The best walks and hikes around Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Yes, there is a car park at the Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature Centre. It serves as the main starting point for the trails and includes facilities like toilets, a takeaway café, and electric car charging points. Be aware that a fee may apply for parking.

Dogs are welcome in the reserve, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times. This is to protect wildlife and for the safety of other visitors, especially on the narrow paths and the suspension bridge.

Walk times vary depending on the trail you choose. A short, direct walk to the main viewpoints like the suspension bridge and viewing platform can take around 30-40 minutes. For a more challenging hike, the Sir John Fowler's Bridge – Corrieshalloch Skywalk loop from Dundonnell is an 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route that takes several hours and offers a much more extensive exploration of the area.

Absolutely. The reserve has several well-maintained paths suitable for families. A great option is the Corrieshalloch Skywalk – Sir John Fowler's Bridge loop from Dundonnell, a gentle 1.6-mile (2.5 km) trail. It provides fantastic views of the gorge and the famous bridge without being too strenuous.

The three main highlights are the Falls of Measach, a spectacular 45-meter waterfall; the Victorian suspension bridge engineered by Sir John Fowler, which sways gently over the gorge; and the cantilevered viewing platform that extends out over the canyon for a direct view down.

While many of the paths into the gorge are steep and have steps, there is a more level, wheelchair-accessible path available. This trail offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape, including Loch Broom, without descending into the gorge itself.

The gorge is a mile-long, 60-meter-deep slot canyon, recognized as one of Britain's most spectacular examples of a box canyon. It was carved by glacial meltwater through the ancient 'Moine Rocks', showcasing dramatic geological processes. Its significance has earned it a place as one of Scotland's most important geological sites.

The trails around Corrieshalloch Gorge are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic, vertigo-inducing views from the suspension bridge and viewing platform, as well as the beauty of the Falls of Measach, which are especially powerful after rainfall.

Yes, for experienced hikers looking for a full day out, the A'Chailleach Summit Cairn – Sgurr Breac loop from Loch na h-Oidhche offers a demanding but rewarding challenge. This 10.5-mile (16.9 km) trek involves significant elevation gain and provides stunning panoramic views over the wider Highlands.

The Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature Centre, located at the main car park, has a takeaway café offering drinks and snacks. It's a convenient option for grabbing something before or after your hike.

The reserve is a haven for nature. Keep an eye out for ravens, which have been known to nest near the suspension bridge. The unique, damp microclimate of the gorge also supports a rich variety of ferns, mosses, and even a nationally rare species of cranefly.