Falls of Foyers - bigger than you think

[denfinella]

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No-one has written a proper walk report for the Falls of Foyers yet, so I though I'd add my scribblings to the site. At the end of July / beginning of August we had a four day break in Inverness, traveling out each day to explore some of the surrounding area. A minor injury to my better half prevented us from more strenuous hill walks, but there was more than enough to keep us going. Day 1, Monday, provided an opportunity to head clockwise around Loch Ness.

First stop: Dores, with the well-known "Nessie-Catcher" van parked up by the roadside. Some lovely morning views down the loch, ahead of the forecast thundery showers.

Then on to Foyers itself, stuck behind a slow, old caravan most of the way, which was worryingly leaking something onto the road the whole time. Once kitted out at the small parking area, we headed across the road and down the clear earthy path into the forest. Unusually for a walkhighlands walk, this is steep downhill but ends with a sharp ascent!

Not long until we were at the falls. And wow, they really are impressive - surely one of the tallest in Scotland for a river of its size. As usual, photos don't do justice to the scale. This was after an extended dry spell (albeit with some rain the previous day).

After a short backtrack to a junction, the path follows the rim of the gorge, steadily descending towards Loch Ness. Unsurprisingly, the gorge is impressively deep as well - somehow continental in nature - although trees make it hard to get an unobstructed view down.

There are signs telling you about red squirrels on the way down, still on well-made footpaths down to a view of the River Foyers bridges.

Soon we were down at the lakeside, which turned out to be something of a disappointment today. A caravan, new housing estate and something to do with Scottish water (or similar)... and, to our horror, Fly Central. They followed us around the loop here mercilessly, making us feel hurried and itchy as only flies can. Not the best state to be in for the steep walk back up!

So we arrived back at the car sticky and aching. With hindsight we might have omitted the loch part, although this would be a worthwhile addition on a colder or windier day. Still, the waterfalls themselves were breathtaking - and definitely worth a visit if you're visiting Loch Ness.

Finally, just a few other highlights from the rest of the day:

Next stop - a wee wander up Carn an t-Suidhe

Fort Augustus - extremely touristy, but surprisingly nice

View up the loch from Fort Augustus

Invermoriston

Invermooriston

Invermushroomston

Urquhart Castle - surrounded by storm clouds

Slightly piddly but easily accessible Divach Falls

No sooner had we got back in the car to head back to Inverness it poured down. Upon reaching the B&B we were greeted by something along the lines of, "you must have had a very wet day! It's rained all day here..." Cue relieved smiles...

Next day: Tarbat Ness: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=35427&p=208458#p208458

[basscadet]

Oh looked amazing Haven't been there since I was a nipper.. In fact I caught my first fish at Foyers... They really start biting when they open the floodgates. Thanks for posting

[denfinella]

Thanks basscadet I'd forgotten there was a dam upstream - would have been even more impressive if they'd been open I guess!

[Moon2910]

Thanks for posting your report of the Falls of Foyers. We have a two week holiday booked in Scotland for next summer and this walk will be one of many on our list to do whilst we are there.

Also, I love the photo of the cute Highland Coo. I'm totally obsessed with these beauties.

[denfinella]

Thank you Moon2910! It was 10 years ago that I was there - must go back sometime

Good luck with all your trip planning.

[jmarkb]

You can be lucky or unlucky with this one: due to the upstream dam, there is sometimes very little water coming over the falls.