Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint: A Complete Guide (+ The Best Hikes!)

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Scotland may be relatively small, as countries go, but by no means does this mean there is little to see and do.

On the contrary, this Gaelic wonder features an abundance of national parks, rural retreats, and natural phenomena – with few coming close to the beauty and awe of Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint in Ross-Shire.

Everything you need to know, including parking, entry fees, the best hiking routes (and more), awaits….

Read more: Achnahaird Beach: A Guide to Northern Scotland’s Best-Loved Seaside

What is Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint?

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a mile-long ravine that can be found in the Scottish national park of the same name. It depicts a stunning waterfall that rushes down into the River Droma, which can be viewed from a nearby suspension bridge (the viewpoint). 

The area is also home to some pretty epic hiking trails (more on this later).

Corrieshalloch Gorge scotland waterfall

Where is Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint?

The Corrieshalloch Gorge can be found in the Measach Falls area of Ullapool in The Highlands of Scotland. This stunning spot is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and is open to the public.


Why Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint?

This scenic area is a no-brainer for lovers of hiking and those with a soft spot for the natural world, and although ‘Corrieshalloch Gorge’ roughly translates to ‘ugly hollow’ in Scottish Gaelic, this place is anything but!

This natural canyon, which reaches an impressive 46 meters (151 ft) high, is shrouded in lush green foliage (which turns all manner of stunning fall colours during the autumn), with the waterfall of Measach taking centre stage.

Despite there being no short supply of Scottish gorges formed from glacial meltwater, there is no doubt about it, Corrieshalloch is pretty special and is well worth a visit.


Suspension Bridge

As we mentioned earlier, the viewpoint itself is from the nearby suspension bridge, which is a 25-meter (82 ft) footbridge. The bridge is perfectly safe and was even designed by Sir John Fowler – the very man behind the Forth Bridge construction.

The way over can be accessed from a path that is roughly 300 meters (980 ft) away from the car park, which can be found on the south side of the gorge. 


Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint Directions

The Corrieshalloch Gorge area of The Highlands is in the northwest of Scotland, and is easily accessible via car or public transport, with the nearest international airport being Inverness, which is just over an hour’s car journey away.

Those travelling from Edinburgh via car can find the gorge by following the A9 to the town of Garve, and eventually Ullapool, which is roughly 3 hours and 53 minutes from the capital. 

From Glasgow, you will find the journey is more or less the same as the Edinburgh route and takes around the same amount of time.

From Ullapool, head south on the A835. At Braemore Junction, turn right onto the A832 Dundonnell road. This will take you to the car park, which is just off the A832, with roadside parking available ½ mile from the turn-off.

The exact address for your GPS is:

Braemore Junction
Loch Broom
Garve
Ross-Shire
IV23 2AB

Those using public transport can reach Corrieshalloch via bus, with the nearest bus stop being Braemore Junction (½ mile away), with regular journeys from Ullapool and the nearby Gairloch.

Finally, this location makes for an easy detour for those embarking on the North Coast 500 road trip route – and is well worth it! 

Corrieshalloch Gorge parking scotland

Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint Parking

As we mentioned earlier, non-National Trust members will need to pay for parking, which is approximately £5 for cars and motorcycles and £10 for motorhomes.

Please be mindful that the car park can get pretty busy, especially during peak times, meaning visitors may need to seek alternative options. 

The National Trust requests that, in the interest of safety, visitors avoid parking elsewhere in this specific area, especially in places that involve crossing or walking along the A835 trunk road, which can be extremely busy and dangerous to pedestrians.


Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint Opening Times

The gorge is open daily, 365 days a year, which makes it ideal for those travelling during non-peak times, as many of Scotland’s rural delights are only open to the public during the warmer months.

Visitors can find a café, toilets, and a nature centre nearby, which may have differing opening times. 


Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint Hike

We touched on it earlier, but this area of The Highlands is ideal for hikers, with many epic trails just waiting to be traversed!

Whatever your level of hiking experience, some of our favourites include:

  1. Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach 
  • Level: Easy
  • Length: 1.2 miles
  • Elevation gain: 209 ft
  • Route type: Circular
  1. Ullapool Hill
  • Level: Moderate
  • Length: 4.0 miles
  • Elevation gain: 921 ft
  • Route type: Circular
  1. An Teallach Circular
  • Level: Hard
  • Length: 12.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 4,432 ft
  • Route type: Circular
  1. Falls of Measach
  • Level: Moderate
  • Length: 0.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 98 ft
  • Route type: Out-and-back
  1. Bidean a’ Ghlas Thuill & Sgurr Fiona
  • Level: Hard
  • Length: 11.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 4,304 ft
  • Route type: Out-and-back
Corrieshalloch Gorge forest viewpoint scotland

Places to Stay Near Corrieshalloch Gorge Viewpoint

Scotland has no shortage of incredible accommodation options – from 5-star hotels to glamping pods, to quaint harbourside B&Bs to beachside holiday homes.

Some of the best Corrieshalloch Gorge places to stay include:


Aultguish Inn, Garve

Boasting epic mountain views and the benefit of being a short walk away from the nearby Loch Broom, the Aultguish Inn has everything visitors need for a practical, comfortable stay – including a restaurant and bar.

Popular amenities:

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Child-friendly activities

Eilean Donan Guest House, Ullapool

This delightful guest house is the epitome of British countryside charm and is perfectly located for a quiet stay, while being a stone’s throw from the main attractions of Ullapool, including the harbour, which is a five-minute walk from the accommodation.

Ideal for couples, this guest house makes for a great – and super cosy – romantic weekend away, with guests absolutely raving about the fabulous host.

Popular amenities:

  • Continental breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Private bathroom with free toiletries

The Hide, Ullapool

Those looking for a peaceful rural retreat needn’t look any further than the aptly named Hide in the heart of Ullapool.

This entire apartment is built like a modern, hip, and ultra-comfortable wood cabin, but with all the luxury and convenience of a hotel stay. Not only that but the private garden and courtyard make for an excellent spot to enjoy a barbecue or a romantic glass of wine.

Popular amenities:

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • Washing machine

Ladysmith Guest House, Ullapool

Combining rural charm with Scottish Hospitality, this Pulteney Street accommodation is another well-loved option for couples visiting the area for a romantic getaway.

This bed and breakfast is one of the highest rated in the area, with guests singing the praises of the helpful and accommodating host.

Popular amenities:

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Good breakfast

Riverside Hotel, Ullapool

This cute ‘n’ cosy guest house is located approximately 300 meters away from the harbour, which offers regular ferries to the nearby Stornoway.

Each room features a private en-suite bathroom, which includes a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. For outdoorsy guests, this hotel also hosts a bike shed and drying rooms.

Popular amenities:

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Exceptional breakfast

Caledonian Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’, Ullapool

If sipping your morning coffee while watching the sailing boats on the shores of Loch Broom sounds like your idea of a peaceful morning, we highly recommend the Caledonian Hotel on Quay Street.

As well as being conveniently located in the centre of the town, this accommodation boasts the title of being one of the oldest and most authentic buildings in the area. 

Popular amenities:

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
  • Good breakfast

The Ferry Boat Inn, Ullapool

Featuring some of the best harbourside views of Loch Broom, the Ferry Boat Inn is a traditional-style old-school British pub and hotel, with many of the rooms featuring impressive views of the nearby loch and mountains.

Popular amenities:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant & bar
  • Good breakfast

Hiring a Car in Scotland

Although Corrieshalloch Gorge is accessible via public transport, one of the best ways to experience this particularly scenic area of The Highlands is by hiring a car. This allows you to explore to your heart’s desires – and at your own pace.

Some of the best car rental options in Scotland include:


FAQs

How long is the walk at Corrieshalloch Gorge?

The circular trail at Corrieshalloch Gorge is 1.9 kilometers and takes roughly 34 minutes to complete, making it ideal for hikers of all levels.

How much does it cost to go to Corrieshalloch Gorge?

The gorge is free – as is the car park for National Trust members. Those without a membership will be charged £5 for parking.


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