Eas Chia-aig

Eas Chia-aig (Chia-aig Falls) is a woodland waterfall in Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands, close to the hamlets of Achnacarry and Clunes. The Gaelic name simply means the falls of the Chia-aig, the burn that drops here through a narrow wooded gorge on its way between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig.

Where is Eas Chia-aig?

The falls lie roughly halfway between the two lochs, on land long associated with Clan Cameron. The nearest towns are Spean Bridge and the village of Gairlochy. The coordinates are about 56.955 N, 5.001 W.

How do you get there?

Take the B8005, the single-track road linking Gairlochy with Loch Arkaig. The car park sits right beside it, at the western end of the stretch known as the Mile Dorcha, the "dark mile", named for the dense trees overhanging the tarmac. A short path leads from the car park to the water. The road is narrow, so drive slowly and use the passing places.

What will you see?

The star is the lower drop, which ends in a deep, very dark pool. Its colour gave it the local name Witches Cauldron. Above it, the burn steps down through several smaller cascades between mossy rock and old trees. The falls featured in the 1995 film Rob Roy, which draws visitors with an eye for movie locations.

In summer some people swim in the pool. The bed is stony, so water shoes help, and the water stays cold all year.

Which walks start here?

A quiet track runs from the falls along Loch Arkaig to a meadow where Glen Mallie meets the shore. Beyond the immediate area around the falls you will meet few other walkers. A side trip of roughly 2 km each way reaches the Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry. There is also a moderate loop of around 8 km with views over Loch Arkaig, which takes about two hours.

An older viewpoint-and-cave path has been removed by the forest managers. In 2021 the path up Gleann Cia-aig was closed while a small hydro dam was built, and walkers were sent along the road. Check the signs on site before you set off.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are best, as is the day after rain, when the burn carries the most water. After a dry spell in summer the flow can be thin. Bring waterproof footwear, and midge repellent for warm, damp days.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The site is open to all and the car park is beside the road.

How long should I allow? Half an hour to 45 minutes for the falls alone, or about two hours with the Loch Arkaig loop.

Can you swim here? Yes, in the pool below the falls, but the bottom is stony and the water very cold.

What else is nearby? Loch Arkaig, the Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry, and Spean Bridge with its views toward Ben Nevis.