8 Spectacular Waterfalls to Visit in Scotland

OUR HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS

The Highlands is a historic region in Scotland. With dramatic landscapes around every corner, incredible history and monumental mountains, it’s no wonder that Scotland is one of our favourite destinations.

With the notorious rainfall, Scotland is packed with a countless number of incredible waterfalls. This is something we don’t have living down south in England, so when we’re in a location that’s full of them we like to take full advantage!

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Below is a list of our favourites from the Scottish Highlands. For the waterfalls which are on the North Coast 500 route, I’ve put that in brackets by the name.

Trust us when we say that the beauty and awe from these waterfalls will certainly not disappoint.

WAILING WIDOW FALLS (NC500)

This waterfall is one of our “must-see” spots in the whole of Scotland and definitely at the top of our list!

About a 15-minute walk from the road, it’s a tricky trek through the water at times but well worth the effort. Once you reach the falls you’re rewarded by the dramatic 15-meter waterfall crashing down over the cliff of Loch na Gainmhich above.

We love this waterfall because you can’t actually see the falls for most of the walk there, you can just hear the dramatic sound of the water until you then turn the corner to witness the spectacular falls in the narrow canyon above!

You can visit from two locations, either from the base of the falls or from above at the loch.

Read our article “12 REASONS TO ADD STUNNING SCOTLAND TO YOUR BUCKET LIST” for more information on why you should visit and what there is to see and do! From dramatic landscapes to wonderful waterfalls.

PLODDA FALLS

The walk to this waterfall is short but magical, especially in the snow when it turns into a winter wonderland. Wonder through the Douglas fir maze which takes you to the suspended platform where you stand at the end and look down over the vertical cascade falling 46 metres into the Abhainn Deabhag.

Admire the falls from the top then take the walk down to the bottom where the water meets the river and you can look above to see the tip of the platform.

Where to next? Plodda Falls is only 25 minutes from the stunning Glen Affric and both of these destinations are well worth being on your bucket list while in Scotland.

FAIRY GLEN FALLS (NC500)

We visited the Fairy Glen Falls often while staying in Inverness as it’s only a 30-minute drive from the city. There are actually two falls less than a 5-minute walk from each other. Both in similar height with a small pool at the bottom.

I love these falls because the forest itself is beautiful. As you walk upstream and follow the river as you go it leads you to the first waterfall. You can get up close to the falls so make sure you bring your wellies!

Where to next? The falls are in a great location for a day out. Near by take a visit to the beach and Chanonry Point. This narrow peninsula is one of the most popular places to see dolphins!

CLASHNESSIE FALLS (BC500)

These falls are slightly off the beaten track and can be found by the bay of Clashnessie in the north-west of the Highlands. These 15-meter falls are fed from the lochans above. Bring your wellies as the short walk upstream can get rather boggy.

Where to next? A 30 minute drive away is the Old Man of Stoer (not to be confused with Isle of Skye’s Old Man of Storr). This 60 metre high sea stack sits dramatically off the coast of Sutherland and is worth a visit. If it’s sunny day then visit the clear blue waters of Achmelvich beach.

MEALT FALLS

Mealt falls is located on the breathtaking Isle of Skye. Dramatically free-falling off the 60-metre high sheer cliff into the Sound of Raasay below. The rock face is known as Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a Scottish pleated kilt hence the name.

The Sound of Raasay is part of a larger body of water called The Minch which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. This means Mealt Falls is one of just a small number of waterfalls in the world which empties right into the ocean, making this waterfall extra special.

There’s a car park at the very top of the falls, making Mealt Falls by far the easiest to get to in this article. Less than a 15-minute drive from here is the famous Old Man of Storr. We’d recommend taking a hike to the top for sunrise and then stopping by at Mealt Falls afterwards.

Where to next? Less than a 15 minute drive from here is the famous Old Man of Storr. We’d recommend taking a hike to the top for sunrise.
For more suggestions for the Isle fo Skye read our article “ISLE OF SKYE- OUR TOP 7 PLACES TO VISIT”

FAIRY POOLS

Known for their crystal clear rock pools, these falls are located on the Isle of Skye, near the village of Carbost. The multiple waterfalls are fed by the river brittle, and are perfect for any adventurous (or crazy) wild swimming enthusiasts brave enough to enter the icy cold waters!

The complete distance there and back to the first main waterfall and pool is 1.5 miles with the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes.

Rogie Falls (NC500)

Walk along the suspension bridge and witness the jumping salmon in the impressive waters of Rogie Falls. Then follow the Blackwater River and walk the pathway through the forest and admire the natural beauty.

These falls are only 30 minutes from the city of Inverness and an easy 10-minute walk from the car park.

Read our article “8 REASONS TO VISIT SCOTLAND IN WINTER” for even more reasons to add Scotland to your bucket list. From snowy landscapes to illuminating skies.

FALLS OF FOYER

This popular natural beauty spot boasts a 50-metre drop of cascading water which is fed to the River Foyers, leading to Loch Ness.

Take in the views from the top and then explore further down the steps to the lower viewpoint or even follow the path along the gorge to the shores of Loch Ness if you’re feeling adventurous.

Where to next? If you’re doing the picturesque drive around the loch you’ll drive right past the carpark that will lead you to the falls. While on your drive around the loch take a stop at the ruins of Urquhart Castle which sits right on the edge of the loch.