The U.K. is known for its astoundingly beautiful landscape and there's no denying that outside of its major cities, an entire woodland oasis awaits. Whether it's the rolling green foothills of England, the lochs of Scotland, or the Emerald fields of Ireland, these destinations are wholly known for their landscapes. One of these countries also happens to be home to the tallest waterfall in the U.K.
To say it's impressive would be an understatement, and what's even more impressive is its surroundings. Scotland is already breathtaking but this waterfall - and its surrounding cliffside - is like something out of a fantasy movie.
The Highest Waterfall In Britain
The Scottish Highlands are a remote, untamed wilderness that continues to spark the interest of avid U.K. explorers. The Highlands are of great significance to Scotland in regard to both their ecological importance as well as their history, which tells of the first people to ever live in the region. Among its mountainous cliffsides, lochs, deep valleys, and vast bogs, one can find the highest waterfall in all of Britain: Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. When translated, the name of this waterfall means 'waterfall of the beautiful tresses.' Its unique location means that visitors to the falls can access it via the loch - or lake - which it flows into, Loch Beag, or opt to hike the six miles to its location.
Since it is quite remote, many people opt to take the boat ride. This allows for stunning views of the falls from below, showcasing its power when its flow is at its strongest. At this point during the season, its height is three times that of New York and Canada's Niagara Falls, giving visitors a good idea of how tremendous this flow of water actually is. It cascades into a thin river down the cliffside and into the loch, making for a picturesque sight that's arguably one of the best in the Highlands.
At the apex of its height, the waterfall reaches roughly 660 feet with a sheer cliff drop over the side. As water cascades over the side, it's easy to see how many would choose to take a boat to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn as opposed to hiking. Even the thought of trekking so close to such a sheer drop is daunting but the good news is that there are plenty of angles surrounding by which to see the waterfall. It's not recommended to hike directly to the top of the falls, as it's tough to get a footing and the area is unstable.
Hiking To Eas a’ Chual Aluinn
While the hike is not recommended for those who are novice hikers or inexperienced with rock scrambling and potentially slippery conditions, it's one that many have completed. The route will bring hikers to the summit of the rocky mountains that make up the landscape of Assynt, Scotland, a remote area of the Scotland Highlands. Along the way, hikers will pass even more scenic vistas including various bogs, lochs, and neighboring hillside summits. On a clear day, hikers will even be able to see vast distances across the Highlands which can prove a worthy experience in itself.
The one and only hike to the top of Eas a’ Chual Aluinn does not take hikers directly to the top of the falls. Getting that close is inherently dangerous as hikers may slip, become disoriented, or take a wrong step - any of these things will lead to a straight, sheer 660-foot drop to the deep lake below.
With that being said, the hike in question is undoubtedly the best vantage point from which to view the falls without the use of a boat. At the start, hikers will need to trek through terrain that's considered to be very boggy, so good footwear is an absolute must. After hikers have cleared the bog, the terrain becomes rockier and more rugged, so great care must be taken in order to maintain one's footing. It's not advised that this path be hiked during the winter.
The entire hike can take up to 6.5 hours and spans a total distance of roughly six miles. Since the trail is rough and hard to follow at times, it's highly recommended that hikers go with someone who knows the area or that they bring a detailed map and GPS system with them to avoid getting lost.
Getting To Eas a’ Chual Aluinn
The best way to find the trail that leads up to the waterfall is to find the parking bend on A894, which is between Kylesku and Lochinver Junction. From here, the trail starts near the north end of Loch na Gainmhich.