Attractions and Places To See around Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve - Top 5

The reserve is renowned for its dramatic natural features, including the mile-long, 60-meter-deep Corrieshalloch Gorge itself, carved by glacial meltwater. You can witness the spectacular Falls of Measach, where the River Droma plunges 45-46 meters, and also discover The Stepped Falls near the car park. The powerful River Droma flows through the gorge, dropping 100 meters in a series of waterfalls.

Yes, the reserve features the historic Sir John Fowler's Bridge, a Victorian suspension bridge built in 1874. This impressive structure offers exhilarating views directly over the Falls of Measach. Additionally, visitors can gain insight into the area's Gaelic heritage through names for viewing points like An t-Eas Creagach (The Rocky Falls) and new interpretation materials.

For breathtaking views, you can cross the Victorian suspension bridge or venture onto the Corrieshalloch Skywalk. This cantilevered viewing platform juts out over the gorge, providing magnificent perspectives of the Falls of Measach and the suspension bridge itself. Both offer unique and thrilling experiences.

The reserve offers a network of trails. A short, steep route (320m) leads directly to the suspension bridge and viewing platform. A longer, more level 1.1 km option, suitable for wheelchair users, curls around the top of the gorge to a viewpoint. Both paths can form a circuit. You can find various hiking routes, including easy and difficult options, such as the 'Corrieshalloch Gorge & Waterfalls loop' or the 'Sir John Fowler's Bridge – Corrieshalloch Skywalk loop', on komoot's guide to Hiking around Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve.

Yes, the reserve is considered family-friendly. The Sir John Fowler's Bridge is a popular historical site for families. There are also walking trails of varying difficulties, including a longer, more level 1.1 km option that is suitable for wheelchair users, making it accessible for families with strollers or those needing easier paths.

The Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature Centre provides new facilities for visitors, including toilets, electric car charging points, and a takeaway café. These amenities enhance the visitor experience at the reserve.

The gorge and its surrounding woodlands are rich in biodiversity. It's a designated National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You might spot golden eagles, red deer, otters, pine martens, dippers, grey wagtails, and peregrine falcons. The dark, humid walls of the gorge support various ferns, feather mosses, and a nationally rare species of cranefly. Wych elm, birch, sycamore, Norway maple, and beech trees thrive higher up.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views from the suspension bridge and the Corrieshalloch Skywalk, often describing them as 'breathtaking' and 'impressive'. The power of the Falls of Measach and the dramatic depth of the gorge are also highly appreciated, with many finding the experience thrilling despite a slight sway on the bridge.

The Falls of Measach are particularly impressive after heavy rains, when the water volume is at its peak, offering a thunderous display. While beautiful year-round, visiting during or after wet weather can enhance the waterfall experience. The trails are accessible in various conditions, but always check local weather before your visit.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails in the vicinity. Options include the 'Corrieshalloch Gorge & Waterfalls loop' and the 'Corrieshalloch Skywalk – Sir John Fowler's Bridge loop'. You can explore more easy routes on komoot's guide to Easy hikes around Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve.

A visit to Corrieshalloch Gorge can vary depending on how much you wish to explore. A short, steep walk to the suspension bridge and viewing platform might take around 30-60 minutes. If you opt for the longer, more level 1.1 km circuit or spend time at the Gateway to Nature Centre, you could easily spend 1.5 to 2 hours enjoying the reserve.

Yes, there is a longer, more level 1.1 km walking trail that is suitable for wheelchair users. This path curls around the top of the gorge to a viewpoint, offering vistas towards Loch Broom and Ullapool, ensuring a more accessible experience for all visitors.