Corrieshalloch Gorge, Wester Ross

Waterfalls near Wester Ross

Scotland Corrieshalloch Gorge Waterfall
Scotland Corrieshalloch Gorge Waterfall
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wojsyl

Corrieshalloch Gorge is the kind of Highland stop that delivers a genuine wow-factor without demanding a full day of hiking. The River Droma cuts through a sheer-sided slot in the landscape before dropping in a series of powerful cascades, crowned by the Falls of Measach plunging around 45 metres into the gorge. It's dramatic, noisy, and unexpectedly lush, with a damp, sheltered microclimate that makes the woods feel almost fern-filled and jungle-like by Highland standards.

It’s also brilliantly placed for travellers based in Ullapool: close enough for a quick morning detour, but big enough in scenery to feel like a headline moment. For many visitors it’s one of the top sights in Ullapool even though it sits just outside town, and it’s easy to weave into a walking tour of Ullapool by pairing a harbour stroll and cafés with this quick-hit nature experience.

History and Significance of the Corrieshalloch Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a geological statement piece, carved by glacial meltwater and then refined by the River Droma into a narrow, steep-walled chasm. What you're seeing is a landscape shaped by immense forces, but made instantly legible by a simple path network that takes you straight to the most dramatic viewpoint.

The gorge’s human story is tied to Victorian-era curiosity and engineering confidence. The suspension bridge is more than a scenic thrill; it’s a reminder of how 19th-century engineers and landowners turned wild landscapes into accessible experiences, and the bridge’s heritage links it to the same tradition of ambitious design that produced Scotland’s great industrial structures.

Today, its significance is equally ecological. The humidity and shelter of the gorge walls support specialised plant communities, especially mosses and ferns, and the woodland setting gives the whole site a cool, green atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the open, windswept coastline nearby.

Things to See and Do in the Corrieshalloch Gorge

The classic visit is a short walk from the car park to the suspension bridge, where the gorge opens beneath your feet and the river surges toward the main drop. If the bridge is open, crossing it is the heart-in-mouth highlight: the water noise rises, the view straight down becomes addictive, and you get that rare combination of adrenaline and scenery in the same moment.

On the far side, the cantilevered viewing platform is the money shot. It pushes you out over the void for a clean view of the Falls of Measach and the churning river below, and it’s one of those places where you’ll take a photo, then immediately put your phone away to just watch the water for a minute.

If you have time, don’t rush back. The surrounding woodland paths are part of the experience, especially in damp weather when everything smells fresh and the gorge feels even more alive. After rain, the falls look bigger and the sound is louder, which makes this a rare attraction that can be even better on a “grey day.”

How to Get to the Corrieshalloch Gorge

The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wester Ross on Booking.com.

The nearest rail station is Inverness, where you can connect onward by coach or bus to Ullapool. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From Ullapool, the gorge is an easy half-day outing, and local operators and taxis can help if you’re not driving.

By bus, look for services that stop at Braemore Junction, then plan for a short walk to the site from the junction area. If you’re travelling with limited time, basing yourself in Ullapool makes the whole trip far easier, especially if you want to avoid complicated connections.

If you’re driving, follow the A835 south from Ullapool to Braemore Junction, then turn onto the A832 (Dundonnell road) and take the signed turn for the car park just off the A832.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Corrieshalloch Gorge

  • Entrance fee: Free (parking charges apply).
  • Opening hours: (Summer) 2 April – 31 October: Daily: 09:30–16:00.
    (Winter) 1 November – 1 April: Friday – Sunday: 09:30–15:00.
    Thursday: 09:30–15:00 (toilets only).
  • Official website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/corrieshalloch-gorge
  • Best time to visit: Early in the day for quieter viewpoints, or late afternoon for softer light in the woods; after rainfall the falls are at their most dramatic.
  • How long to spend: 45-90 minutes for the main walk, bridge, and platform; add extra time if you want to explore the woodland trails at a slower pace.
  • Accessibility: Expect gradients and a short, sometimes steep approach; if mobility is a concern, focus on the easiest path sections and treat the main viewpoint as the goal rather than a full loop.
  • Facilities: The on-site toilets and café-style services run on limited hours, and the main car park can lock at set times, so plan snacks, layers, and timing with a bit of margin.

Where to Stay Close to the Corrieshalloch Gorge

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself centrally in Ullapool so you can walk the harbour, galleries, and restaurants between drives; if your main focus is nature and early starts, staying on Ullapool’s edges along the A835 direction keeps you closer to day-trip routes while still having town services nearby.

For a practical base with easy road access for the gorge and other Highland drives, The Royal Hotel is a convenient option with straightforward logistics. If you want to be right by the waterfront for evening atmosphere and an easy harbour stroll, The Caledonian Hotel puts you in the middle of town life. For a smaller, friendly stay that keeps you walkable for food and ferries, Harbour House is a strong choice.

Is the Corrieshalloch Gorge Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it’s one of the rare Highland attractions that feels genuinely spectacular while still being easy to fit into a travel day. The path-to-payoff ratio is excellent: you walk a short distance and get a viewpoint that feels cinematic, especially when the river is running strong.

It’s also worth it as a change of pace if your trip is heavy on driving. This is a place where you can step out of the car, hear the water immediately, and feel immersed in the landscape within minutes, then be back in Ullapool for food, music, and a warm indoor break.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a great family stop if you keep it focused and treat the bridge and platform as the main event. The key is managing excitement near edges and keeping a steady pace on the approach path, especially in wet or windy conditions.

Build in a reward afterward in Ullapool, because it turns the outing into a clear story: short walk, big waterfall, then something warm to eat. It’s an easy rhythm that keeps kids engaged without over-stretching attention spans.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Corrieshalloch Gorge is a perfect “high-impact” nature moment between slower, more atmospheric stops. The combination of deep woods, thundering water, and a dramatic viewpoint makes it feel like you've gone properly wild, even though you're never far from town comfort.

Time it for late afternoon if you can, then head back to Ullapool for a relaxed evening. It’s a simple pairing that works exceptionally well in the Highlands: a bracing outdoor wow, followed by a cosy harbour night.

Budget Travelers

This is an ideal budget stop because entry is free and you’re paying primarily for transport and parking, not tickets. It also gives you that big-Scotland feeling without needing a long hike, specialist gear, or a guided tour.

To keep costs down, base in Ullapool, pack snacks, and treat the gorge as one anchor in a day of scenic stops. You’ll get a full, varied day with very little spend beyond getting around.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (2,813)

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve (National Trust for Scotland) near Braemore offers dramatic, mile‑long canyon scenery with waterfalls, a Victorian suspension bridge and a high viewing platform; well‑waymarked paths form roughly an hour's loop (with shorter fern trails) that are mostly accessible to those with reasonable mobility though can be muddy or steep in places and some off‑track sections are exposed; a visitor centre at the car park has toilets and sells treats, staff are helpful, and parking fees apply (members may park free).

Eric Falconer
2 months ago
"So far one of the best stops on our trip. The gouge is …. Gorgeous. The bridge over it makes the view really come out of nowhere and add to theexperience. To me this is a do not miss spot! The extra short loop for the fern trail was also well worth it as we saw lots of different ferns and mushrooms. The rain forest is very beautiful and the whole ecology stands out as very unique. The visitor center sells ice cream which is a great treat after the short hike. There is an overflow parking lot down the road and several turn off parking spots. Parking in the lot cost 5 pounds...."
Catherine McCracken
3 months ago
"A beautiful spot with about 1 hour of walking trails. These photographs paths are well marked out and easy to follow. A little muddy in places afterrain and some steep areas. Anyone with a reasonable level of mobility should be able to get around the whole reserve. The gorge is breathtaking and you really need to be on the bridge and the far side view point to fully appreciate it. The £5 parking fee was well worth it (£10 if you are in a camper or motorhome)..."
Tracy Collins
3 months ago
"Absolutely incredible. The best waterfalls iv seen on the NC500, and we’ve seen a few Would recommend to anyone interested in seeing the waterfalls.We parked in the overflow car park, £10 for camper vans which may seem expensive to some but it was money well spent. We entered the route to the left which was an easy trek down to the bridge. Over the bridge then turned right off the beaten track which is only for the more daring as sheer drop a few feet from track. Can be scary. Would also recommend proper footwearnAN ABSOLUTELY MUST SEE...."

FAQs for Visiting Corrieshalloch Gorge

Getting There

It’s about 12 miles south of Ullapool near Braemore Junction, where the A835 meets the A832. The car park is just off the A832, so the key is making the correct turn at the junction.
From the main car park, follow the obvious signed path through the woods to the bridge and viewpoint. It’s short and well-trodden, so you don’t need navigation if you stick to the main route.
Aim for buses that stop at Braemore Junction and plan for a short walk from the junction area. If timings don’t work, Ullapool taxis can be a practical solution for a there-and-back visit.
The junction is straightforward, but traffic can be fast and weather can reduce visibility, so give yourself time and avoid rushing the turn. In peak periods, arriving earlier can make the whole experience calmer.

Tickets & Entry

No reservations are required for general access, so it works well as a spontaneous stop. The only constraint is practical capacity, especially parking during busy times.
Yes, because the gorge, woodland, and waterfall setting are still impressive, and the sound and atmosphere travel well even without crossing. Check the official updates before you go so your expectations match what’s open.
Dogs are generally welcome, but it’s sensible to keep them controlled near drops and narrow sections. A lead is the safest default because the site is busy and the terrain can be distracting.

Visiting Experience

It’s short, but it can feel steeper than expected in places, particularly on the approach to the main viewpoints. Good shoes make a bigger difference than fitness here, especially after rain.
It can be spectacular when it’s wet because the falls swell and the gorge feels more dramatic. The trade-off is slippery surfaces and stronger wind exposure, so dress properly and take your time.
Pair it with a harbour walk and museum stop in Ullapool for a balanced day of nature and local culture. If you’re driving a wider loop, it also fits neatly between viewpoints and short roadside photo stops.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s one of the best short breaks on this stretch because it’s close to the road and doesn’t require a long detour. It refreshes your day in a way that a simple lay-by stop rarely does.
No, the layout is simple and the main viewpoint experience is self-explanatory. A guide only adds value if you specifically want deeper geology and ecology context.

Photography

Absolutely, especially for waterfall motion shots and dramatic “depth” compositions from the viewpoint. The woods also photograph beautifully on damp days when the greens become more saturated.
Earlier visits tend to be quieter and easier for clean frames without crowds. Later in the day can bring softer light through the trees, which looks great on the path and around the gorge.
Spray and humidity can fog lenses, especially near the falls, so bring a cloth and expect to wipe your lens. Wind can also shake phones and cameras on exposed viewpoints, so take a few extra shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

It depends on how much gradient you can comfortably manage, because some sections are steep and can be tiring. If you plan conservatively, you can still enjoy a strong sense of the place without forcing a full loop.
Facilities are helpful but limited by hours, so don’t rely on them as your only option. Ullapool is the best place to plan proper breaks, meals, and backup toilets.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Ullapool is the natural choice for a full range of cafés and restaurants, and it’s close enough that you can be back in town quickly. This pairing works well because the gorge is all energy and noise, while Ullapool offers a relaxed harbour mood.
Do the gorge first, then reward yourself with a longer lunch in Ullapool, which keeps your day feeling well-paced. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, pack snacks for the walk and save your spend for one good meal later.

Safety & Timing

Yes, but treat edges with real respect and keep children close near viewpoints and any narrow sections. The site is exciting, which is exactly why steady supervision matters.
Early is best for quiet and easy parking, while later can be more atmospheric if the light is good. In the Highlands, the forecast often matters more than the clock, so choose the window when conditions look clearest.

Nearby Attractions to the Corrieshalloch Gorge

  • Ullapool Harbour: A lively waterfront for strolling, ferry-watching, and ending the day with food and sea-loch views.
  • Ullapool Museum: A small, well-curated museum that adds local context to the landscapes you’re driving through.
  • Ardmair Beach: A simple, scenic beach just outside Ullapool with wide views and a calmer, less built-up feel.
  • Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve: An excellent short stop for geology, viewpoints, and interpretive trails that make the landscape easier to understand.
  • Rhue Lighthouse (Rubha Cadail): A quick coastal viewpoint north of Ullapool that pairs beautifully with the gorge for a day of short, high-impact stops.

The Corrieshalloch Gorge appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wester Ross!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) 2 April - 31 October: Daily: 09:30-16:00.

(Winter) 1 November - 1 April: Friday - Sunday: 09:30-15:00.

Thursday: 09:30-15:00 (toilets only).

Price:

Free (parking charges apply).

Address: Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Braemore, Garve, UK
Wester Ross: 28 km
Official Website

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