Allt na Criche Waterfall, Loch Ness

Allt na Criche Waterfall

Just outside Fort Augustus above the shores of Loch Ness is Allt na Criche waterfall, reached by an easy trail following beside All na Criche burn.

The trail leads through a very attractive mixed woodland of birch and pine, and rises gradually as it climbs to the waterfall. There are several outstanding viewpoints over Loch Ness and benches to rest and enjoy the panorama laid out below you.

From the trail viewpoints you can see the striking towers of Fort Augustus Abbey and look out over Eilean Muireach (Murdoch's Island), the only island in Loch Ness, which is in fact, not an island at all but a crannog, an artificial structure built of wood and stone.

The trail climbs high above Loch Ness

To reach the waterfall and return is about 1 hour's climb, and will take roughly 90 minutes. The trail at Allt na Criche links up with the Great Glen Way, one of Scotland's most popular long-distance trails, which stretches from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east.

Aside from the views and the striking waterfall, the mixed woodland here is home to a wide variety of bird and animal life. You can spot red deer, pine martens and the elusive red squirrel in the woodlands.

The going is quite easy, though as with any countryside location in the Highlands you always need to be aware of the possibility of mud and wet foliage at any time. Our family made the walk with our 5-year-old daughter without any fuss.

There are outstanding views over Loch Ness from the trail

Allt na Criche appears in our list of 22 Beautiful Scottish Waterfalls.

Getting There

All na Criche is extremely easy to reach. Head north on the A82 from Fort Augustus in the direction of Inverness and you will see a Forestry Commission Scotland car park signposted on your left after about one mile (1.6km). From the car park just follow the well-signposted trail towards the waterfall.

Glorious colour beside the trail