestic mountains, with their snow-capped peaks providing a stunning backdrop. Lush greenery covers the valley floor, which is dotted with sparkling streams and picturesque waterfalls. The glen is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and otters, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Glac nam Meirleach is its historical significance. The name "Valley of the Thieves" originates from the legends and tales of notorious bandits who once roamed the area, taking advantage of its rugged terrain and remote location. Visitors can explore the ruins of old cottages and stone buildings, which serve as a reminder of the valley's turbulent past.

Hiking trails and walking paths wind through the glen, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The glen is also a popular spot for camping and picnicking, with designated areas provided for these activities.

Glac nam Meirleach is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands and immerse themselves in its captivating history. Whether it's admiring the stunning landscapes, spotting wildlife, or delving into the tales of the past, the Valley of the Thieves offers a truly unforgettable experience.

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Glac nam Meirleach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.272643/-4.9908105 or Grid Reference NH1924. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walkers carpark near Chisholme Bridge
Walkers carpark near Chisholme Bridge
Junction of path with hydro track
Junction of path with hydro track
Hydro access track near Beinn a’ Mheadhoin
Hydro access track near Beinn a’ Mheadhoin
Regenerating woodland, Gleann nam Fiadh
Regenerating woodland, Gleann nam Fiadh
Pot of Gold? Alas no - just a brand new deer fence snaking along the slopes of Beinn Eun which was climbed twice on a climb of Toll Creagach. Quite a wild day to be out with snow on the summits.
Pot of Gold?
Alas no - just a brand new deer fence snaking along the slopes of Beinn Eun which was climbed twice on a climb of Toll Creagach. Quite a wild day to be out with snow on the summits.
Early Snow on the Hills Already some signs of winter on the higher tops in Glen Affric. This is the view up Gleann nam Fiadh to the Munro of Tom a' Choinich after we had got blown off its easterly neighbour.
Early Snow on the Hills
Already some signs of winter on the higher tops in Glen Affric. This is the view up Gleann nam Fiadh to the Munro of Tom a' Choinich after we had got blown off its easterly neighbour.
Track leading down beside Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh towards Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin
Track leading down beside Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh towards Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin
Woodland Creation Bags of trees waiting to be planted in Gleann nam Fiadh above Glen Affric. The bags I looked into were all broadleaf trees as opposed to the mature Scots Pine seen in the picture. The Munro of Tom a' Choinich can be seen in the distance.
Woodland Creation
Bags of trees waiting to be planted in Gleann nam Fiadh above Glen Affric. The bags I looked into were all broadleaf trees as opposed to the mature Scots Pine seen in the picture. The Munro of Tom a' Choinich can be seen in the distance.
Estate cottage and its reflection in Loch Affric The cottage is at the tapering, eastern end of Loch Affric and is one of a number of buildings associated with Affric Lodge.
Estate cottage and its reflection in Loch Affric
The cottage is at the tapering, eastern end of Loch Affric and is one of a number of buildings associated with Affric Lodge.
Hydro access track, Gleann nam Fiadh
Hydro access track, Gleann nam Fiadh
Track approaching Affric Lodge
Track approaching Affric Lodge
Track N of Affric Lodge
Track N of Affric Lodge
Cairn marking spot where path leaves track for Sgurr na Lapaich This small cairn marks the spot where you leave the good track if intending to climb Sgurr na Lapaich. There is a path which is unmarked on the map which ascends roughly parallel with the Allt na Faing before petering out.
Cairn marking spot where path leaves track for Sgurr na Lapaich
This small cairn marks the spot where you leave the good track if intending to climb Sgurr na Lapaich. There is a path which is unmarked on the map which ascends roughly parallel with the Allt na Faing before petering out.
Hydro Scheme Gleann nam Fiadh A fairly new small hydro scheme on an improved track in Gleann nam Fiadh:-
<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7282016" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7282016">Link</a>
After this point the path resembles a bog! - so the new track greatly speeds access up the first part of this glen. Mam Sodhail is the peak at the head of the glen and Tom a' Chòinich is in the cloud on the right.
Hydro Scheme Gleann nam Fiadh
A fairly new small hydro scheme on an improved track in Gleann nam Fiadh:- Link After this point the path resembles a bog! - so the new track greatly speeds access up the first part of this glen. Mam Sodhail is the peak at the head of the glen and Tom a' Chòinich is in the cloud on the right.
Cottage at Affric Lodge
Cottage at Affric Lodge
Eastern end of Loch Affric From the track to Affric Lodge. Seen during a heat wave.
Eastern end of Loch Affric
From the track to Affric Lodge. Seen during a heat wave.
Loch Affric east of Affric Lodge
Loch Affric east of Affric Lodge
Forest/estate road below Pollan Buidhe This stretch of estate road is on the south side of Loch Affric as it narrows to become the River Affric; the view is to the north-east.
Forest/estate road below Pollan Buidhe
This stretch of estate road is on the south side of Loch Affric as it narrows to become the River Affric; the view is to the north-east.
Show me another place!

Glac nam Meirleach is located at Grid Ref: NH1924 (Lat: 57.272643, Lng: -4.9908105)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///straw.mailer.swarm. Near Cannich, Highland

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