Eas nan Liathanach

Eas nan Liathanach is a waterfall in the western Highlands where the land drops steeply toward the coast. Rainfall is heavy here, feeding many streams that plunge over cliffs and ledges. The name comes from Gaelic, where ‘eas’ means waterfall and ‘nan Liathanach’ refers to the leathery plants that grow on the damp rocks. It stands among rugged mountains that rise above deep glens cut by ancient rivers. The falls are part of a landscape shaped by ice and water over many centuries. The waterfall is recognised as one of Scotland’s highest single-drop falls. Its total height is measured from the top lip to the pool below without counting smaller cascades along the way. The drop is tall enough to make it a notable feature on Ordnance Survey maps used by walkers. Its location in a wet, mountainous region means it carries water for most of the year. The falls attract those who study Scotland’s hydrology as well as visitors who enjoy remote scenery. Visitors reach the site by following paths through heather and bog that surround the glen. The final approach crosses uneven ground where the ground is often wet and slippery. From the viewpoint, the water can be seen falling between cliffs covered in ferns and moss. The sound of the fall fills the air, mixing with the calls of ravens that nest on the crags. The pool at the bottom is deep and dark, fed by the constant flow from above. The whole scene shows how water shapes the wild landscape of the Highlands.