Thundering water

By Colin Hogarth

The Falls of Glomach are among the highest in the British Isles and include a sheer fall of around 300 feet. They are located on the Kintail and Morvich estate, bought by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) in 1944.

From the Kintail Countryside Centre in Morvich, follow the narrow surfaced road east, along the edge of a campsite. Pass an outdoor centre then a B&B before crossing the River Croe on a substantial wooden and metal bridge.

Across the water a footpath heads straight over the grass, signed for the Falls of Glomach. Pass a couple of rope swings and the path turns right to cross a small wooden bridge. It then becomes much more obvious but can be wet and muddy in places.

After crossing open moorland it meets up with the river and runs alongside it for a way before climbing gently over the hillside. All around narrow waterfalls cascade down over the steep slopes and some converge on the path, making it very wet underfoot for much of this stretch. Make sure your boots are waterproof!

After about a mile a green NTS sign points you left and the route descends into the vegetation by the river. A path falls to the right and the way crosses a footbridge. On the other side, climb out of this little wooded glen, go through a kissing gate and turn left. Follow a track down through another gate and carry on to a car park a little way ahead.

Another sign points up the track to the right. Once through a green barrier gate, there is a strenuous climb until the way levels off and runs through the forest. The track narrows into a path, crosses the burn by a bridge and then climbs steeply up the hill. This continues for some way then evens off ahead of the route reaching its high point at Bealach na Sroine. It's hard going but the views are excellent with many spectacular waterfalls in the valley below.

A line of cairns marks the way through the pass and then the descent begins, gently at first and then more steeply as the falls near and are finally reached. You'll catch a glimpse of the bubbling broth from the top and a narrow path descends a little way to a viewpoint. Take great care as there is a long drop and keep children and dogs well back from the edge. To finish the route, retrace your steps back to the Kintail Countryside Centre.

WALK FACTS

Distance 12 miles/18km.
Map OS Landranger sheet 33.
Start/parking Kintail Countryside Centre, Morvich. GR: NH 960210.
Grading Forest tracks and path over open moor, very wet in places, suitable for fit adults and older children. Take extreme care around the Falls of Glomach.