Plodda Falls

Plodda Falls is a 46 m waterfall in the Scottish Highlands, roughly 5 km south-west of the village of Tomich and close to Glen Affric. A viewing platform hangs out over the edge of the gorge, so you look straight down the whole drop. The site sits in woodland managed by Forestry and Land Scotland.

Where is Plodda Falls?

The Allt na Bodachan burn runs through the forest and plunges over a cliff shortly before it meets the Abhainn Deabhag. That river later joins the River Affric to form the River Glass. Tomich in Strathglass is the nearest village, which makes the falls an easy stop on a day exploring the Glen Affric area.

How do you get there?

You drive from Tomich along a narrow forest road to a Forestry and Land Scotland car park, about 3 miles from the village. No public transport reaches the start. Visitors describe the track as heavily potholed, so take it slowly, especially in a motorhome.

What will you see?

The highlight is the wooden platform above the cliff, built where an older Victorian lookout once stood. From it you see the water fall 46 m down a rock face. If heights make you uneasy, expect your stomach to notice: the falls are right under your feet. Tall mature trees around the gorge give the place the feel of a hidden forest canyon.

Which walks start here?

Two trails leave the car park, waymarked with green and white markers:

• Plodda Falls Trail is a short route of around half a mile, taking about 30 minutes, covering the falls and a stretch of forest.
• Tweedmouth Trail is a longer riverside walk of about 1.5 miles, passing some very large trees.

Surfaces mix gravel, mud and grass, with a few stone steps and exposed roots that can trip you up, so wear shoes with decent grip. Some hikers also use the car park as a starting point for longer walks, for example towards Loch Affric.

When should you visit?

The falls look best after rain when the burn carries plenty of water, though paths are then at their slipperiest. Summer brings midges to the glen, autumn fills the woods with colour, and in winter you should check road and path conditions first, since ice makes the approach to the platform harder.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? The short trail to the platform and back takes around 30 minutes. Adding the riverside path can double or triple that.

How high are the falls? They drop 46 m over a single rock face.

Can you reach Plodda Falls by public transport? No. There is no bus service to the car park, so a car is the practical option from Tomich.

Is it suitable for children? The distance is short, but the path is uneven and the platform overlooks a steep drop, so keep young children close.