Six spectacular waterfall walks across Scotland

Grey Mare’s Tail and Loch Skeen walk, Moffat

This glorious three-mile yomp takes you up to one of Scotland’s finest waterfalls, celebrated in verse by Sir Walter Scott, where it plunges 60 metres down a sheer ravine. Start your walk at Grey Mare’s Tail car park and take the path on the west side of the burn, then cross a footbridge before the path rises steeply at the end of Tail Burn gorge. As you climb through the gorge, you may spot peregrine falcons wheeling overhead. Be aware that the path is steep here, which really adds to the drama of this fall feathering out as it crashes down the ravine. It’s easy to see how the waterfall got its name. Soon the path levels out and you’ll pass a couple more smaller waterfalls – and usually a few mountain goats clinging on without a care in the world – before you reach the glassy mirror of Loch Skeen, which feeds the fall. This is a fine spot for a picnic if the weather’s fine, with White Coomb, the highest of the Moffat hills, rising in the distance. Those who like a challenge could continue to its summit, otherwise you return the way you came. 

Three Sisters waterfall walk, Glencoe

A wonderfully rewarding 6.5-mile walk to the highest peak of the Three Sisters, starting from the big car park halfway up Glen Coe, where you can admire far-reaching views of the three peaks across the glen. You begin by following the path down to an old track at the bottom of the valley before crossing the footbridge over the River Coe. The path climbs steadily up into Coire nan Lochan on the left side of the valley, where you’ll see a series of waterfalls gushing down to the valley floor and gorgeous views down into Glen Coe. When you reach a small waterfall by a boulder, continue on the path as it leads up via the east ridge of Stob Coire nan Lochan with cliffs and gullies falling away below you. From here you continue to the summit of the highest peak, Bidean nam Bian, with richly rewarding views of Loch Etive, Ben Nevis and the distant sea. Next follow the ridge to ascend the Three Sisters second Munro, Stob Coire Sgreamhach, before descending to Bealach Dearg and continuing down to the Lost Valley, where stolen cattle were once concealed by the MacDonald clan. Finally walk down into Glen Coe, marvelling at the huge boulders, over a bridge high above the river, through a birch woodland, and back to the car park. 

Falls of Dochart to Loch Tay walk, Killin

This might not be a waterfall in the true sense of the word but we felt the Falls of Dochart deserved a place on our list. On the hem of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is the tiny village of Killin, home to the mesmerising Falls of Dochart, a spectacular series of rapids, flowing from Loch Tay, that crash dramatically over rocks and boulders. Stand on the village bridge to admire the misty spray filling the air as white horses charge across the waters, before continuing your stroll to Loch Tay. Take the old railway line track over the River Lochay and follow the signs to the loch beside the river. As you reach the shore, you pass through a pretty patch of woodland, continuing along the water’s edge. Lap up views of the calm, glassy lake and the impressive Tarmachan Ridge rising in the distance, before finishing your loop and returning over the same river bridge and back to your start point. 

Finnich Glen and Devil’s Pulpit walk, Stirlingshire

This is one for the hardy, and you’ll need sturdy footwear, a dry day and be happy wandering off the beaten track. With no signposts, no official car park or path, and a perilously steep stone step walkway, Jacob’s Ladder, this adventure is not for the faint hearted. Finnich Glen is a steep, sandstone gorge carved out by Carnock Burn with a grassy mushroom-shaped rock poking out of the burn, aptly named the Devil’s Pulpit. Myths and mysteries swirl around the area – according to local lore, the gorge was either a secret meeting place for ancient Druids or Satan preached from the Devil’s Pulpit. Rough paths wind their way along the canyon edge, with glimpses of little waterfalls, before you take the 150-year-old stone steps steeply down the narrow gorge between towering moss-covered walls. Luckily someone has tied ropes to trees to help your clamber down and back up again, and you’ll notice the water is a wonderful ruby red colour thanks to the sandstone. 

Fairy Pools walk, Isle of Skye

From the paying car park, follow the wide footpath down towards the burn, Allt Coir a’ Mhadaidh, before crossing on a footbridge. Soon you’ll come to a series of ethereally gorgeous aquamarine pools, known as the Fairy Pools. This is a glorious spot for picnicking or dipping your toes on a warm day. Rising directly ahead you’ll see the imposing pinnacle of Sgùrr an Fheadain, the gash running down it – Waterpipe Gully – is only suitable for strong climbers. Continue along the path that becomes stonier and boggier until you reach a cairn and turn left before rambling through the low slopes of Bruach na Frìthe, the highest summit of the Black Cuillin ridge. From here, you can look back to the spot of the Battle of Coire na Creiche, a Scottish clan battle fought in 1601 between the feuding clans of MacLeod and MacDonald. You have the option to detour to Sligachan Hotel here or continue back to your start point. 

Talisker Bay waterfall walk, Isle of Skye 

The scenic walk to Talisker Bay waterfall takes around 20 minutes from the car park. The bay is one of the few sandy beaches on Skye with a dramatic black and white sweep of sand, blended by the burns flowing in and out and creating beautiful, complex patterns. If you get lucky with the weather you might be tempted to take a bracing dip. The northern end of the bay is dominated by spectacular vertical cliffs and a breathtaking 130 metre waterfall plunging over the cliff edge – it’s at its most impressive after heavy rainfall. At the southern end is a grand grey rock sea stack. Top tip: visit at low tide and stick around for a glorious sunset. 

 

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