Wades Road, Kinlochleven, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, PH50 4QT
Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3A striking waterfall tucked into a steep, narrow gorge near Kinlochleven, where the force of mountain water meets a landscape shaped by both Highland nature and the village’s industrial past.
The appeal is the contrast: a dramatic cascade in a tight, green gorge, with the Mamores and Loch Leven scenery close at hand. A circular walk can extend the visit beyond the falls, though steep and muddy sections make conditions worth checking.
Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapWades Road, Kinlochleven, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, PH50 4QT
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The experience
Visit the waterfall on foot, then consider extending the outing on the circular trail above it for woodland, streamside and wider Highland views. The longer route is described as moderate and can be steep or muddy.
Things to do
See Grey Mare's Tail
Walk from Kinlochleven to the waterfall and view the cascade in its steep gorge. Use care around wet or uneven ground.
Allow around 1–2 hours for a short visit
Walk the waterfall circular
Follow the 2.1-mile loop from Kinlochmore, passing the waterfall before climbing alongside the stream through a forested area. The route is described as moderate, with steep and muddy sections reported.
About 1–1.5 hours
Look for views towards Loch Leven
On the longer circular route, watch for views opening out towards Loch Leven and the surrounding Highland landscape.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours
Quick waterfall visit
- 01
Start from Kinlochleven and follow the approach to Grey Mare's Tail.
- 02
Pause at a safe viewing point to take in the cascade and gorge.
- 03
Return by the same approach; check footing and current access conditions.
Half day · About 1–1.5 hours for the mapped 2.1-mile loop; allow extra time for stops
Waterfall and Highland circular
- 01
Begin at Kinlochmore and follow the circular route to Grey Mare's Tail.
- 02
Continue uphill beside the stream through the forested section.
- 03
Take in the views towards Loch Leven and the surrounding Highland scenery.
- 04
Return on the mapped loop, allowing for steep or muddy sections.
Verified history
Kinlochleven’s industrial history is closely tied to water power. The supplied account describes the British Aluminium Company building a hydro-electric scheme and aluminium smelting plant in the village in the early twentieth century. The waterfall’s wider setting is fed by burns draining from the Mamores.
Hidden details
The waterfall’s namesake is not unique — Grey Mare's Tail is a recurring name for waterfalls: the supplied account notes several Scottish examples as well as a well-known Welsh counterpart. This Kinlochleven waterfall is the West Highland example.
A narrow gorge beside an industrial village — The same account connects the waterfall’s mountain-fed setting with Kinlochleven’s early twentieth-century hydro-electric and aluminium-smelting history.
When to go
· Choose a clear period when you can see the waterfall and surrounding hills; allow for changing Highland weather and check conditions before walking.
The supplied sources do not establish a best month. Drier conditions may make the reported steep and muddy sections easier to manage.
Expect conditions to vary in this Highland setting. The circular route has reported muddy sections; check the weather and path conditions, wear suitable footwear and take care near water.
The route
- ascent
- 583 ft elevation gain
- surface
- Steep and muddy sections reported; other surface details not established.
- distance
- 2.1 miles
- duration
- 1–1.5 hours estimated
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Loop
- start point
- Kinlochmore, according to the mapped circular route.
- parking start
- Check before visiting for current parking and start-point information.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the waterfall from Kinlochleven and return without completing the full circular route; check the approach and current conditions.
- Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall
- A streamside forested section
- Views towards Loch Leven and the surrounding Highland scenery
What to look for
Look for the waterfall framed by the narrow gorge, the stream continuing through the wooded slopes, and views opening towards Loch Leven and the surrounding Highland scenery on the longer circular route.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Year-round, with the most comfortable walking likely in drier conditions.
Choose a clear, relatively dry period for easier footing and views along the route. Water flow and path conditions can vary; check locally before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Couples
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The waterfall is described as a short walk from Kinlochleven. The nearby circular route includes steep and muddy sections; take care on wet ground and check current access and conditions before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
Check before visiting for current parking arrangements and availability.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports that the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. The described circular walk has steep and muddy sections; check current path conditions and suitability before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
Waterfall
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Around Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
