Inverkirkaig, south of Lochinver, Assynt, Sutherland, Scottish Highlands
Falls of Kirkaig
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
7.8
Wildland
Half day
Time
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Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.8The River Kirkaig plunges into a rocky ravine at the end of a Highland walk that moves from riverside woodland onto open moorland, with Suilven coming into view along the way.
The falls are a rewarding destination in their own right, but the approach is part of the appeal: woodland gives way to open moorland and views towards Suilven before a steep, dramatic final descent. The exposed, slippery ground near the falls makes this a place to visit with care, not a casual stroll.
Dramatic · Wild · Remote · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapInverkirkaig, south of Lochinver, Assynt, Sutherland, Scottish Highlands
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The experience
Allow around three hours for the walk to the falls and back, plus time at the viewpoint. Expect wet, muddy ground and take particular care on the steep, slippery final descent; there is no fencing at the edge according to one supplied source.
Things to do
Follow the riverside trail
Walk beside the River Kirkaig through woodland before the trail rises onto open moorland.
Part of the walk to the falls
Look for Suilven on the approach
As the landscape opens out, look east for views of Suilven from the path.
Part of the walk to the falls
See the falls from a safe distance
The route’s signposted fork leads down to the waterfall viewpoint. The descent is steep and the ground can be slippery; the supplied sources warn that there is no fencing, so keep well back from the edge.
Part of the walk to the falls
Continue up the glen towards Fionn Loch
After returning from the falls to the main path, continue further up the glen for views towards Fionn Loch and the Assynt mountains. Check the route and conditions before extending your walk.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 3 hours return, plus time at the falls
Quick Escape: walk to the falls
- 01
Start from the small paved parking area at Inverkirkaig, if available; check current parking arrangements before travel.
- 02
Follow the trail beside the River Kirkaig, through woodland and onto open moorland.
- 03
At the signposted fork, take the right-hand route down towards the falls.
- 04
View the waterfall from a safe distance, then retrace your steps. The final approach is steep, wet and potentially slippery, with an unfenced drop.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: falls and open-glen views
- 01
Walk to the falls from Inverkirkaig, allowing about three hours return before stops.
- 02
After visiting the waterfall, return to the main path rather than ending the outing there.
- 03
If conditions and your energy allow, continue further up the glen towards Fionn Loch for views of Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Cùl Beag and Cùl Mòr; confirm the intended distance and route before continuing.
- 04
Retrace your route to Inverkirkaig. Do not attempt the steep descent to the falls if conditions make it unsafe.
Hidden details
The route changes character before the waterfall — Notice the transition from a riverside path through woodland to exposed, open moorland, where the glen and surrounding hills come into view.
The viewpoint approach is the main hazard — The final descent is described as extremely wet, steep and slippery, with a precipitous drop and no fencing. Treat the viewpoint as hazardous and do not approach the edge.
When to go
· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check the forecast and conditions before setting out.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season. They report that the path can be wet and muddy and that the final descent is particularly hazardous when wet.
The path can be wet and muddy; the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Wear suitable waterproof footwear, check conditions before setting out and take particular care on the steep, unfenced final approach.
What to look for
Watch for the change from riverside woodland to open moorland, views of Suilven along the approach, and the waterfall dropping into its rocky ravine. Keep well back from the unfenced edge.
Best time to go
Check current trail and weather conditions before visiting. The supplied sources give no specific best season.
No best time of year or day is established by the supplied sources. Check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out, especially after wet weather.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
Reached on foot by a rough, wet and sometimes muddy trail from Inverkirkaig. The final descent to the falls is steep and can be slippery; sources warn of an unfenced drop. Take care and check conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
A small paved parking area is reported just before the bridge at Inverkirkaig; verify availability and current arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible according to the supplied source-row accessibility information. The approach is rough, and the final descent is steep and potentially slippery.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River; waterfall
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Falls of Kirkaig
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
