Falls of Glomach via Glen Elchaig

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Summary

The Falls of Glomach are perhaps the most magnificent waterfalls in Britain, with a single leap of 113 metres (370 feet). They require a fair walk to reach from any direction; the shortest and more usual route is from Strath Croe but the approach up Glen Elchaig is a far finer walk, though much care is needed on the approach to the falls.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

As far as where the path leaves Glen Elchaig the route follows excellent tracks ideal for cycling. After leaving the track, the falls approach path crosses very steep and dangerous ground on often slippery rocks above a big drop. This part of the walk should be avoided by those without a head for heights.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Killilan. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22km / 13.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 582m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG940303

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is parking on the left at the start of the private section of road to Killilan. Start the walk by contiuing along the tarmac road, reaching the hamlet of Killilan after around 500 metres. Continue past the phone box and over the bridge, following the tarred road as it leads up the lower glen. After several kilometres the route becomes a track, and leads through a gate. The track rises and falls gently as it continues up the glen.

Stage 2

There is usually a herd of Highland cattle resident in the glen - often complete with bull, but the landscape is as beautiful as any glen in the Highlands. The route now follows this track up Glen Elchaig for several kilometres, the landscape becoming wilder and more remote with every step. After a little over 8km you should be able to spot a two-stage footbridge down over the river to the right, and at NH009270 an old signpost indicates the start of the path off to the falls. Turn right on this path, following it down to and across the bridge.

Stage 3

Cross the brodge and follow the path - boggy in places - which bends first left and then right before coming alongside the Allt a Ghlomaich, the stream coming down from the steep side valley seen ahead. Follow the path which bends left to run alongside the little ravine. After a short distance the path descends and crosses it on a footbridge with good views of the swirling waters below. Follow the path up the far side of the burn. It soon begins to ascend up the grassy side of the ravine. The slopes below the path become progressively steeper, and the path appears to be heading straight for some rocks, but it doubles back to the right at the last moment to pass above them before descending once more. It's rocky in places and some find it slightly exposed. The path then continues across the flank of the ravine.

Stage 4

After rounding a corner, the path crosses the Allt na Laoidhre, a tributary burn. This can usually be done dry using stones, but could be impassable in high spate. On the far side the path becomes less distinct as it climbs once more, winding a route up the grassy slope. Eventually it levels off and follows a balcony route towards the top of the falls, which have come into view at last.

Stage 5

Continue on the rough path across the steep slope. Eventually it descends to reach the top of the falls, which the path coming up from Morvich is reached. Though impressive, only the uppermost part of the falls is visible from here.

Stage 6

To get a view of the full height of these falls, it's necessary to take a narrow path which cuts back sharply left and then descends to eventually reach a natural rocky belvedere. From here the full height - over 100m of the Allt a'Ghlomaich's great leap into the gorge can be seen - enough to give most people a wee dose of vertigo. Great care is needed as this is a dangerous place.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps back up to the top of the falls. Unless intent on a through walk, the only reasonable way back is to reverse the outward route, all the way back to Killilan.

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