Grey Mare's Tail, Kinlochmore

Grey Mare's Tail in Kinlochmore, part of Kinlochleven, is a waterfall that drops through a narrow, wooded gorge above the village in the Scottish Highlands. It is not the better-known waterfall of the same name in the Moffat Hills far to the south. This one sits in Lochaber, below the Mamores range, a short walk from the village centre.

Where is it and what will you see?

Kinlochleven lies at the head of Loch Leven, ringed by steep Mamores peaks. The falls are on the north side of the village, at roughly 56.719 N, 4.964 W. Water tumbles down a rock face in several stages into a deep, tight ravine, with trees shading the lower gorge.

Quoted heights vary from source to source, from a few tens of feet to around 200 feet, depending on what is counted as the start of the drop. What visitors agree on is the effect: tall, loud and at its best after rain.

How do you get there?

The waymarked path starts from the car park by St Paul's Church in Kinlochleven. It climbs fairly steeply, so wear proper walking footwear. The walk to the falls is short, but the ground can be slippery.

Many walkers turn it into a loop that links the falls with a stretch of the West Highland Way, Scotland's best-known long-distance trail. A popular version is about 5.5 km with roughly 240 m of ascent. Some routes continue to Mamore Lodge and return with views over Loch Leven, and longer circuits reach about 6 km.

What else can you do here?

The gorge is a base for adventure activities. Scotland's only via ferrata, a protected climbing route with steel cable and rungs, runs alongside the falls. The operator Vertical Descents also runs canyoning trips down the stream. Both need booking and equipment, and neither suits complete beginners without guidance.

When should you visit?

The falls are most dramatic after rainfall, so spring, autumn and any wet spell work well. In summer the flow can drop, but the path is drier and easier. In winter the climb can be icy. Mountain weather changes fast, so bring a waterproof layer.

The path is free to use and open to all. The surface is uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. With dogs, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: keep them close, and on a lead around livestock.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same waterfall as Grey Mare's Tail near Moffat?

No. The Moffat waterfall is in Dumfries and Galloway and is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. This one is in Kinlochleven, in the Highlands.

How long does the walk take?

The climb from the St Paul's Church car park is short but steep. A full loop including part of the West Highland Way usually takes two to three hours.

Can you try adventure sports here?

Yes. A via ferrata runs beside the falls and Vertical Descents leads canyoning trips. Ask about availability in advance, as dates depend on season and weather.

Do you need special equipment to visit?

No. Sturdy shoes with good grip and clothing for changeable weather are enough. Take care on the wet rock near the falls, especially after rain.