Falls of Kirkaig

Falls of Kirkaig is a waterfall on the River Kirkaig in Assynt, in the Sutherland part of the Scottish Highlands, a short distance south-southeast of the fishing village of Lochinver. The river drops almost 20 metres (66 ft) here, and the falls lie right beside the main walkers' route towards the mountain Suilven.

Where are the Falls of Kirkaig?

The falls sit in the Northwest Highlands, within the Highland council area. The Kirkaig leaves Fionn Loch, tumbles over the falls, runs past the hamlet of Inverkirkaig and ends in Loch Kirkaig on the coast. Lochinver is the nearest village with shops, food and accommodation, so most visitors treat it as their base.

How do you get to the Falls of Kirkaig?

There is no road to the waterfall itself; you walk. The path starts near Inverkirkaig, a few minutes' drive from Lochinver, and follows the river upstream. The first stretch is a short section of sealed surface, after which the trail continues through woodland. Walkers' reports put the falls roughly two miles from the start, with only a brief detour off the main track to reach the viewpoint. Allow a half-day if you want a relaxed out-and-back walk with time to stop.

What will you see on the walk?

The falls are the highlight: a single drop of nearly 20 metres where the river pours into a deep pool. Beyond them the track climbs towards open moorland. Further on you reach Fionn Loch, with the profile of Suilven rising steeply above the water. This is one of the classic views of Assynt, where isolated sandstone peaks stand over a landscape of lochs and bare rock. Past the falls the ground gets boggier, especially where the river drains from the loch.

Is this a route to Suilven?

Yes. The path past the falls is a well-known approach to Suilven. Many people turn back at the falls or at Fionn Loch for the scenery alone, while experienced hillwalkers continue to the mountain. The full Suilven outing is a long, demanding day, so check the weather and your fitness before setting out beyond the falls.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early summer give the best mix of daylight and good water flow in the river, while after heavy rain the falls are at their most powerful and the path at its muddiest. Autumn adds colour to the moorland. Winter days are short and the terrain can be wet or icy.

What should you bring?

Waterproof walking boots are the main item, since the later parts of the route are boggy. Take rain gear, a warm layer, food and water, and an Ordnance Survey map; mobile coverage in this part of Assynt is unreliable. Midges can be a nuisance in summer, so repellent helps.

Frequently asked questions

How far are the falls from Lochinver? The trailhead at Inverkirkaig is a short drive from Lochinver, and the falls are roughly two miles on foot from there.

How high are the Falls of Kirkaig? The drop is just under 20 metres (about 66 ft).

Can you see Suilven from the walk? Yes, the mountain comes into view above Fionn Loch beyond the falls.

Is the walk suitable for families? The route to the falls is a moderate walk on a clear path, but the terrain becomes rougher and wetter further on, and the drop at the falls needs careful supervision of children.