15 Best Waterfalls on the NC500 (North Coast 500)

Waterfalls are one of the most spectacular attractions on the North Coast 500 route.

Scotland is well known for heavy rainfall all year round, reaching 3000 mm of rain each year. Thus, due to the landscape and heavy rainfall, the power in the NC500 waterfalls are intense.

Doing the North Coast 500 is a perfect road trip for people who live in the UK. Also, Scotland is a very safe and enjoyable place for adventurous travellers.

The North Coast 500 is a road trip in Scotland which is located north of Inverness.

There are many nice towns and villages along the North Coast 500. Also, the North Coast 500 has plenty of picturesque beaches.

Rogie Falls

Rogie Falls is one of the first waterfalls on the NC500. The waterfall itself is only a short five-minute walk from the car park.

In the small free car park, there are toilet facilities. Also, there are a couple of lovely well-directed paths which can take you to the foot of waterfalls. There is a spectacular suspension bridge.

In August or September, you might get to see wild salmon jumping up the river.

Also, the falls are most impressive after a period of rainfall or snowfall. Flowing water comes from Ben Wyvis making the falls even more sensational.

Black Water Falls

Black Water Falls is only a ten-minute drive from Rogie Falls. This a beautiful area for a walk. There are lovely views of the waterfall, bridges, Black Water River and woodland.

The falls itself are a beautiful and rugged series of cascades. Also, there is a dramatic bridge crossing over the cliffs.

There is an information board displaying a map and a circular walk to follow. Also, there are toilet facilities.

The walk to the bridge takes thirty to forty minutes, the path is fairly easy with a few tree roots to stumble over. 

To view the falls, you can park in Silver Bridge car park. Car parking is free.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls on the NC500 to view. The falls are a short easy walk from the car park.

There are two viewpoints to admire the falls. One is at the top of the waterfall and the other viewing deck is near the bottom. Interestingly, the falls are named after Queen Victoria who visited them in 1877. 

The water tumbles down from Beinn Eighe, the National Nature Reserve and into Loch Maree.

It is well worth exploring the ancient Caledonian Pinewood and mountain environment. Also, from the viewpoints you will also get amazing views of Loch Maree on a clear day. 

Eas Dubh A’ Ghlinne Ghairbh

Eas Dubh A’Ghairbh is located in Gruinard Bay on the rugged coastline of Wester Ross.

There is a haven to escape city life and relax in some of Europe’s finest scenery. To get to the waterfall you have to complete a short and steady climb which is one mile long.

Corrieshalloch Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a nature reserve which has a dramatic suspension bridge. The bridge is perched high over the deep gorge. The nature reserve is a stunning place to go and the photos over the gorge do not do it justice.

You can admire the Falls of Measach plummeting into the most spectacular gorges in the UK.

Also, the bridge and the viewing platform were built across the gorge. This offers amazing views of the waterfalls and the valley. But, it is not ideal for those who are afraid of heights.

There is a good well marked circular path which takes you through the forest to the waterfall and bridge.

The car park is large with a pay and display machine.

Falls of Kirkaig

Falls of Kirkaig is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the NC500. The waterfall is reached after a lovely two kilometre walk in the glen.

The trail takes you through some forested and up onto a moor before reaching the falls. Also, the final descent to the bottom is a mild scramble, good shoes are recommended as it can get a bit muddy. 

Overall, the walk can take two hours. Also, you can keep an eye out for deer. The route starts at Inverkirkaig car park. 

Clashnessie Falls

Clashnessie Falls is one of the amazing hidden waterfalls on the NC500. There are signs posts to help guide you to the waterfall.

To get up very close, where you can practically touch the bottom of the waterfall you will have to cross the stream. Trails can be very boggy, slippery and wet. Especially after a period of rainfall where the falls are the most impressive. 

You will only need to walk fifteen minutes from the road side to get to this natural beauty. Be aware, there is not a lot of space for parking.

Also, be aware of the locals, respect their privacy and do not wander through their gardens. Or, you can park near the beach just outside Clashnessie.

Eas A’Chual Aluinn

Eas A’Chual Aluinn is a waterfall located near Kylesku. The waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the Highlands and in the UK. The total hight is 200 metres tall.

For the great hikers out there, you can continue the walk beyond the loch leading to the top of Eas a’Chuil Aluinn. Linger awhile and absorb the dramatic views over the falls and out towards Glen Coul.  

The hike is six miles long and will take five hours. Also, the path is very boggy, rocky and rough.

The area near the falls is dangerous so extra care should be taken. There is a parking area on the sharp bend on the A894. This is located between Kylesku and the Lochinver junction near the north end of Loch na Gainmhich.

Wailing Widow Falls

If you wish to tick off another easier option. You can take a small detour near the start of the walk to get to Wailing Widow Falls. The falls is created from the strong outflow from Loch na Gainmhich.

The falls are about 200 feet high. You can view the waterfall from above or you can get down to the base of the falls.

The falls are a fairly short walk from a car park on the A894. From the car park, head east, following a rough track, until you reach the falls.

Also, you can get to the bottom of the falls in less than fifteen minutes. 

Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is one of the most abnormal waterfalls. You can see a waterfall spilling through a pothole and landing deep inside the cave.

The cave is small, stunning and beautiful. To get to the cave you can follow the signposts and descend down a good few steps.

There is a small car park at the top of the stairs. Sometimes this car park can be full, and there is overspill parking in the centre of Durness.

From the bridge at the bottom you are rewarded with nice views of the impressive large cave entrance.

Once you cross the shallow stream you can enter the cave. Then you have to walk on a wooden walkway with a rooftop shelter to find the magnificent waterfall.

There are tours available of the cave. The tour guides are very informative and the tour lasts twenty minutes overall.

Prices for the tour are £10 for adults. 

Falls of Shin

Falls of Shin is a lovely place to stop off and appreciate the beautiful and quaint nature. Also, there is a visitor centre, mini golf, gift shop and toilet facilities.

From the viewpoint platform, you can view salmon leaping and the waterfall. From the car park, the viewpoint is only a five minute walk away.

Also, you can embark on many forest tails that display the nature surrounding the falls. Admission and parking are free.

Achness Falls

Achness Falls is also known as Cassley Falls. The falls are found in stunning Rosehall Forest.

Achness is a hidden treasure and is very peaceful and tranquil. There is a beautiful log cabin at the start of the walk which has been constructed by the local community.

You can follow a beautiful route which takes you to the falls. The route goes through Rosehall Forest and past a small cairn which was built to mark the millennium. 

Rosehall Forestry Commission car park is free of charge. It is an excellent starting point for the walk.

• Starting Point: Rosehall Forestry Commission car park
• Nearby Accommodation: Inveroykel Lodge at Rosehall

Whaligoe Waterfall

Whaligoe Steps is very well known, yet everyone forgets about the Whaligoe Waterfall. This waterfall may not be as high as other waterfalls in Scotland, but, it is full of charm.

The water of the Whaligoe Falls plummets 250 metres over the cliff edge into the sea.

The parking for Whaligoe Steps is very limited. There are only a few spaces dedicated to the restaurant.

To get to the falls, you need to walk down the 330 steps and take a left fork.

Golspie Burn Waterfall and Gorge

Golspie Burn is an easy two-kilometre round-trip hike. Along the route are lush scenes of wooden bridges, small pools and moss-covered cliffs.

The moss-covered branches and waterfalls are mystical and very impressive. 

Also, there are a lot of little bridges over the gorgeous river. Overall, the path is good and well-marked, but it can get a little muddy.

Once you get to the top you can enjoy the waterfall from a viewing platform. 

There is a small car park which is free of charge at the bottom of the trail in Golspie. Overall, the walk may take forty-five minutes to get up the hill and back down. 

Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie

Fairy Glen is an easy, well-signposted walk through the forest. The walk follows along the banks of the Markie Burn. The Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony.

The Fairy Glen is one of the closest waterfalls to Inverness. There are two magnificent waterfalls which are lovely.

Make sure to keep on walking once you pass the first one. The forest feels very magical. 

There is a small car park near the beginning of the walk, just off of Bridge Street.

The walk can be completed in twenty to thirty minutes. Overall, the walk is 1.6 miles long.

Driving the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is one of the most epic driving routes in the whole world.

Yet, many of the roads are narrow, and winding and have multiple sharp bends. There are many single-track roads, with ‘passing places’ on the route. 

Another tip would be to make sure you have all your guides and instructions printed off and kept safe. Also, the internet and phone connection can be weak in these parts of the country.

Thus, it is best to be prepared. For more tips on the North Coast 500 visit North Coast 500: The Ultimate Guide. Also, you can follow this grand itinerary The Epic Five Day Itinerary for the North Coast 500.

Final Note

I hope this waterfall guide will inspire your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the north coast of Scotland. Also, for more itinerary ideas you can visit the official North Coast 500.

Moreover, if you decide to camp make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Also, make sure you have plenty of fluids, comfy footwear and your phone has a full battery. The facilities in the highlands are scarce.

The NC500 is perfect for a staycation and for adventurous travellers.

There are many impressive waterfalls in the Highlands of Scotland and on the Isle of Skye. Also, there are plenty of good waterfall walks near Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

There are stunning waterfalls out with Scotland in Northern Ireland, Lake District and the Northumberland National Park.