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About this place
Eas a' Bhradain is a waterfall on the Isle of Skye in the Highland region of Scotland, set between the mountain Marsco and the sea inlet of Loch Ainort. The Gaelic name means "the salmon's waterfall", and the 1870s Ordnance Survey Name Book records it as "the Salmon's Cataract".
Where is Eas a' Bhradain?
The fall sits in the central part of Skye, between Marsco and Loch Ainort, at roughly 57.26° N, 6.09° W (grid reference NG531262). Water drops along the Allt Coire nam Bruadaran, a burn that runs off the flanks of Marsco toward the loch. The site lies close to the A87, the main road linking Broadford with Portree.
What will you see?
The Name Book entries from 1876–78 give the height as about 25 feet, around 7 to 8 metres. This is not a towering single curtain but a mountain burn tumbling over rocky steps, and photographers describe several tiers. Behind it you get the rounded, reddish slopes of the Red Cuillin, a typical backdrop in this part of the island.
How do you get there?
Getting here is easy by car. Follow the A87 near Loch Ainort and pull in at the car park, from which a short path leads to the falls. Photography guides place the viewpoint right beside the parking area, so a brief stop needs no special preparation. Climbing Marsco is a far bigger undertaking, but the waterfall works as a quick halt on a drive around the island.
When should you go?
The burn is fed by runoff from the hills, so the fall looks best after rain, when it carries the most water. Weather on Skye changes quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy, grippy footwear, as rocks beside the water can be slippery. Soft, even light on an overcast day suits long-exposure shots of moving water.
Frequently asked questions
What does Eas a' Bhradain mean? It is Gaelic for "waterfall of the salmon".
Which island is it on? The Isle of Skye, Highland, between Marsco and Loch Ainort.
How high is the waterfall? Historic Ordnance Survey records give around 25 feet, roughly 7 to 8 metres.
Is it hard to reach? No. It lies near the A87, and the parking spot is close to the viewpoint.
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