Avich Falls

Avich Falls lies in the Inverliever Forest on the Barnaline estate in Argyll and Bute. The waterfall sits near the foot of a steep glacial valley that leads down from Loch Awe to Loch Avich. The River Avich travels about one mile through this valley before reaching the falls. Several smaller cascades join the main fall, which splits into three separate tiers across open rock. The site belongs to one of Scotland’s earliest Forestry Commission estates. The falls are worth the journey for their quiet, wild setting away from main roads. The Forestry Commission has organised a waymarked walk that leads directly to the viewing point. Loch Awe, one of Scotland’s longest freshwater lochs, lies just above the falls. The surrounding Inverliever Forest contains Scots pine and oak woodlands that date back to the 19th century. Visitors find a clear path through mixed woodland that ends at a wooden viewing platform. The main cascade drops over smooth rock into a deep pool below. Smaller waterfalls can be seen upstream along the riverbank. The sound of water mixes with bird calls from crossbills and siskins in the canopy. On clear days the loch reflects the hills beyond the forest.