Falls of Fender

The Falls of Fender lie in Perth and Kinross, where the Highland edge drops into the valley of the River Fender. The river carves through steep slopes before plunging over a series of rocky lips. The falls are built from hard volcanic rock that the softer layers beneath have worn away. Local people once used the Gaelic word ‘eas’ for such places, and the name Fender itself may come from the same root. These falls rank among Scotland’s tallest single drops, though measuring waterfalls is tricky. Some lists add every step together, while others count only the biggest leap. The Falls of Fender appear in the tables that rank falls by their highest single plunge. The surrounding landscape is typical of eastern Highland glens, where rivers cut deep courses through ancient lavas. Visitors follow a path that keeps to the right bank of the river. The track stays above the gorge so walkers can watch the water tumble down the dark rock face. On calm days the spray rises straight up, catching light before it drifts away. The ground is rough underfoot, with patches of heather and grass between the rocks. From the viewpoint the valley stretches away, showing how the river has shaped the land over many centuries.