10 Peaceful waterfall walks in Scotland

Set within a dramatic upland landscape, challenge yourself to this steep but spectacular walk to this beautiful waterfall which plunges into the Moffat Water Valley. Follow the Grey Mare’s Tail path which runs very close to the falls and listen out for the distant rumble of the waterfall above.

Reach the top of the falls and pause to savour the theatrical reveal of Loch Skeen, overlooked by the peaks of Lochcraig Head, Mid Craig and the Corbett of White Coomb. For those looking for more adventure, this walk can be extended to climb the hills of the White Coomb horseshoe.

• Where: 10 miles north-east of Moffat
• Distance: 3 miles/5 km
• Grade: steep
• Terrain: a good hill path with a climb; care needed above the ravine
• Transport: Grey Mare’s Tail is 10 miles north-east of Moffat on the A708

Walk the Grey Mare's Tail

Visit Dumfries & Galloway

Sit on the mossy banks and watch the tranquil pools beneath Ramnahol Waterfall in Shetland. Norse for ‘pool of the ravens’ after the birds which were known to perch nearby, it’s an easy walk reached by a short path just beyond the Original Cake Fridge, an ideal option for a post-walk snack.

Take the well-constructed path alongside the Burn of Lunklet, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, until you reach the falls fed by the Loch of Lunklet further up. Extend your trip and explore the wild moorland beyond the falls as you soak up sweeping views over the area.

• Where: between Aith and East Burrafirth, Mainland, Shetland
• Distance: 1 mile/1.5 km
• Grade: easy
• Terrain: well-constructed core path, with some steps and muddy sections
• Transport: the walk begins just off the B9071 where there is a small car park

View the full Burn of Lunklet walk

Visit Shetland

Drink in stunning views over the River Clyde as you walk through the rugged moorland of the regional park and tread the ancient cobbles of more than 20 beautiful stone bridges on this gentle circular walk.

A highlight of the walk is the Greenock Cut itself – a 6.5 km-long aqueduct built in the 19th century to carry water from the nearby Loch Thom reservoir to the town’s burgeoning industries. Listen to the powerful flow of water as the cut ends in a jaw-dropping waterfall, now a designated Scheduled Monument.

• Where: Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, near Greenock
• Distance: 7 miles/12 km
• Grade: easy
• Terrain: well-maintained vehicle tracks and footpath

Transport: train services between Glasgow Central and Drumfochar stations – the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre is 3 miles from Drumfochar

Plan your trip to the Greenock Cut

Visit the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley region

Venture through dense woodland, watching for squirrels jumping through the branches overhead as you make your way to this mystical waterfall. The route weaves through an area full of Iron Age and Neolithic history, right to the 140-ft double-drop falls of Glenashdale on the Isle of Arran. Step up to the viewing platform and watch the cascading waters cut through the rocky, tree-lined hills.

Continue through the woodland beyond the falls to enjoy lovely views of Holy Isle, before reaching the intriguing Giants’ Graves, set in a clearing. Feel the atmosphere at these two large and impressive Neolithic chambered tombs, which are over 5,000 years old. But were giants really buried here? There’s also a fascinating Iron Age fort not far from the falls where you can spark your imagination or pause for a picnic.

• Where: Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran
• Distance: 3 miles/5 km
• Grade: moderate
• Terrain: an uneven gravel and earth surface with some muddy sections
• Transport: regular bus services run between Brodick and Whiting Bay

Adventure to Glenashdale Falls

Explore Ayrshire & Arran

Rising from the Gargunnock and Fintry hills, the Endrick Water snakes through the rolling Stirlingshire countryside before dropping 94 feet over the Loup of Fintry and continuing on past Drymen and into Loch Lomond. Wait for just after rainfall to admire the falls at their strongest, then venture out on this very short, well-signposted walk not far from the village of Fintry. Take a thermos of your favourite hot drink and stop for a moment to rest and admire the scenery of the surrounding Campsie Fells.

Car parking is limited so if it’s busy, the Pots of Gartnes are also on the Endrick Water near Killearn. It’s a great spot to listen to the babbling waters and keep your eyes peeled for salmon leaping from the depths during the autumn months.

• Where: near Fintry, Campsie Fells
• Distance: 0.5 miles/1 km
• Grade: easy
• Terrain: a good, if sometimes muddy, signposted footpath.
• Transport: easily accessible from Stirling and Glasgow, between a 30-50 minute drive

Plan your Loup of Fintry walk

Visit Stirling

Step into the atmospheric woodlands of Highland Perthshire with this easy walk that starts in the popular town of Pitlochry. Visit in autumn to see the shifting colours of the trees from bright green to orange and gold, as this walk makes its way up through the woodland beyond Blair Athol Distillery. The route leads to a platform where you’re suspended over the Edradour Burn, overlooking the 60-metre Black Spout Waterfall as it rushes into the dark pool below.

Continue along a narrow track to extend the journey through ancient trees along the Moulin Path. Rest up at the Moulin Inn and try their ice-cold craft beers and hearty food, before heading back to Pitlochry.

• Where: Pitlochry, Perthshire
• Distance: 3 miles/5 km
• Grade: easy (moderate if extending to include Moulin, then back to Pitlochry)
• Terrain: a good woodland path (which can be muddy in places), pavement and minor roads
• Transport: there are regular train and bus services to Pitlochry

Experience Black Spout Waterfall

Visit Pitlochry

Experience the awe and spectacle of these rugged northern Highland waterfalls. At 200 metres, Eas a’Chual Aluinn is the UK’s highest waterfall - roughly translated from Gaelic, it means ‘waterfall of the beautiful tresses’ after the mesmerising way the water trickles down the black rockface. A short detour near the start of the walk takes you to the hauntingly named Wailing Widow Falls, at the outflow of Loch na Gainmhich.

Challenge yourself along increasingly rough terrain beyond the loch up to the view from the top of Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. Linger awhile and absorb the dramatic views over the falls and down Glen Coul to lochs Beag and Glencoul. When this cascade is in full flow, especially after heavy rainfall, it dwarfs Niagara Falls – only 51 metres in height!

• Where: Near Kylesku, Sutherland
• Distance: 6 miles/10 km
• Grade: tricky - please note, the walk is recommended for experienced hillwalkers only
• Terrain: a rough and, at times, faint path through rugged country. The route is boggy in places
• Transport: parking area on bend on A894 between Kylesku and Lochinver junction

Adventure to Eas a' Chual Aluinn Waterfall

Visit the Highlands

Take a short detour from North Fearns to the old crofting township of Hallaig, which leads you on to the Hallaig Falls, tumbling directly into the sea. Listen to the gulls cry overhead and see the misty vapours rising from the waves or look out to the stunning views towards the Cuillin mountains on Skye, Dùn Caan – the highest point on Raasay – and to the Scottish Highlands.

Hallaig is immortalised in poet Sorley Maclean’s Hallaig. Maclean was born on Raasay in 1911 and wrote the poem to commentate the clearance of the township 100 years earlier. Feel the lap of the waves and fresh Highland breeze as you cross the waters on the ferry from Skye to the Isle of Raasay – a magical place to escape the everyday complete with its own state-of-the-art whisky distillery.

• Where: Isle of Raasay, Highlands
• Distance: 4 miles/6.5 km
• Grade: moderate
• Terrain: a good waymarked grassy path, care required near the clifftop falls
• Transport: from the ferry terminal, drive south toward Inverarish, then follow signs for Fearns

Explore Hallaig Falls

Visit the Isle of Raasay

Listen to the rushing Aberlour Burn along this short walk, leading to the double-cascade Linn Falls. Sit by the pools and watch the churning waters below the fall in this picturesque setting, surrounded by the noises of the forest echoing off the rockfaces.

The route is signposted from Aberlour Distillery – ideal for a post-walk dram to round off your walk, or you could sample buttery Walker’s Shortbread in the town it’s made! This is also a nice step off-the-beaten path for those walking the Speyside Way, which runs through the town on the way from Buckie in Moray.

• Where: Charlestown of Aberlour, Moray Speyside
• Distance: 2 miles/3 km
• Grade: easy
• Terrain: a good woodland path with some wooden steps
• Transport: bus services run to Aberlour from Elgin Bus Station

Explore Linn of Ruthrie Falls

Things to do in Moray Speyside

Hike behind the deep blue waters of Gruinard Bay, where a short and steady climb up the Inverianvie River reveals the Eas Dubh a’ Ghlinne Ghairbh waterfall. In Gaelic, the name means ‘the black waterfall of the rough glen’. Let the soothing sound of the falls awaken your senses amid the wild and inspiring landscapes. From above the waterfall, the views back towards the bay are spectacular.

If the bay is busy, there are lovely beaches nearby to explore, or stroll in the grounds of Inverewe Garden close by. Remember to take care when driving on single-track roads and park responsibly at Gruinard Beach.

• Where: Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross
• Distance: 2 miles/3.2 km
• Grade: easy
• Terrain: rough terrain on a path that is muddy and faint for some sections
• Transport:  head for the Little Gruinard beach car park on the A832 in Wester Ross

Walk to Eas Dubh a' Ghlinne Ghairbh Waterfall

Visit Wester Ross

Safety first

When visiting waterfalls in Scotland, prioritise safety by staying on designated paths, keeping a safe distance from edges, and avoiding swimming near falls due to dangerous undercurrents and cold water. Surfaces can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and check weather forecasts, as rain increases hazards.

Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for responsible and safe enjoyment of the countryside.

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.