If you’re anything like us, you’ll love the idea of discovering secret waterfalls and hidden plunge pools. Culnaskiach Falls are one of these exciting and impressive finds. The water flows down a cliff and into a narrow gorge which joins Bruiach Burn. This waterfall is surprisingly unknown considering it is so close to Inverness and on the famous NC500 route.
Our discovery was thanks to one of our online followers who shared this wonderful hidden gem with us. Culnaskiach Falls is not a place for wild swimming but if you enjoy the sensation of standing under a freezing cold waterfall then this is just the place for you!
The waterfall is located in Boblainy Forest which is next to the village of Kiltarlity in the Highlands. The forest is dominated by rows of conifers, and the estate is owned and managed by the Forestry commission. There is some parking available at the end of Ardendrain road.
How to find Culnaskiach Falls
We parked up, eager to find the Culnaskiach Falls. We took the forest gate to the right and followed the main forest track until the path forks. At this point we took a left turn. There are some fantastic views on the way down and there is a bench that would provide a great spot to have lunch, or just to soak up your surroundings.
The path then forks into two again but this time we took the right-hand side of the path. Eventually we arrived at a bridge over a stream, and this was our sign to look for a faint path going off to the left. We found it 20 metres or so before the bridge.
We then followed the faint path until we reach a burn crossing. At this point we didn’t cross the burn but instead followed an even fainter path on the left-hand side. We followed the small stream and had to do a couple of crossings as we drew closer to the waterfall. Just before the waterfall we had to climb over some rocks. The gorge can be steep at bits so great care should be taken along this section of the path.
Culnaskiach Falls did not disappoint! They were bigger and more spectacular than the pictures I had seen online.
Anyone for a cold shower?
As we got closer, we began to feel the spray of the falls. There is a small amount of water at the bottom but not enough for a swim. The cascading water was just too tempting to resist so I took off some layers and made a bee line for the bottom of the falls.
It was cold but after the initial shock my body adjusted, and I enjoyed a refreshing waterfall soak! The endorphins gainedfrom my waterfall shower really did set me up for the day! I love how good cold-water therapy in nature can make you feel. Sometimes I feel I have a new lease of life after a wild swim or waterfall shower. I hope lots more people can experience this feeling.
The walk takes around 40 minutes to reach the falls. It is an enjoyable forest walk with nice views. Bear in mind the last 10 minutes of the walk are over more challenging and potentially dangerous terrain, but if you approach it with care then you should be fine. I would allow a total of 2 hours for the full walk.
You can find more hidden waterfalls on our blog page here.
Whenever you are out and about enjoying Scotland’s beautiful countryside remember to be respectful so that everyone can continue to enjoy it. We always follow advice from the Scottish Outdoor Access code and take home all our littler including any extra that we find. You can link to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code here.
Remember wherever you go to take only pictures and leave only footprints to help protect Scotland’s beauty for all who live here and visit!
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