Eas a' Chual Aluinn - Britain's highest waterfall

This rough walk takes you into the heart of Assynt's rocky landscape, past pretty lochans and streams to reach the top of Britain's highest waterfall, Eas a' Chual Aluinn. The route leads to the best vantage point near the top of the falls, although the entire drop into the deep glen below cannot be seen.

Terrain

Very boggy near start, then clear path, but rocky and rough. Care should be taken near the falls as this area is very dangerous.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area on bend on A894 between Kylesku and Lochinver junction near north end of Loch na Gainmhich. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 521m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC239292

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area (with a parking sign) on the sharp bend on the A894 between Kylesku and the Lochinver junction near north end of Loch na Gainmhich, about 4km south of Unapool. If this is full there is a rougher parking area just south of the bend. From the parking area take the track which used to be the old road to the top of the bend and follow a very rough and indistinct path across to the outflow at north end of the Loch - it can be very boggy here. Cross the outfall on stepping stones, with a view down a fine gorge on the left, and climb part way up the eroded path on the far side rather than taking the lochside path.

Stage 2

A few steps up bear right to follow a rough path that traverses above the loch, then climbing gradually southeast. Once the loch is left behind the path becomes stonier as it climbs towards the rocky pass of Bealach a' Bhuirich. Keep straight ahead where a path joins from the right, this is the alternative route from the south side of Loch na Gainmhich. Behind you as you climb the peaks of Quinag dominate, whilst the Corbett of Glas Bheinn looks impressive on the right. The walk takes on a real wilderness feel as the road is left far behind.

Stage 3

Once up a steep section alongside a rocky ravine the path passes above the north side of Loch Bealach a' Bhuirich, a lovely spot for a rest in good weather. After the Loch the path briefly climbs steeply again to the high point of the walk at 450m. From here the winding route over unforgiving and rocky landscape can be seen in places descending ahead. The rocks are Lewissian Gniess, amongst the oldest on the planet.

Stage 4

Continue on the path, now steeply downhill, until it reaches the main burn, with stepping stones. From here a path marked on OS maps continues down the near side, leading to the lip of the waterfall - this however has only a very limited view of the falls and the lip is a dangerous place to try to see them from, particularly in poor weather - there have been fatalities here in the past. Instead cross the burn where the path first meets it - a sign for the falls has been scratched into a rock on the far side - and then turn left to follow the faint path downhill parallel to the burn.

Stage 5

Eventually, after just over a half a kilometre of further descent, an area just above the lip of the falls is reached. Rather than descend to the lip, follow the path to the right close to the cliff edge until it is possible to descend a brief scrambly path to reach level ground a short distance below. From here you can look left to see the top section of the 200m cascade of water as it falls in two drops to the glen floor, as well as a stunning view out along fjord-like Loch Glencoul.

Stage 6

Boat trips run from Kylesku to view the falls although they can't get really close so binoculars are still needed. Opposite the Eas-an-t-Strutha Ghil, a smaller burn, falls in another immense but more broken cascade. A path leads back across towards the falls from here but it runs dangerously close to the cliff edge and doesn't give a better view. After enjoying the falls it is necessary to reverse your steps all the way back up to the pass and along the same outward path to the start. Once past Loch Bealach a' Bhuirich there are lovely views on a clear day to the islands in Eddrachilis Bay just west of Kylesku and Quinag once more looms ahead.

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