Britain's highest waterfall
Eas a Chual Aluinn Waterfall, Britain's highest waterfall, is said to be over three times higher than Niagara Falls when in full flow. So why is it not better known?
Eas a Chual Aluinn, also known as Eas Coul Aulin, is a spectacular waterfall, the highest falls in Britain at 638 feet.
The falls spill from a high plateau overlooking Loch Glencoul and fall 200 metres in two steps to the shore of Loch Glencoul far below. Loch Glencoul is on the west coast of the far north of Scotland, in Sutherland.
The name of the waterfall is an English mangling of the original Gaelic which translates as 'waterfall of the beautiful tresses'.
One presumes that this waterfall is not better known for numerous reasons, including its long and awkward name, the remoteness of its situation, and the fact that there seems to be no viewpoint except by a distant boat from which the entire impressive drop can be seen.
The waterfall can be reached by a 6-mile walk across boggy ground from the road 3 miles south of Kyleskuin, Sutherland. Apparently the route is not sign-posted! The early part of the walk is described as a bit "dicey" in one guide. The rocks beneath your feet are some of the oldest on the planet, and the route does sound quite spectacular and not too strenuous or lengthy..
In good weather, it is possible to join a boat-trip which runs from the slipway by the Kylesku Hotel (a very nice looking boutique hotel and restaurant) to Loch Beag, from where the waterfall is visible through binoculars.
Further reading
Eas a' Chual Aluinn - Britain's highest waterfall - Walk Highlands
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