Falls of Kirkaig, Sutherland

Walk and Waterfalls near Sutherland

Falls of Kirkaig
Falls of Kirkaig
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Cunliffe

The Falls of Kirkaig are one of those Highland places that feel like a reward: a steady, scenic walk beside the River Kirkaig, and then suddenly the landscape drops away into a rocky gorge where the water thunders down into a dark, dramatic cauldron. Just south of Lochinver, the route starts near Inverkirkaig and quickly leaves the road behind, swapping it for birch woodland, rushing water, and wide-open Assynt views that make you slow down without even noticing.

What makes this waterfall special isn’t just the drop-it’s the journey. The path has that classic north-west Highland mix of soft forest light, open moorland air, and big-sky scenery, with Suilven often stealing the show on the horizon. If you’re building an itinerary of one of the things to do in Lochinver, this walk fits beautifully between coastal viewpoints and village stops, and it pairs naturally with a relaxed walking tour of Lochinver when you’re back for food and a warm drink.

History and Significance of the Falls of Kirkaig

In Assynt, “significance” often comes from landscape rather than monuments, and the Falls of Kirkaig are a perfect example: water, rock, and time doing their work in plain sight. The gorge here cuts through ancient Highland geology, and the way the river narrows and plunges gives the falls a raw, elemental feel-especially after rain, when the whole ravine seems to echo.

The walk also has a quiet cultural thread. Near the start, you’ll notice a memorial to poet Norman MacCaig, whose writing is deeply tied to this corner of the Highlands. It’s a small detail, but it sets the tone: this is a place people return to for perspective as much as for photos, and that sense of “big landscape, small human” stays with you all the way to the falls.

Things to See and Do in the Falls of Kirkaig

Most visitors come for the main event: reaching the viewpoint above the gorge and watching the river pour into the rocky chasm. The top views are already impressive, and you can linger here safely while listening to the water and scanning the slopes for deer, especially in quieter shoulder seasons.

If you’re confident on rough terrain, there’s also the steep descent route down towards the gorge for a closer look. This is where the falls feel most dramatic, but it’s also where the walk turns serious: the track is narrow, rocky, and can be slippery, with real exposure in places. Treat it as optional, not expected-many people choose to enjoy the classic views from above and still leave feeling like they’ve had the full experience.

For a longer outing, you can extend beyond the falls area towards the open moorland and lochland scenery that makes Assynt so distinctive. Even if you don’t go far, that gradual shift from woodland to open space is part of what makes this outing one of the top sights in Lochinver for travellers who like their landscapes wild and unfiltered.

How to Get to the Falls of Kirkaig

The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport, which is the most practical gateway for reaching Assynt by road. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Sutherland on Booking.com. From Inverness you’ll typically route north-west towards Ullapool/Lochinver on Highland roads, then continue to Inverkirkaig for the start point.

For rail travellers, the closest realistic train hub is Inverness, with onward travel continuing by bus or car to Lochinver and the Inverkirkaig area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Public transport in this region is limited and schedules can be sparse, so if you’re not driving, plan your connections carefully and keep an eye on seasonal changes.

By car, aim for Lochinver as your base, then follow the road south towards Inverkirkaig and park near the walk start by the River Kirkaig.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Falls of Kirkaig

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn gives the easiest conditions underfoot, while a day after rainfall often delivers the most powerful flow and atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: Allow 2-3 hours return for a satisfying visit, longer if you extend the walk beyond the falls or take plenty of photo stops.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven paths, rocky sections, and a steep, exposed descent if you go down towards the gorge; sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.
  • Facilities: There are no services at the falls itself, so bring water and a snack, and plan your café stop back in Lochinver.

Where to Stay Close to the Falls of Kirkaig

For most travellers, Lochinver is the best base because it balances easy access to the Falls of Kirkaig with restaurants and supplies, while still keeping you close to Assynt's standout landscapes. If you want the simplest logistics for early starts and flexible weather days, stay in or near the village; if your trip is more about quiet coastal scenery, consider a smaller spot just outside Lochinver and commute in for meals.

For a stay that feels close to the action, Kirkaig Lodge is wonderfully placed for exploring this stretch of coast and hills without long drives. If you want a more classic hotel base with comfort and views, Inver Lodge Hotel is a strong pick for a culture-and-scenery itinerary built around day trips. For something smaller and characterful, The Albannach suits travellers who like a boutique feel and a relaxed evening back in the village.

Is the Falls of Kirkaig Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you like places that feel earned. The walk is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but approachable for most reasonably fit travellers, and the waterfall delivers real drama without crowds or ticket barriers. It’s the kind of stop that turns a Highlands day into a story you’ll still be describing weeks later.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the main win here is the adventure factor: a riverside path, woodland to explore, and a big “destination moment” when the gorge appears. Keep the plan simple-aim for the safer viewpoints above the falls, bring snacks, and treat the walk as the main activity rather than rushing it.

If you’re travelling with younger children, skip the descent into the gorge area and focus on steady pacing with plenty of breaks. A small pair of binoculars can turn the walk into a wildlife-spotting game, which often works better than promising a single big “wow” at the end.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a great shared walk if you like quiet, scenic time together-especially on a fresh, slightly moody day when the Highlands feel cinematic. The light through the birch woodland can be beautiful, and the sound of the river makes the whole route feel secluded even when other walkers are around.

For a more romantic flow, time it so you return to Lochinver for a late lunch or early dinner, and keep your plans flexible around weather. The falls are dramatic in grey skies, and the comfort of coming back to a warm base afterwards is part of the appeal.

Budget Travelers

The Falls of Kirkaig are ideal on a budget because the experience is high-value and low-cost: you're essentially paying with time and effort rather than tickets. Pack food, carry water, and you can make this the centrepiece of a day that feels genuinely special without spending much.

If you’re building an itinerary around free nature stops, pair the walk with viewpoints and beaches around Assynt to create a full day without extras. The main budget “cost” here is transport, so sharing a car or basing yourself efficiently in Lochinver makes a noticeable difference.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (107)

Falls of Kirkaig, on Canisp Road in Lairg IV27 4LR, is reached via a scenic, signposted walk across wooded sections, open moor and sometimes boggy ground; sturdy footwear and trekking poles are advised as paths can be muddy and the final descent to the waterfall requires scrambling that may be unsuitable for those with bad knees or mobility issues. Visitors describe a rewarding route of a few miles each way (reports vary between about 2–7 miles round trip depending on how far you continue), with a pleasant spot for a picnic and, if you keep hiking beyond the falls, a pretty loch with a shingled beach and lovely views.

Paul Hurst
2 years ago
"Lovely walk up to the falls. Not the bestest of paths so I'd recommend proper foot wear. The last bit down to the falls is quite tricky. We carriedon up to the Loch aswell nice wee shingled beach for lovely views..."
cc castaneda
2 years ago
"7 miles in and out. Once you get to the area where the waterfall is, you'll have to scramble down to have a better look. If you have bad knees, I'dnot recommend. If you keep hiking past it, in another mile you'll come across a pretty loch...."
David Stewart
4 years ago
"A spectacular waterfall reached after a lovey 2k walk in to the glen. It might get a bit muddy at times so good shoes recommend. The final descent tothe bottom of the falls is a mild scramble. Quite fun but unsuitable for arthritic joints or very nervous dispositions..."

FAQs for Visiting Falls of Kirkaig

Getting There

They’re reached from the Inverkirkaig area, a short drive south of Lochinver, with the walking route starting near the River Kirkaig. It’s close enough for an easy half-day trip, but remote enough to feel properly wild.
Follow the main riverside path upstream and stick to the clearest line through woodland and onto moorland until the signed junction for the falls. If you’re unsure, treat the upper viewpoint as the goal and only descend if conditions and confidence allow.
Parking is typically done near the walk start by the river, and driving is the most straightforward way to visit given limited public transport. In peak season, arriving earlier makes the whole experience calmer.

Visiting Experience

If you keep a steady pace and focus on the main viewpoint, you can do it as a solid half-day outing. Build in extra time if you want photo stops, slower walking, or a longer extension beyond the falls.
It can be, because the waterfall often looks most powerful after rainfall, but wet conditions also make the steep sections more hazardous. If visibility is poor or the ground is slick, enjoy the safer viewpoints and skip the descent.
Lochinver viewpoints and a short coastal stop work well on the same day, especially if you want variety without long drives. If you’re keen on bigger hikes, this also pairs naturally with plans around Suilven on a separate day.

Photography

Yes-the gorge setting gives you strong contrast, texture, and drama, and the walk offers plenty of landscape frames along the river. Just be cautious near edges, especially if you’re focusing on a shot rather than your footing.
Late morning to afternoon often gives clearer visibility and more even light on the landscape, while overcast days can add mood and reduce harsh highlights. If you want fewer people in your frames, aim earlier.

Safety & Timing

It can be, because the path is steep, rocky, and can be slippery with real exposure in places. If you’re not fully confident, enjoy the views from above and treat the lower section as optional.
They can be in warmer, still conditions, especially in summer and near woodland. A head net or repellent can make a noticeable difference if you’re planning to linger.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s not ideal, as the terrain is uneven and the route includes narrow, rough sections. If mobility is a concern, consider shorter viewpoint stops around Lochinver that provide big scenery with minimal walking.
There are no dedicated facilities at the falls, so plan ahead before you leave Lochinver. Treat it like a self-supported walk: bring what you need and leave no trace.

Nearby Attractions to the Falls of Kirkaig

  • Lochinver Viewpoint: A classic Assynt panorama that’s perfect for a quick stop when weather is changing fast.
  • Achmelvich Beach: A striking white-sand bay near Lochinver that feels almost unreal on a bright day.
  • Suilven Trail (Lochinver side): One of the Highlands’ most iconic hikes, even if you only walk the early sections for the views.
  • Ardvreck Castle (Loch Assynt): Atmospheric ruins on the loch shore that deliver big drama with minimal effort.
  • Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve: A fantastic short walk with interpretive trails that bring the Highlands' geology to life.

The Falls of Kirkaig appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sutherland!

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:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Falls of Kirkaig, Canisp Road, Lairg, UK
Sutherland: 65 km

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