Eas an Aighe

Eas an Aighe is a waterfall in the western Highlands where the land drops steeply toward the coast. The name comes from the Gaelic word ‘eas’, which means waterfall, and the area’s wet climate feeds many such falls. Scotland has over 150 waterfalls, most of them in the Highlands because the mountains and heavy rain create ideal conditions. The tallest single drop of Eas an Aighe measures 35 metres, making it one of the highest falls in the country. Its Gaelic name distinguishes it from falls called ‘linn’ or ‘spout’ in other parts of Scotland and northern England. Highland place names often use ‘eas’, so this term appears frequently on maps and signs. Visitors reach the fall by a path that follows the river upstream. The final approach crosses rough ground beside the gorge, where the water roars down a near-vertical drop. From the viewing ledge the full height of the fall can be seen, and spray rises into the air on windy days. The surrounding hills are covered in heather and grass, while the river below rushes toward the sea.