Eas a' Chùal Aluinn

Eas a' Chual Aluinn is a waterfall in the parish of Assynt, Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands. Dropping roughly 200 m (660 ft), it is regarded as the tallest waterfall in the United Kingdom. It sits in a remote corner of Scotland's north-west, not far from the village of Kylesku.

What does the name mean and where is it?

The Gaelic name translates roughly as "waterfall of the beautiful tresses", a fitting description for a stream that slips down a rock face in thin, gleaming strands. The falls lie at about 58.20° N, 4.93° W and drain towards Glencoul, an arm of the sea known as Loch Glencoul, in one of Britain's emptiest landscapes. Maps and guidebooks also use spellings such as "Eas Coul Aulin" and "Eas-a-Chual Aluinn".

How do you walk to the waterfall?

The shortest option is an out-and-back hike of about 6 miles (around 10 km) from a roadside car park near Glas Bheinn. The route is unsigned, and the early stretches can be stony and boggy. The path passes Loch Bealach a' Bhuirich, descends steeply, and then needs a stepping-stone crossing of the main burn. Before dropping towards the falls, look for a small mark on a rock, then follow the faint track beside the stream.

The ground is rough and pathless in places, so bring a map and compass or GPS, plus sturdy waterproof boots. Take great care near the lip of the falls, where the edge is dangerous, especially when the rock is wet.

Are there other ways to see it?

Yes, two. One is a longer expedition from Kylesku along Loch Glendhu and Loch Glencoul, usually split over two days with a night in a very basic bothy; the return includes about four miles of road walking back to Kylesku. The other is a boat trip from Kylesku onto Loch Glencoul, where in good weather the falls can be seen from the water, and binoculars help a lot.

When is the best time to go?

The falls look their best after heavy rain, when the burn carries the most water. During long dry spells the flow can shrink noticeably. Weather in the north-west Highlands changes fast, and cloud makes navigation harder, so choose a day with good visibility and leave plenty of daylight to spare.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really the highest waterfall in Britain?

Yes. Eas a' Chual Aluinn is widely recognised as the tallest, with a drop of about 200 m. It is higher than many better-known falls, though far harder to reach.

Is the path waymarked?

No. There are no signs on the route, so you need to be able to navigate on open hill ground.

How long does the walk take?

The round trip is about 6 miles over uneven, partly boggy terrain, so set aside half a day.

Can I see it without a long hike?

Yes, from a boat departing Kylesku, weather permitting.