Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt is easily one of the most outstanding waterfalls in Scotland. Also known as Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall, named after the loch it flows from, this beautiful waterfall is a must-see along the epic North Coast 500 scenic drive. From the Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall Car Park, it’s just a short walk to marvel at this incredible 30-metre drop of gushing water. Wailing Widow Falls may well become your new favourite waterfall.
In this guide, we’ll look at where Wailing Widow Waterfall is located, provide a map of the hike as well as a trail description. Afterwards, we’ll discuss how to get there, where to stay and the best time to visit. Then, we’ll finish up with some other incredible waterfalls to visit and provide a few bonus tips for visiting Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt, Scotland.
Read Rogie Falls, Falls of Kirkaig, Steall Falls and Falls of Glomach
Table of Contents
What Are the Wailing Widow Falls?
Wailing Widow Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located in Assynt, Scotland. The falls can be viewed from both above and below. The view from above is particularly outstanding, showing the waterfall plunge below from Loch Na Gainmhich, with the peak of Glas Bheinn standing mightily in the background.
There’s conflicting information online as to how tall the waterfall is. But, according to our GPS trail recording, the verticle scramble up the side of Wailing Widow Falls is around 30 metres. So, we’ll go with that. Wailing Widow Waterfall in Scotland is around 30 metres high.
Where Did the Wailing Widow Falls Get Its Name From?
The Wailing Widow Falls story is that of tragedy. The most commonly told legend is that of a deer hunter, who, during a rainy day with poor visibility, fell from the top of the falls. The following morning, his mother came to the place of his death. Filled with grief, she threw herself from the same place.
Wailing Widow Falls Location
So, where are the Wailing Widow Falls in Scotland located?
You’ll find this splendid waterfall along the A894 on part of the NC500 route in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall lies very close to Unapool and Kylesku, sitting within the wild and enchanting landscape of Assynt in northwest Scotland. The surrounding mountain outlook of Quinag as well as nearby Eas a’ Chual Aluinn – Britain’s highest waterfall, make Wailing Widow Falls just one of many exceptional things to do in this area.
See our How to Get to the Wailing Widow Falls section below for more information on how to get there.
Wailing Widow Falls Map and Hiking Preview
- Trail Type: Loop
- Distance: 1.7km
- Time: 30 minutes–1 hour
- Accumulated elevation gain: 55m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Wailing Widow Falls Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
The Wailing Widow Falls Walk
The short walk to Wailing Widow or, Loch Na Gainmhich, makes this waterfall one of the most easily accessible in Scotland. Although the terrain is rough and rocky, and in wet weather, extremely muddy and slippery, it’s essentially a quick hike to a great reward.
Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall Car Park
The Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall Car Park is a small parking area located to the side of the A894. After pulling in and grabbing a spot in the somewhat limited parking area, the hike begins.
Note: there is additional parking to be found a little further back up the bend in the road at the Quinag Viewpoint Car Park (as marked on Google Maps below). The address is A894, Lairg IV27 4HW. From here, you can walk down to Wailing Widow Falls.
Getting to the Base of the Wailing Widow Falls
The trail to the base of the falls heads straight into the gully from the Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall Car Park, following along the left-hand edge of the stream. The trail is well worn but quite crude and so although not technically difficult and flat, care should be taken. There are some interesting rock formations to enjoy as you wander through, as well as a wealth of flora lining the edges of the rock walls and riverside.
The Wailing Widow Falls, Scotland
After around 400m, you’ll reach the base of Wailing Widow Falls. Despite the poor weather conditions Dan and I experienced during our visit, we were hugely impressed. Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall plunges enthusiastically into a small pool below. Prepared to get peppered with spray the closer you veer to its thunderous drop. The water that flows from Loch Na Gainmhich, just above, cascades over multi-level platforms on its way down the 30 metre plunge. It’s an extremely handsome waterfall.
Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall From Above
After enjoying Wailing Widow Falls from the base, it’s possible to scramble up the left-hand side to discover views of the falls from above. This path is short yet very steep. The faint trail up is a near-vertical climb. Dan and I hiked this in wet weather and to be honest, would not recommend this trail to those less experienced with hiking. Purely from a safety point of view.
Luckily, there is another way to access the top of the falls. From the previously mentioned Quinag Viewpoint Car Park, you can walk across the boggy terrain to the top of the falls. Alternatively, if you’re already parked at the Loch Na Gainmhich Car Park, and don’t want to move your car, you can walk an out and back to the base of the falls. Then, you could walk out and back, up the road, to the top of the falls, via Quinag Viewpoint Car Park.
Loch Na Gainmhich
From the top of Wailing Widow Falls are spectacular views across Loch Na Gainmhich and towards Glas Bheinn. Although, Dan and I weren’t so lucky with the weather and the complete white-out at the top shrouded any views more than 10 metres in front of us. Fingers crossed you have better luck!
The water that spills from the northern lip edge of Loch Na Gainmhich, creating Wailing Widow Falls, drops into the Allt Crananaidh river stream. Allt Crananaidh then flows down the rocky surface of the small gorge as it eventually passes beneath the road.
Return to Loch Na Gainmhich Car Park
After enjoying the base of the Wailing Widow Waterfall, you can simply retrace your steps back to the car park. If, however, like us, you choose to scramble up the side, we wouldn’t recommend returning via the scramble. This descent would be extremely steep and potentially dangerous.
Instead, from the top of Wailing Widow Falls, head east past Loch Na Gainmhich towards Quinag Viewpoint Car Park and follow the road back down. This option gives you incredible views of the twisting road and wider vistas of Assynt as you head back to Wailing Widow Falls Car Park.
How to Get to the Wailing Widow Falls
Access to Wailing Widow Falls in Scotland is very simple. If you’re on the NC500 scenic drive and are planning to hike Quinag and see the epic Kylesku Bridge, then you’ll pass by Wailing Widow Falls. Access to the falls is along the A894. You can get there from either direction and it’s straightforward to pull into the small dirt car park there.
If travelling from Unapool and Kylesku, you’ll pass the ‘official’ car park first, to the left of the roadside. If you’re heading there from the Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle direction, then the car park will be to the right of the road. However, before reaching this car park, you’ll pass the Quinag Viewpoint Car Park which sits on the same level as the top of the waterfall, and right next to Loch Na Gainmhich. You can park here also.
FYI – the Wailing Widow Falls postcode IV27 4HW.
Dan and I drove the NC500 in a clockwise direction from Inverness. We visited Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt on day three of our road trip. We’d visited the delights of Rogie Falls, Sgurr a Chaorachain, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe NNR in the preceding days.
Of course, some of you might be travelling to Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt as part of a shorter trip, and not as part of the NC500. Following are some more direct driving options.
Glasgow to Wailing Widow Falls
The drive from Glasgow to Loch Na Gainmhich Waterfall is around 4.5–5 hours, with a distance of 250 miles (402km). Although not impossible in a day, you might want to consider turning the trip into a bit of an overnight adventure.
Inverness to Wailing Widow Falls
It’s a two hour drive from Inverness to Wailing Widow Falls. So, quite easily done as a day trip option. Taking the route via Ullapool will see you cover some of the North Coast 500 as a bonus too. Plus, the 86 mile (138.5km) road trip is incredibly scenic.
As far as I can tell, there is no public transport option to get you to Wailing Widow Falls. Your own transport is necessary. Of course, if you don’t have access to your own set of wheels, then we recommend hiring something.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Wailing Widow Falls?
Wailing Widow Falls is open year-round. As with any waterfall, visiting after a period of rain gives a better chance to experience a gushing waterfall in full force. That being said, as Wailing Widow Falls isn’t a seasonal waterfall, you’ll see a nice cascade any time of year.
Of course, June to September is peak tourism time. So, expect the trail, waterfall viewpoints and car parks to be busier. But, given the short trail to Wailing Widow Waterfall, the turnaround of visitors is relatively quick. In addition, these months are generally the warmest and sunniest, which is great news for a trip to the Scottish Highlands. Early mornings and late afternoons will likely be your quietest times to visit.
Other Waterfalls, Hikes and Attractions in Assynt, Scotland
- Clashnessie Waterfall: situated by the beautiful sandy beach of the same name, the hike to Clashnessie Waterfall is a wonderful coastal trek to a 15 metre high cascade. Better viewed after rain, it’s a much less visited waterfall compared with many others in the Scottish Highlands.
- Quality Beaches: Achmelvich and Clachtoll beaches are some of the most fantastic in the British Isles. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re not even in Britain. Do not miss a quick stop at each.
- Hiking haven: if you find yourself passing through beautiful, wild and rugged Assynt, then the hikes to Quinag, Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are, I’m afraid, a non-negotiable.
- Kylesku Bridge: this is one of the most photographed bridges in the UK. There are even two car parks on either side of Kylesku Bridge in which to pull in and admire. Given it’s so close to Wailing Widow Falls, it’s well worth a stop.
Read our Complete Guide to Hikes Along the NC500 for 18 epic NC500 hikes
Hotels Close to Wailing Widow Falls on the NC500
We’ve broken down some of the top hotel options in the area into the best budget, mid-range and luxury options.
Budget – Bonnie Haven
Set in pretty Lochinver, Bonnie Haven has a shared lounge, garden and terrace for guests to enjoy
Mid-range – Lavender Hut
For self-catering accommodation, the Lavender Hut provides a tranquil escape for guests before heading out to Wailing Widow Falls
Luxury – Newton Lodge
The picture-perfect Newton Lodge is a solitary white house on a green hill, with the views in every direction nothing short of breathtaking
Where to Stay Near the Wailing Widow Falls If Camping
Dan and I stayed at Ardmair Point Holiday Park in Ullapool. Our tent pitch was great and the facilities top-notch. For a spot of glamping, you can’t go far wrong with a stay at West Coast Hideaways. Units come with a hot tub, so a stay here would be perfect in summer and winter.
Of course, wild camping is permitted throughout Scotland. So, if you don’t mind roughing it in a tent with no facilities for the night or having a camper to snuggle down in, then you can park right at the falls if you wish. Just avoid parking and setting up too early in the day when people are still trying to visit.
Camping Gear
What is the Best Travel Insurance?
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Hiking Essentials For Wailing Widow Waterfall
These are our hiking gear essentials for visiting the Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt, Scotland! You should also pack water, snacks and sunscreen.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Bonus Tips
- Appropriate attire: the trail to the base of the waterfall and subsequent scramble to the top can be muddy pretty much year-round. Avoid wearing your best footwear and remember to take care.
- The highest waterfall in Scotland: do you know where the highest waterfall in Scotland is? Well, it’s right next door to Wailing Widow Falls in Assynt. In fact, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn isn’t just the highest waterfall in Scotland, but it’s the highest waterfall in the whole of the UK. The trail to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn passes the top of Wailing Widow Waterfall and continues through breathtaking highland terrain to a stunning 200 metre high waterfall. It’s well worth the three hour hike to visit.
- Hidden gems of the Highlands: if you’re looking to explore the less well-known highlights of the Scottish Highlands, be sure to check out hidden gems like Corpach Shipwreck, Measach Falls, the Falls of Glomach and the lovely ruins of Strome Castle.
Scotland is easily one of our favourite hiking destinations. Let us know in the comments some of your favourite hikes in Scotland!
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