Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a small waterfall in Wester Ross, Highland, in north-west Scotland. It has nothing in common with the giant on the Zambezi: this is a modest woodland cascade beside Loch Maree, reached on a short stroll from the roadside car park.

Where are the Scottish Victoria Falls?

The falls lie on the southern shore of Loch Maree, inside Slattadale Forest, managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. The water drops along the Abhainn Garbhaig, a short river that drains Loch Garbhaig into Loch Maree. Its flow comes off the Beinn Eighe massif to the south.

Why the name?

The falls honour Queen Victoria. In September 1877 she stayed at the Loch Maree Hotel (12 to 18 September) and made an excursion to Slattadale, where she wrote in her journal of a superb view over the loch towards Slioch. During the same stay she was taken out to Isle Maree.

How do you get there?

Drive the A832, roughly 10 miles north of Kinlochewe, and look for the Victoria Falls car park beside the road. A waymarked path leads through the trees to the falls. The short route is about 300 m; a longer loop covers about 0.7 km. No special fitness is needed, but the ground can be slippery after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.

What will you see?

• a rocky step where the river tumbles in stages under the trees,
• mature woodland, including patches of Caledonian pine forest,
• views over Loch Maree and the hills around it.

With extra time, continue into Slattadale Forest. The walk starting at the Victoria Falls car park is described as about 2.1 miles and ends at a viewpoint above the loch.

When should you go?

The falls look best after rain, when the river carries plenty of water, which can happen at any season in the Highlands. Summer brings green woods and autumn adds colour. Rain and midges are part of the local experience, so pack a waterproof and insect repellent.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same Victoria Falls as the one between Zambia and Zimbabwe? No. This is a small Scottish waterfall named after the same queen; the two sites are on different continents and nothing like each other in scale.

How long is the walk to the falls? The short path is around 300 m and takes a few minutes. The longer loop is about 0.7 km.

Is there an entry fee? The falls sit in a national forest beside a public path. Check current parking arrangements on the Forestry and Land Scotland website before you travel.

What else is nearby? Loch Maree itself, with views of Slioch, Isle Maree and the Beinn Eighe massif, plus other walks in Slattadale Forest.