Falls of Glomach, West Highlands

Nearest train station at Kyle of Lochalsh. Scottish Citylink coaches 916 between Invergarry and the Isle of Skye and 917 between Inverness and the Isle of Skye, both via Kyle of Lochalsh; nearest stop to start of walk is Ault-a-Chruinn (on the A87), 2km/1¼ miles from start (08705 505050, www.citylink.co.uk). 

The National Trust for Scotland property at Kintail boasts the famous Five Sisters mountain ridge – one of the finest ridge walks in Scotland – and nearby is Britain’s second highest waterfall, the Falls of Glomach. Whilst a traverse of the former is only recommended for strong and experienced hillwalkers, the walk to the latter is quite feasible for those who have the fitness, stamina and confidence. Although a relatively straightforward there-and-back route, it does involve a considerable amount of ascent (c.710m/2330ft) – but it’s well worth the effort! 

[1] From the Countryside Centre at Morvich, follow the road eastwards passing the turning into Gleann Lichd. Cross a bridge and continue on a track, and then a path which are signposted for the Falls of Glomach. The path makes its way across rough pasture and then alongside a fence above the river (Abhainn Chonaig). At a fork take the path on the left, also signposted for the Falls of Glomach.

[2] After crossing the river, head northwards on a track which climbs up through Dorusdain Wood, affording good views back on the way. From the edge of the forest, bear right and continue on a steep valley path on the north side of the Allt an Leoid Ghaineamhaich. The gradient eases as you emerge on to open moor at the top of the Bealach na Sroine – ‘Pass of the Nose’ – at 510m/1600ft (NH005245). Cairns guide you along the path as you continue northeast, skirting Meall Dubh. Thereafter you begin a gradual descent that becomes steeper.

[3] As you reach the banks of the Allt a’Ghlomach  - ‘Burn of the Chasm’ (NH019256) – a National Trust sign warns of the dangers of proceeding beyond the top of the falls. However, to view the falls properly you need to go down the steep footpath alongside for just a short distance; it is safe, but great care should be taken, and vertigo sufferers would be wise to keep clear!

(A) The situation is dramatic: the water plunges into its dark cleft some 114m/375ft, a height only surpassed by the Eas a’Chual Aluinn in the far northwest of Scotland.

[4] Retrace your steps back to the start.

For those who don’t feel up to such a climb, a gentle walk along Gleann Lichd following the course of the River Croe is a good alternative. And a few miles away at the other end of Loch Duich is the must-see, much photographed Eilean Donan Castle.

Terrain: Waymarked paths and forest track into remote mountain environment; great care needs to be taken near top of waterfall.

Maps: OS Explorer 414; Landranger 33.

Visitor Information: Nearest Tourist Information Centre at Kyle of Lochalsh (seasonal opening), otherwise Portree on Skye (0845 2255121, www.visitscotland.com/walking).

Eating & drinking: Restaurants in Shiel Bridge and Craigellachie.

Sleeping: Hotels in Shiel Bridge and Craigellachie. Several B&Bs and self-catering options nearby as well as Ratagan Youth Hostel (NG920199, 01599 511243, http://www.syha.org.uk).

This walk originally appeared in Walk magazine in Summer 2009 (issue 23).