Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve wilderness guide
National Nature Reserve · Scotland

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is a dramatic limestone gorge featuring Scotland’s tallest waterfall within a stunning, rugged landscape popular for hiking and nature observation.

National Nature Reserve1822+ Trails

Designation

National Nature Reserve

Total Wilderness Area

182

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is a dramatic limestone gorge featuring Scotland’s tallest waterfall within a stunning, rugged landscape popular for hiking and nature observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is located in the northern Highlands of Scotland, approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Ullapool. The reserve protects a spectacular 1.5-mile-long gorge carved by the River Droma through the limestone bedrock, featuring a vertical drop of 46 meters (150 feet) at the Falls of Measach. The gorge’s sheer cliffs and turbulent river provide a striking natural feature within a predominantly forested and mountainous setting. Ecologically, the reserve supports mixed woodland with native species such as birch, rowan, and Scots pine alongside a variety of mosses and ferns adapted to the moist gorge environment. It is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels, pine martens, and diverse birdlife. Historically, the gorge has intrigued visitors for centuries and today is a designated National Nature Reserve managed by NatureScot. Key outdoor activities include the well-maintained walking trail that leads visitors to a suspension bridge crossing the gorge, offering dramatic views of the waterfall and rocky walls below. The reserve is easily accessible from the nearby A832 road, with a car park and information boards to aid visitors. It is especially popular for day hikes, photography, and birdwatching. The combination of geology, natural beauty, and visitor facilities makes Corrieshalloch Gorge an appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a compact yet impressive Highland experience.

Field Guide · National Nature Reserve
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Falls of Measach – Scotland’s highest waterfall within the gorgeSuspension bridge spanning Corrieshalloch Gorge offering panoramic viewsDiverse native woodland supporting rare mosses and fernsWell-marked walking trail along the gorge rim suitable for all ages
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Geology Observation

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Educational Visits

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Sightseeing

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Short Walks

Available in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access, no permits required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ullapool, Scotland
6.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ullapool, Scotland

Ullapool is a lively Highland town serving as the gateway to stunning coastal waters, mountains, and wilderness trails. It offers excellent hiking, paddling, biking, and seasonal snow sports amid some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Aultbea, Highland Scotland
10.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aultbea, Highland Scotland

Aultbea is a tranquil Highland village on Loch Ewe’s coast, perfect for hikers, kayakers, and wildlife fans. Access remote trails, paddle scenic sea lochs, and enjoy stunning mountain views in a peaceful setting.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Aultbea, Scotland
10.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aultbea, Scotland

Aultbea is a peaceful Highland village on Scotland’s northwest coast, ideal for hikers, kayakers, and wildlife watchers. Surrounded by scenic lochs and mountains, it offers a quiet base for exploring rugged landscapes.

Late spring to early autumn
Explore Town
Poolewe, Highland Scotland
11.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Poolewe, Highland Scotland

Poolewe is a quiet Highland village ideal for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. With nearby Inverewe Garden and rugged landscapes, it’s a serene basecamp for exploring Scotland’s natural beauty.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Poolewe, Scotland
11.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Poolewe, Scotland

Poolewe is a peaceful Highland village offering coastal hiking, sea kayaking, and wildlife watching. With easy access to Loch Ewe and nearby nature reserves, it's a great basecamp for exploring Scotland’s rugged northwest coast.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Gairloch, Scotland
16.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gairloch, Scotland

Gairloch is a tranquil Highland town on Scotland’s northwest coast, perfect for hiking, sea kayaking, and wildlife watching. Surrounded by mountains, lochs, and beaches, it’s an ideal base for exploring remote landscapes and enjoying nature’s quiet beauty.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Stand Up Paddleboarding the Wild Coast of Gairloch
ADVEXPEDITION
Gairloch, Scotland
Guided TourADV Bookable

Stand Up Paddleboarding the Wild Coast of Gairloch

A guided, three-hour SUP lesson and coastal paddle for ages 8 and up, led by experienced instructors with wetsuit, board and buoyancy aid provided.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Full Highland Day: Inverness to Loch Ness, Castles, Cairns and Distilleries
ADVEXPEDITION
Muir of Ord, Muir of Ord
Eco TourADV Bookable

A Full Highland Day: Inverness to Loch Ness, Castles, Cairns and Distilleries

An 8-hour guided Eco Tour from Muir of Ord that links Inverness, Loch Ness (with a visit to Urquhart Castle or Cawdor Castle), gin and whisky stops, and the region’s key battle and prehistoric sites—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Eco TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip