Oykel Falls

Oykel Falls is a waterfall on the River Oykel in the Scottish Highlands. The river cuts through steep valleys carved by glaciers in the 19th century. The surrounding landscape is typical of the wet, mountainous west coast, where rivers plunge down rocky slopes. The falls are named from the Gaelic word ‘eas’, meaning waterfall, common in Highland place names. Many Highland rivers carry names ending in ‘-in’ or ‘-an’, showing their Gaelic roots. The falls are recognised as one of Scotland’s highest single-drop waterfalls. Their height comes from the river’s rapid descent over resistant rock layers. The plunge pool below is deep and clear, fed by meltwater from nearby hills. Walkers often reach the falls via a path that follows the river upstream from the road bridge. The area is remote, with few landmarks other than the river and the falls themselves. Visitors find a wide gravel path leading to several viewpoints above the falls. The main drop is about twenty metres, with smaller cascades nearby. The sound of water fills the valley, especially after rain when the river swells. The surrounding moorland is quiet, with only the occasional birdcall breaking the silence. The falls are best seen in daylight, when the water sparkles against the dark rocks.