Falls of Roy

Falls of Roy is a waterfall on the River Roy in Glen Roy, in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, at roughly 56.99°N, 4.70°W. It sits on the middle stretch of the river, east of Leckroy, deep inside one of the most unusual glens in Scotland.

Where are the Falls of Roy?

The River Roy rises in a small loch at the head of the glen and runs down Glen Roy to meet the River Spean near Roybridge. The falls lie along the middle part of that course, away from villages and main roads. The nearest settlement is Roybridge, from where a single-track road follows the glen.

How do you get to the Falls of Roy?

Drive up Glen Roy from Roybridge to the upper end of the road, near Brae Roy Lodge. Walkers report leaving the car on the east side of the glen road just before the cattle grid at the lodge. From there you continue on foot along the estate track, cross the bridge over the River Turret and follow the path beside the river. The falls appear as a short detour from the track heading east. Expect a countryside walk on rough ground, not a roadside viewpoint, so wear proper footwear and bring a map or offline navigation: mobile signal in the glen is unreliable.

What will you see?

Visitors describe a waterfall with a pleasant plunge pool at its foot. In dry weather the water level is fairly low and the pool is easy to see. After heavy rain or snowmelt the river runs much stronger and the falls look far more dramatic, though the track can then be wetter. No official height is widely quoted, so treat it as a modest, scenic cascade rather than a headline waterfall.

What else is nearby?

Glen Roy is famous for the "Parallel Roads": three level terraces cut into the hillsides, which are old shorelines of lakes dammed by glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. They are entirely natural and are among the best-known geological features in Scotland. Combining the falls with a stop at the viewpoints along the glen road makes a good half-day outing from Roybridge or Spean Bridge.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and early autumn usually give a good balance of water flow and walkable conditions. Winter brings short days and possible snow in the upper glen, so check the weather before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Falls of Roy? No. The falls are reached on public tracks in the glen, and no ticket is required.

Is the walk difficult? It is a short, rough walk on an estate track and a path beside the river. It suits anyone used to hill paths but is not buggy or wheelchair friendly.

Can I see the Parallel Roads on the same trip? Yes. They are visible from the glen road and its viewpoints, so you can pair them with the falls in one visit.

Where is the nearest village? Roybridge, at the mouth of the glen, where the River Roy joins the River Spean.