Waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands

If there is one thing we have in Scotland it’s water! And lucky for us that water forms the most amazing waterfalls! We wanted to share five waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands that we think are well worth a visit.

Second Highest Waterfall in Scotland: Steall Falls

If you visit just one of the waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands, then go for this one! Beautiful Glen Nevis is home to Scotland’s (and the UK’s) second highest waterfall, Steall Falls with a single drop of 120 metres into the River Nevis

To access the Falls, you will need to complete an easy to moderate hike. If taking the car, park in the car park at the end of the road through Glen Nevis. However the car park can become very busy so we advise getting there early to start your walk. Alternatively Shiel Buses have a daily bus service from Fort William to the car park which may be a better option later in the day.

From the car park, follow the signposted route into the woodland. The well maintained path gently winds its way through the trees all the time climbing above the Steall gorge. In time the path becomes rockier and crosses a small burn (stream). This part of the walk can be slippery at all times of year, more so in winter, so extra care is recommended.

The scenery surrounding the walk is incredible with views over the neighboring hills and the river below. Once through the gorge walk Steall meadow opens up in front of you giving you your first glimpse of the waterfall. Continue through the meadow and the path leads down to the shores of the River Nevis where you will get a closer look at the falls.

There is a short wire bridge over the river for those brave enough to walk over to get up close to the foot of the waterfall. Again make sure you have suitable footwear it can be a wet and muddy route.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 16 miles

Lower Falls in Glen Nevis is Easily Accessible for All

Lower Falls, Glen Nevis

If Steall Falls is not for you, you can still enjoy a waterfall in Glen Nevis by visiting the Lower Falls which is easily accessible by road and is just a 2 minute stroll from the designated car park – making it one of the easiest waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands to visit.

The drive to get to the falls is in itself a spectacle. The windy road through Glen Nevis takes in some incredible views of the mighty Ben Nevis. The road meanders along the River Nevis, passing the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre.

Just before arriving at the Lower Falls, you will come across the Lower Falls Car Park. Park here for a daily cost of £3. On leaving the car park walk a short distance to the road bridge and you will have arrived. The roar of the falls will direct you to the best view.

On a hot day locals have been known to jump off this bridge into the falls. Not something we recommend as it certainly is not for the faint hearted.

After looking at the falls why not take the signposted path to Paddy’s Bridge. A short 1.6km walk along the River Nevis to Paddys’ Bridge which crosses the river higher up stream. The walk passes some other impressive waterfalls on the way and has panoramic mountain views.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 14 miles

Eas Chia Aig Falls Featured in Rob Roy

The Eas Chia Aig Falls are easily accessed on the road from Loch Lochy to the head of Loch Arkaig. Park in the free car park next to the falls and walk over the road bridge to see them in all their glory – and enjoy the spray hitting your face on a sunny day.

This double waterfall flows into the Witches Pool at the bottom which has been described as looking like a witches cauldron.

The falls found fame after being featured in the Rob Roy movie back in 1995.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 9 miles

See Invermoriston Falls from the Stone Summer House

The village of Invermorriston is on the northern shore of Loch Ness. To visit the Falls, park in the village car park and follow the path into the woodland which follows the River Morriston downstream to a stone summer house which was built by the late Laird of Glenmoriston to shelter his guests watching salmon leaping in the river.

On entering the summer house the views of the Invermoriston Falls are spectacular. The view also takes in the old bridge across the River Moriston built in 1813 by Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 29 miles

Inchree Falls has Three Waterfalls in One

Inchree Falls are a stunning series of three waterfalls. There is a well-maintained gravel path to follow to see the falls. The path has some wonderful views along the way as it climbs uphill almost immediately giving lovely views across Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Hills. The path has two viewing platforms to enjoy the falls from, each with benches so you can rest and enjoy the view.

From the top of the falls you can continue to complete a 5km loop walk through conifer trees and the forest or head back down the way you came.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 19 miles