Falls of Unich

Falls of Unich is a waterfall on the Water of Unich at the head of Glen Esk in Angus, eastern Scotland. The stream runs east and joins the Water of Lee just west of Loch Lee, forming part of the North Esk's headwaters. No road reaches it, so the falls are a reward for those willing to walk.

What will you see?

Water drops through a rocky ravine in several stages. A nineteenth-century Ordnance Survey name book puts the height at about 50 feet, roughly 15 metres. The setting is open grassy hillside and heather as the burn descends toward the loch. Because the glen sits away from the busier hiking areas, it is usually quiet.

How do you get to Falls of Unich?

Most walkers start at Invermark, where the Glen Esk road ends a few miles beyond the village of Tarfside. Another option is the car park at Lochlee Parish Church. The path passes the ruins of Invermark Castle, crosses the Water of Mark and follows Loch Lee. One route description gives about 0.6 miles from the castle along the Water of Unich; others quote several kilometres from the car park, depending on the start. The track is good almost to the falls, then turns increasingly stony.

Can you combine it with a longer walk?

Yes. Many hikers make a loop taking in the nearby Falls of Damff and the hill of Craig Maskeldie. A widely used write-up lists it at around 17 km, 560 m of ascent and 5 to 6 hours, graded tough. A shorter trip report records 16 km and about 5 hours. For the return, some people choose a route over Hunt Hill, which is longer but drier than the path beside the falls.

When should you go and what should you bring?

Aim for a spell after rain, when there is more water, though the paths near the stream can be wet and slippery then. Pack waterproof boots, spare layers and a map, as phone signal in the upper glen is weak. Allow a generous day, since weather in Scottish glens changes quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Falls of Unich? In the upper part of Glen Esk, Angus, on the Water of Unich, a little above its junction with the Water of Lee near Loch Lee. Coordinates are about 56.909 N, 3.010 W.

How high is the waterfall? The old OS name book gives about 50 feet (around 15 m). Modern descriptions do not always agree, so treat it as an approximate figure.

Is the walk difficult? The stretch to the falls is moderate and mostly on a good track. The full loop with the Falls of Damff is demanding because of its length and climbing.

Is there an entrance fee? No charge is listed for reaching the falls. The only problem may be finding a space at Invermark when it is busy.