Falls of Glomach

Falls of Glomach is a remote Highland waterfall in Kintail, in the west of Scotland, with a single plunge of 113 metres (370 ft). That makes it one of the tallest drops in Britain. It lies roughly 29 km east of Kyle of Lochalsh, in the old county of Ross-shire, on land cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

What will you see at the Falls of Glomach?

A small burn, the Allt a' Ghlomaich, squeezes into a narrow, dark gorge and tumbles down the rock in a long white ribbon. The name comes from Gaelic: glòmach can mean "hazy" or "gloomy", and also "chasm", and both fit the setting. The falls are neither the highest in Scotland nor in the UK today, yet many hillwalkers rank them among the most dramatic. They were long thought to be the tallest in the country, until a higher drop was identified in Sutherland.

The full view opens only on the last stretch of the path. There are no safety fences, and the ground near the edge is steep and slippery.

How do you get there?

There is no road to the falls, so you must walk. Two approaches are used most often:

• From Morvich (Strath Croe) is the shorter and more popular choice. The Morvich car park is run by the National Trust for Scotland, and the route climbs over a pass.
• From Glen Elchaig, starting near Killilan, is longer but widely praised as the finer walk. The first miles follow a wide estate track along the glen, and some walkers cycle this part to save time.

Walkers' reports quote very different figures, from a dozen or so kilometres in total to more than 20 km when the falls are combined with the summit of A' Ghlas-bheinn. Plan on anything from about six hours to a full long day depending on route and pace. This is a day hike, not a stroll.

Is the walk safe?

The main hazard is the final descent, which crosses a steep, often wet slope above a big drop. The path is narrow and exposed, and a few rocky sections need careful footing. Wear proper boots, carry warm layers, a map and enough daylight, and tell someone your plan, since mobile signal in the glens is unreliable. After rain the rocks turn especially slick.

When should you go?

The site is open all year and entry is free. Late spring, summer and early autumn give long days and drier paths. The falls look most powerful after heavy rain, but that is also when extra caution matters most. Winter brings short days and harsh mountain conditions. The National Trust for Scotland sometimes runs ranger-led walks in Kintail; its local office handles dates and bookings.

What else is nearby?

Kintail is known for its mountains: the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glen Shiel and the Morvich area. Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich is a short drive away. If you have the stamina, the waterfall can be paired with an ascent of A' Ghlas-bheinn.

Frequently asked questions

How tall are the Falls of Glomach? The single drop measures 113 m (370 ft), among the tallest in Britain.

Is there an entry fee? No. The site is open daily all year at no charge, and the National Trust for Scotland manages the Morvich car park.

Where should I start? Either from Morvich or from Glen Elchaig. The first is more popular; the second is longer and more scenic.

Is the route suitable for beginners? Generally not. The distance is considerable and the last section is steep and dangerous, so go with experienced company and prepare well.