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A Closer Look at the 15 Best Waterfalls in Scotland
Scotland is a picturesque country teeming with gorgeous waterfalls surrounded by lush forests and have dramatic sceneries, making the perfect Pinterest snap.
A famous girl group once sang “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”, but that advice certainly doesn’t apply here! We’ve listed below the best waterfalls in Scotland that we can’t help but gush about.
1. Grey Mare’s Tail
Address: Grey Mare’s Tail Walk, Moffat DG10 9LH, UK
Height: 200 feet
Known as one of the tallest waterfalls in the UK, Grey Mare’s Tail is a gorgeous 200-foot waterfall found in the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve. Its name came from how the waterfalls have a tall, thin line of white frothing water like a tail – get it?
The falls are also a perfect spot to visit for those who are interested in rare flower breeds like oblong woodsia and montane willows, and indigenous species such as peregrine falcons and feral goats.
Pro tip:
If you walk a little further up the steep slopes next to the waterfall, you’ll reach the majestic Loch Skeen which is a popular fishing spot. Who knows, you might catch the vendace, the rarest freshwater fish in Britain, while you’re in the area.
2. Steall Waterfalls
Address: Glen Nevis Place, Fort William, PH33 6DA, UK
Height: 390 feet
If you’re a Potterhead, the Steall Waterfalls is a familiar sight that made a cameo at the Goblet of Fire instalment. Found near the stunning cascade of Glen Navis, this is the second highest waterfall in Scotland with a single drop of 390 feet.
You can walk around the falls, taking approximately 2 hours to complete the trail back and forth. Once you get close to the waterfalls, you’ll get a brilliant view of the tallest Munros (best Munros Scotland) in Britain, Ben Nevis.
Pro tip:
Bring a fly repellent because there are lots of Scottish Midges near the river and you wouldn’t want to deal with painful bites after. You can also wear a netted hat for extra protection.
3. Inchree Waterfalls
Address: Druim nan Sleibhean, Fort William, PH33 6SE, UK
Height: 100 feet
Inchree Waterfalls is a cluster of eight waterfalls around 100 metres tall, located near Fort William. Apart from being a scenic spot worth visiting, this site was once where troopers of the first Jacobite Uprising in the early 18th century passed by.
When you reach the top of the falls, you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Loch Linnhe.
Pro tip:
While walking the trail around the falls, be on the lookout for different red squirrels because it’s not every day you can spot them. You might even find a few wild blueberries and raspberries growing next to the path.
4. Black Spout
Address: Pitlochry, UK
Height: 196 feet
The Black Spout is a 196-foot waterfall found in the Black Spout Wood in the heart of Pitlochry.
As you walk through the trail to the waterfall, you’ll pass by a series of footbridges and mixed woodlands until you eventually get to the main viewing platform for a perfect view of the gushing body of water.
Pro tip:
For the best view of the falls, take the trail down the cliff’s edge. However, this trail is not recommended for the elderly and people with disabilities because of the narrow pathways.
5. Falls of Measach
Address: A835, Garve, IV23 2PJ, UK
Height: 151 feet
Found at the head of the famous Corrieshalloch Gorge, the Falls of Measach is a 151-foot waterfall that means ‘waterfalls of the place of platters’ in Gaelic.
Walking to the waterfalls will take around an hour. To get a closer look, there’s a bouncy suspension bridge in front of it.
Pro tip:
Only six people at a time are allowed to stay on the bridge. You should take photos quickly and then cross to the next viewing platform.
6. Rogie Falls
Address: A835, Strathpeffer, IV14 9EQ, UK
Height: 30 feet
Found near the Black Water River, the 30-foot Rogie Falls is a popular route for salmon from the North Sea. In fact, a salmon ladder was built to make it easier for them to make the journey upstream to lay their eggs.
There’s a suspension bridge in front of the waterfalls and across the river. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the car park near the trail.
Pro tip:
For the best chance of seeing the wild salmon, visit around August to September. Also, for a gorgeous gush of water from the falls, go to the area after heavy rain or snow.
7. Plodda Falls
Address: Cannich, Beauly, IV4 7LY, UK
Height: 151 feet
Nestled between a forest of fir trees, the 151-foot Plodda Falls is literally one of Scotland’s hidden gems.
Not many know of this site given its remote location but it’s worth the visit as the water gushes down beautifully, resulting in an IG-worthy photo from the viewing platform.
Pro tip:
Be careful when driving close to the falls since there are lots of puddles and potholes in the pathway. Although it has wide tracks, it’s best to drive slowly for your safety.
8. Falls of Bruar
Address: Bruar Water, UK
Height: 196 feet
Since the 18th century, the series of waterfalls on Bruar Water has been a popular tourist destination that was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1844.
This was once a barren landscape until Scottish author Robert Burns wrote ‘The Humble Petition of Bruar Water’ to the 4th Duke of Atholl. Today, the falls are surrounded by a lush forest and has viewing platforms.
Pro tip:
Do not pass through the lower bridge on your way up because there’s a gentler and easier path by staying on the left side.
You should only cross the lower bridge on your way down.
9. Falls of Foyers
Address: B852, Inverness, IV2 6XX, UK
Height: 165 feet
The Falls of Foyers is a 165-foot tall waterfall that means ‘smoking waters’ in Gaelic. In fact, this body of water surrounded by a vast woodland feeds into the Loch Ness – yes, where our old friend Nessie is.
It’s best to visit the site after a heavy rain to see the gushing water in its best form
Pro tip:
There’s a free parking space near the start of the trail to the viewing platform of the falls. You can even find a quaint coffee shop in the area which offers good food and refreshing drinks..
10. Falls of Clyde
Address: 2 New Lanark Rd, Lanark, ML11 9DB, UK
Height: 84 feet
Part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, the Falls of Clyde is an 84-foot spectacle, with picturesque surroundings and over 100 bird species flying around the area.
This includes the dipper, raven and kingfisher. You can even spot lovely woodland wildflowers if you visit the site around April to August.
Pro tip:
Although it’s a wee far from the start of the trail, there’s a free car parking space at New Lanark. But if you prefer a closer spot, be prepared to shell out for a hefty fee.
11. Glenashdale Falls
Address: Glenashdale Burn, Isle of Arran, UK
Height: 140 feet
Dubbed as the best waterfall in Arran, Glenashdale Falls is a 140-foot double cascade body of water surrounded by beautiful woodlands. It has two viewing platforms for visitors so you’ll get different vantage points of the double falls.
But apart from seeing these gorgeous waterfalls, you can also walk further to the Giant’s Graves. This is a pair of Neolithic chambered cairns, which is only a few minutes away from the falls.
Pro tip:
Once you walk to the trail to the viewing platforms, avoid going further to the top of the falls since the terrain could be dangerous and you could get lost along the way since there are no marks around that area.
12. Falls of Kirkaig
Address: Canisp Rd, Lairg, IV27 4LR, UK
Height: 60 feet
Falls of Kirkaig got its name from a Norwegian term, which means ‘place where the church is’. Legend has it that this was where a church was once located in the time of Vikings.
When you walk to these falls, you’ll pass the River Kirkaig at first and a series of stunning woodlands until you reach a steeper climb, getting closer to this 60-foot body of water.
Pro tip:
The car park near the waterfalls has limited space so it’s best to visit there as early as you can.
13. Falls of Falloch
Address: Stirling, FK20 8RL, UK
Height: 30 feet
Although the Falls of Falloch is not as tall as most waterfalls in the country, it’s a beautiful spot to visit and have picnics too. Found three miles from the village of Crianlarich, this 30-foot drop of water is found next to the River Falloch.
Pro tip:
There are a few small pools near the falls where you can do a leisurely swim. Fair warning though, it can be very cold and quite risky, especially if it’s your first time.
14. Wailing Widow Falls
Address: A894, Lairg, IV27 4HW
Height: 50 feet
Found at the northern end of Loch na Gainmhich, the Wailing Widow Falls is a 50-foot drop of water that’s easily accessible by foot.
Its name came from the story about a grieving mother, whose son died while deer hunting, jumped from the falls the day after his death.
Pro tip:
If there are no available parking spaces at the lower part, you can drive further up the hill because there are larger areas there. Just be warned that it can be a wee exhausting with the climb up and down.
15. Mealt Falls
Address: Staffin, A855, Isle of Skye, UK
Height: 180 feet
Dubbed as one of the best waterfalls in Scotland, the 180-foot Mealt Falls is found at the edge of the Isle of Skye coastline. But its name is derived from Loch Mealt, where the water is directly fed from.
It even directly spills into the Atlantic Ocean, which looks breathtaking from a drone. There’s a customised viewing platform near the falls where you won’t only get a glimpse of the majestic body of water but also the entire coastline.
Pro tip:
For a memorable photo, stand next to the metal railing on the far left-hand side then lean over a little to make it look like the waterfall is directly coming out of your mouth.
