Best waterfalls around Gairloch are found within the Scottish Highlands, a region characterized by glens, lochs, and rivers. This area of Wester Ross offers a landscape that supports a variety of natural water features. Visitors can explore diverse waterfall environments, from accessible cascades to those requiring a moderate walk. The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife and historical elements.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Second part very muddy and poorly marked. Bridges not well maintained
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Great little stop-off to enjoy the waterfall. Easy walk to get there.
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A beautiful loch at the end of the alternative descent from Flowerdale Forest by the side of the Abhainn a'Garbh Choire back to the car park by the A832. The is a lovely wooded area, especially so in autumn.
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Make sure you wear waterproof shoes with tread. It gets very wet and boggy after the pine forest.
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Flowerdale Glen was given its English name by the estate's owners, the MacKenzies of Gairloch, in honour of the abundance of wildflowers that fill the valley over the spring and summer months. Flowerdale Waterfalls are actually two falls: Eas Dubh and Easan Bana.
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Stunning stretch of the Abhainn a'Gharbh Choire, with a series of waterfalls near to its meeting point with Loch Bad an Skalaig.
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A good spot to park and take a short walk to the falls. Views of the loch are good.
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For easy accessibility, Victoria Falls is an excellent choice. It features a short, 150-meter walk from a free car park to a viewing platform, which is wheelchair and pram-friendly, making it suitable for everyone.
Yes, Victoria Falls is specifically noted as family-friendly due to its easy access and short walk to a viewing platform. The scenic walk to Flowerdale Waterfalls is also a popular option for families, offering a moderate path through a beautiful glen.
Spring and summer are ideal for visiting Flowerdale Waterfalls, as the glen is named for the abundance of wildflowers that bloom during these months. For Victoria Falls, visiting after rainfall ensures higher water levels, offering a more dramatic cascade.
The walk to Flowerdale Waterfalls through Flowerdale Glen is considered a pleasant, dog-friendly route, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion.
You can expect diverse scenery, from the lush, wildflower-filled Flowerdale Glen leading to Flowerdale Waterfalls, to the dramatic two-tiered cascades of Victoria Falls with stunning views over Loch Maree. Other areas, like the Waterfalls on the Abhainn a' Gharbh Choire, offer a wilder, more rugged experience, though some sections can be wet and boggy.
Yes, Victoria Falls was named after Queen Victoria, who visited the area in 1877. Flowerdale Glen, home to Flowerdale Waterfalls, also has a rich history connected to the MacKenzies of Gairloch and the historic Flowerdale House.
Flowerdale Glen, leading to Flowerdale Waterfalls, is a sanctuary for Highland wildlife. You might spot dragonflies, trout, eels, and even otters along the Abhainn Ghlas (Grey River).
Absolutely. Flowerdale Waterfalls are widely regarded as some of the best in Wester Ross for photography, with several spurs off the main path offering excellent vantage points. Victoria Falls also provides dramatic scenery, especially when water levels are high.
Beyond enjoying the waterfalls, the Gairloch area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore MTB Trails, go for a run on Running Trails like the Flowerdale Glen Trail, or discover Easy Hikes around the region, including coastal walks and routes with loch views.
While not a komoot highlight, Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh, located behind Gruinard Bay, offers a tranquil setting and breathtaking views back towards the bay from above the falls. It's a short, steady climb up the Inverianvie River to reach it.
For trails like the Waterfalls on the Abhainn a' Gharbh Choire, it's advisable to wear waterproof shoes with good tread, as sections can be very wet and boggy, especially after rain. Generally, layers are recommended for the changeable Highland weather.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Gairloch: