12 incredible Scottish waterfalls that are a must-see for nature lovers
Scotland’s beauty is known all over the world. We are famed for our stunning mountain peaks and atmospheric lochs, and are fortunate enough to have incredible views all across the country.
Some of our most spectacular spots are our waterfalls. The spellbinding locations are not only beautiful but some of them come with their own myths and legends.
They could be the perfect places to see Scotland’s magical creatures, from fairies and trolls to our national animal, the unicorn. But if you are visiting, make sure to be careful because, like all fairytale settings, there is danger lurking around every corner.
Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye
Mealt Falls is one of Scotland’s best-known waterfalls. The 180ft feature on the Isle of Skye’s east coast plummets at ferocious speed into the Sound of Raasay, where the island’s mermaids might just be waiting to greet you or eat you, depending on their mood. Both Mealt Falls and the nearby Kilt Rock, named after its pleated appearance, can be viewed from a coastal viewing platform, just be careful not to fall in!
Den of Finella, Aberdeenshire
The fairytale behind the Den of Finella is more Brothers Grimm than Disney. This majestic waterfall is named after Lady Finella, a woman who is said to have killed King Kenneth II after he murdered her son, before jumping into the waterfall to evade capture. Tucked away between St Cyrus and Johnshaven in Aberdeenshire, the 65ft drop, surrounded by rocks, is both magical and mysterious.
Falls of Glomach, near Morvich, Scottish Highlands
At the opposite end of the scale from the Den of Finella, the Falls of Glomach stands a whopping 371ft tall. It is one of Scotland’s highest waterfalls and is located near Morvich in the West Highlands. Nicknamed the ‘forbidden falls’ or ‘gloomy falls’ by locals because of its menacing rocky drop, it may be stunning to look at but it’s not a place you want to lose your footing.
Linn of Quoich, near Ballater, Upper Deeside
The beautiful waterfall at Linn of Quoich, near Ballater, has carved out its very own rock bowl over hundreds of years. Locals have nicknamed the spot ‘The Devil’s Punchbowl’, and it is both peaceful and menacing in turns.
Black Linn Falls, The Hermitage, Dunkeld
Black Linn Falls at the Hermitage, near Dunkeld in Perthshire, is one of Scotland’s most best loved waterfalls for good reason. Surrounded by some of the tallest trees in Scotland, it’s hard not to feel enchanted as you stroll through these stunning woods. Viewing the thundering waterfall from Ossian’s Hall, a shrine to Scotland’s 3rd century blind bard, only adds magic to the fairytale experience.
Loup of Fintry, Stirling
The Loup (or leap) of Fintry may not be one of the country’s highest waterfalls at 94ft tall, but it is surely one of its most picturesque. The stunning spot can be found two miles from East Fintry, near Stirling, and flows from the River Endrick.
Reekie Linn, Glen Isla, Angus
Hidden within a bewitching woodland, there’s something about Reekie Linn that is right out of a fairytale – especially in winter. The waterfall itself is a force of nature, with huge volumes of water plunging down into a gorge below.
The walk to get there is dangerous at points but according to legend, Black Dub Cave – which is buried deep inside Reekie Linn woods – is even more deadly. It is said that a local outlaw came face to face with the Devil there.
Grey Mare’s Tail, near Moffat, Scottish Borders
The Grey Mare’s Tail in the hills above Moffat
Set in the gorgeous countryside of Dumfries and Galloway, the Grey Mare’s Tail is a truly awesome sight. With falls of 200ft from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley below, the waterfall is the fifth highest in the country. With enchanting views, which inspired Sir Walter Scott to write poetry, and an Iron Age earthwork, known as the ‘Giant’s Grave’ on site, the Grey Mare’s Tale is the perfect setting for any fairytales.
Eas a’ Chrannaig, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran
Situated in the Whiting Bay area of the Ayrshire island, Eas a’ Chrannaig – or Glenashdale Falls as it’s otherwise known – is a 140ft double cascade waterfall. The stunning spot is surrounded by history, including an Iron Age fort and Neolithic burial grounds, which only adds to the waterfall’s magical mystique.
Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie
The Fairy Glen is situated on the south coast of the Black Isle peninsula and boasts two stunning waterfalls as well as its very own population of fairies. In days gone by, this beauty spot was the setting for official fairy ceremonies, which saw local children decorating the springs with flowers in a bid to persuade the mythical sprites to keep the water clean.
Falls of Bruar, Perthshire
The Falls of Bruar are a series of waterfalls near Pitlochry
This beauty spot, eight miles outside of Pitlochry in Perthshire, is home to a series of stunning waterfalls which have been a popular location for visitors for hundreds of years. This tranquil setting even caught the interest of Robert Burns who campaigned for the waterfall to be surrounded by the “lofty firs and ashes cool” trees that can be seen there today.
Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scottish Highlands
The Corrieshalloch Gorge, which means the Ugly Hollow in Gaelic, is a death-defying waterfall and is certainly not suitable for the faint hearted. A Victorian suspension bridge hangs over the incredible 150ft drop and provides the perfect viewing spot for thrill-seekers wishing to watch the torrents of water crashing into the rocks below.
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