Kintail, Scottish Highlands
Falls of Glomach
Waterside landscape
Source image
8.8
Wildland
Full day
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.8A 113-metre waterfall plunges through a steep, narrow cleft in a remote corner of the Highlands. Its Gaelic name, glòmach, means “hazy” — an apt description of the mist that can shroud the falls.
The Falls of Glomach make the journey part of the destination: a remote Highland walk ends at a 113-metre cascade hidden in a narrow cleft. This is a serious day out, not a roadside viewpoint; the NTS gives the return hike as 12 miles and about six hours.
Wild · Remote · Dramatic · Atmospheric
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Open mapKintail, Scottish Highlands
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The experience
Allow a full day for the return hike to one of Britain’s highest and most isolated waterfalls. The walk and open Highland scenery are part of the experience; the falls themselves tumble through a steep, narrow cleft.
Things to do
Hike to the falls
Reach the waterfall on foot by the demanding return hike. The National Trust for Scotland describes it as 12 miles and about six hours, through remote Highland scenery.
About 6 hours
Take in the narrow waterfall cleft
Observe the 113-metre cascade as it drops through a steep, narrow cleft; the setting can be shrouded in mist.
Look for Highland wildlife on the approach
The NTS describes wildlife as one of the highlights of the hike. Specific species are not confirmed by the authoritative source supplied.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 6 hours; 12-mile return hike
The Falls of Glomach day hike
- 01
Set out prepared for a long hike in a remote Highland landscape; verify route and conditions before departure.
- 02
Follow the route to the falls on foot, allowing time for the return journey.
- 03
Take in the waterfall from the route and the surrounding Highland scenery; do not approach the cleft beyond what the path safely allows.
Verified history
The Falls of Glomach were the first parcel of land in the Kintail area to come into the National Trust for Scotland’s care, in 1943. They are part of the Kintail National Scenic Area. The NTS gives the Gaelic name glòmach as meaning “hazy”.
Hidden details
The meaning behind Glomach — The NTS translates glòmach as “hazy”, a name that suits a waterfall often shrouded in moody mist.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Set out early enough to allow for the full return hike in daylight; check conditions and daylight before departure.
The supplied source row recommends late spring to early autumn for more favourable hiking weather and longer days. Summer may bring midges. Winter visits are not recommended in that source row because of potentially hazardous trail conditions and shorter daylight.
Remote Highland weather and trail conditions can make a long hike hazardous. Check conditions before setting out, carry suitable equipment and allow adequate daylight. Summer midges are noted in the source row.
What to look for
Notice how the waterfall disappears into its steep, narrow cleft, and look out for Highland views and wildlife along the approach. The name glòmach means “hazy”.
The story
Kintail National Scenic Area; the first parcel of land in the area to come into the National Trust for Scotland’s care, in 1943.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn, when longer daylight hours are more favourable for the hike; check conditions before travelling.
Late spring to early autumn is suggested in the supplied source row for longer days and more favourable hiking weather. Start only with enough daylight for the full return walk; verify conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
Full day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
The falls can only be reached on foot. The National Trust for Scotland describes a 12-mile return hike taking about six hours. Check current route and access conditions before setting out.
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Parking
Check before visiting; the supplied sources do not verify parking arrangements.
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Toilets
Check before visiting; facilities are not verified by the supplied authoritative source.
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Food & drink
Check before visiting; no en-route food facilities are verified by the supplied sources.
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Dogs
Check before visiting; dog access rules are not verified by the supplied sources.
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Accessibility
The falls are reached by a long hike and are not wheelchair accessible according to the source row. Check current route conditions and suitability before setting out.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Waterfall
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Around Falls of Glomach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
