Tucked away in the rugged Scottish Highlands lies one of Britain’s most spectacular natural wonders, a narrow gorge carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years.
In This Article
1. The dramatic geology of Corrieshalloch Gorge
Corrieshalloch Gorge is a magnificent box canyon located about twenty kilometres northwest of Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. The gorge was formed during the last Ice Age when massive volumes of meltwater from retreating glaciers carved a deep, narrow chasm through the ancient Torridonian sandstone bedrock. The gorge plunges to a depth of approximately sixty metres, while its width at the top narrows to as little as ten metres in some places, creating a dramatic and almost claustrophobic sense of scale as you peer down into the shadowy depths below. The walls of the gorge are draped in lush mosses, ferns, and liverworts, thriving in the constantly moist, cool microclimate created by the spray from the waterfall and the deep shade of the chasm. The geological significance of Corrieshalloch has been recognised by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it is also part of the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area. A visit here offers a vivid lesson in the power of water and ice to reshape the landscape over millennia.
2. The magnificent Falls of Measach
At the head of Corrieshalloch Gorge, the River Droma drops abruptly over a cliff to create the spectacular Falls of Measach. This single-drop waterfall cascades approximately forty-five metres into the dark pool at the bottom of the gorge, sending up a fine mist that catches the light on sunny days and creates rainbows over the chasm. The sound of the falls is thunderous after heavy rain, when the river is swollen with Highland runoff, but even in drier conditions the waterfall is an impressive sight. The spray keeps the surrounding rocks permanently damp and supports a rich community of mosses and ferns that cling to the gorge walls. There are several viewing points along the gorge rim that offer different perspectives on the falls, but the best view is undoubtedly from the suspension bridge that spans the gorge directly above the cascade. The falls are accessible via a short woodland walk from the small car park, making them one of the most accessible major waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands, with no admission fee as of 2026.
3. The Victorian suspension bridge experience
The pièce de résistance at Corrieshalloch Gorge is the elegant Victorian suspension bridge that spans the chasm directly above the Falls of Measach. Built in 1877 by the noted engineer Sir John Fowler, who later went on to co-design the Forth Bridge, the bridge is a fine example of Victorian engineering in a stunning natural setting. The bridge consists of a narrow wooden walkway suspended by wire cables anchored into the rock on either side of the gorge, with delicate cast-iron railings that offer an unobstructed view of the drop below. Standing on the bridge, suspended over sixty metres above the raging waterfall and the dark pool beneath your feet, is an exhilarating experience that is not for the faint of heart. The bridge sways gently as you walk across it, adding to the sense of drama and adventure. Despite its age, the bridge is regularly inspected and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, which owns and manages the site. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Highlands and an essential part of any visit to the gorge.
4. Walking trails and viewpoints around the gorge
The National Trust for Scotland has developed a network of well-maintained walking trails and viewing platforms around Corrieshalloch Gorge that allow visitors to experience the site from multiple perspectives. The main trail is a circular route of approximately one mile that begins at the car park and follows the rim of the gorge through native birch woodland. Along the way, there are several fenced viewing platforms that jut out over the edge of the gorge, offering safe but dramatic views down into the chasm and across to the surrounding hills. Information panels along the trail explain the geology, ecology, and history of the site. The walk is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels, though sturdy footwear is recommended as the path can become muddy and slippery after rain. The entire circuit takes about forty minutes at a leisurely pace, giving you ample time to stop at each viewpoint and take photographs. There is a small car park at the entrance with a donation box, and the site is open year-round from dawn until dusk.
5. Nearby attractions and practical travel information
Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach make an excellent stop on a tour of the North West Highlands, as they are conveniently located near several other outstanding attractions. The nearby village of Ullapool, just a twenty-minute drive away, is a charming fishing port with excellent seafood restaurants, pubs, and accommodation options ranging from u00a380 per night for a guesthouse to u00a3150 for a hotel room as of 2026. The Inverpolly Nature Reserve, with its iconic Stac Pollaidh mountain, is a short drive to the north and offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Britain. The road from the gorge heading north passes through the magnificent Coigach landscape, often described as a miniaturised version of the Himalayas. If you are coming from Inverness, the drive takes about seventy minutes along the A835, with the gorge car park clearly signposted. There are no facilities at the gorge itself, so bring water and snacks. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the daylight hours are long and the weather is more reliable, though the gorge has a wild beauty in winter that is equally captivating.
Have you ever visited Corrieshalloch Gorge or any of Scotland’s other hidden gorges and waterfalls? Tell us about your Highland adventures!
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