The best waterfalls in Scotland

Hiking adventure near Loch Ness, Scotland

After leaving the comfort of the lodge, we set off on a hike in search of Falls of Foyers. Although this waterfall is not widely known, it did not lower our expectations in any way.

Following the map, we made our way through dense forest, breathing in the fresh morning air after a light drizzle. As the sun gradually broke through the clouds, light filtered through the trees and cast dappled shadows across the woodland floor. The sound of the waterfall in the distance blended with the rustling leaves, creating a vivid natural scene.

Sligachan Falls is a captivating waterfall located in Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom. Cuillin mountain backdrop with magical river pools. Use the map and safety information below to plan a safe and unforgettable visit.

Steall Waterfall is a true hidden gem of the Scottish Highlands trail, highly recommended.

Located near Fort William, it doesn’t require a long detour. Some people park at the lower car park and walk up, while others drive up the narrow single-track road. Driving is faster and saves a lot of time and energy, although you may need to carefully give way to oncoming cars. We arrived around 1 p.m. on a Sunday, and the trailhead parking was almost full, with only one or two spaces left. There is no parking fee.

The trail itself is not difficult and requires no special gear. The initial uphill section takes about 30 minutes, after which you reach a wide open mountain valley. It feels almost surreal—what starts as a small stream gradually becomes a river as you trace it upstream toward the source of the waterfall. From there, it’s another 10 minutes to reach the front of the falls.

Exploring the Highlands waterfall source along the A894 road, discovering a wild hidden landscape

This spot is called Allt Chranaidh. It is not the tallest waterfall in the UK, but it sits in a remote area along the A894, where there is a small informal parking area by the roadside.

From there, it takes less than 20 minutes to walk to the water source. However, there is no proper trail. The ground is muddy with boggy sections, and the cliff edges are often covered by vegetation, making it hard to judge where the drop-offs are. There is a real risk of slipping or stepping too close to unstable ground, so caution is essential.

Plodda Falls is a beautiful natural waterfall located in Scotland, about a one-hour drive from the Highland capital Inverness. The 46-metre-high waterfall is set in a picturesque forest area, surrounded by lush green vegetation, towering trees, and rugged cliffs. The water flowing down is crystal clear, and as it falls into the pool below, it creates a soothing sound.

Visitors can hike up to a viewpoint at the top of the waterfall for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view—it’s truly stunning and unforgettable. Plodda Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and for those looking to escape the noise and rush of city life.

Address: Cannich, Beauly IV4 7LY. From the parking area, it’s about a 20-minute walk to reach the waterfall.

Falls of Dochart is not a waterfall in the traditional sense, it's actually more like a series of cascading rapids or a fast-flowing stream.

Mealt Falls & Kilt Rock (Isle of Skye)

Driving about 25 minutes north from Portree along the A855, you’ll reach the sign for Kilt Rock. From there, a large parking area and an accessible viewing platform make it very easy to stop and explore.

It’s only a one-minute walk from the car park to the viewpoint, so it feels more like a roadside stop than a hike. But the scenery is far from small-scale.