Things to do in Glen Brittle, Skye

Eas Mòr in Glen Brittle stands as one of the most impressive waterfalls on the Isle of Skye, tumbling down the dramatic western flanks of the Cuillin mountains. The waterfall is fed by the Allt Coire na Banachdich, a stream that gathers its waters from the high corrie of the same name, nestled between some of Skye's most formidable peaks. The name "Eas Mòr" translates from Scottish Gaelic as "Great Waterfall," a fitting description for this substantial cascade that plunges approximately 80 meters down a steep rocky face in a series of dramatic drops and slides. The waterfall is most spectacular after periods of heavy rainfall, which are common in this part of the Hebrides, when the volume of water transforms it into a thundering white torrent visible from miles away across Glen Brittle. The source of the Allt Coire na Banachdich lies high in the mountain corrie that shares its name, positioned between the peaks of Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr na Banachdich in the heart of the Black Cuillin range. This corrie is a classic example of glacial sculpting, carved out during the last ice age when glaciers ground away at the ancient volcanic rock. The geology of the area is dominated by gabbro, a coarse-grained igneous rock that formed around 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period when intense volcanic activity shaped much of western Scotland. This hard, erosion-resistant rock gives the Cuillin their distinctive jagged profile and dark coloration, while also creating the steep gradients necessary for impressive waterfalls like Eas Mòr. The stream cascades over bands of this gabbro, which provides excellent friction for rock climbers but creates a challenging environment for the waterfall's descent. Glen Brittle itself is steeped in the cultural heritage of Skye, though specific folklore directly attached to Eas Mòr is not widely documented compared to some other Highland waterfalls. The glen has long been associated with the MacLeod clan, whose stronghold at Dunvegan Castle lies not far to the north. The Gaelic place names throughout the area speak to centuries of Highland habitation and the intimate relationship between the people and this dramatic landscape. The corrie name "Banachdich" is thought to derive from a personal name or possibly relate to dairy farming activities that once took place in these high summer pastures, though the exact etymology remains somewhat uncertain among scholars. The landscape surrounding Eas Mòr is characterized by the raw, imposing grandeur typical of the Cuillin mountains. The waterfall cascades down into Glen Brittle, which opens westward toward the sea, offering one of the most spectacular mountain vistas in Britain. The lower reaches of the glen feature areas of bog and rough grassland, while the higher slopes are dominated by bare rock and scree. The vegetation is typical of Atlantic Scottish uplands, with hardy grasses, heathers, and mosses clinging to whatever soil can accumulate in this harsh environment. In spring and summer, small alpine flowers can be found in sheltered spots, though the immediate vicinity of the waterfall is too steep and exposed for much botanical diversity. Wildlife in the area includes mountain birds such as ravens, which are frequently seen soaring around the crags, and occasionally golden eagles hunting over the higher slopes. Red deer are common throughout Glen Brittle and can sometimes be spotted on the lower hillsides, particularly in the early morning or evening. The streams and pools, including those fed by Eas Mòr, may contain small brown trout, though the acidic nature of the water draining from these mountains limits aquatic life. Otters have been recorded along the coastal areas where the Allt Coire na Banachdich eventually reaches the sea at Loch Brittle, though they would rarely venture as far upstream as the waterfall itself. Access to view Eas Mòr is relatively straightforward compared to many Cuillin features, though it still requires a commitment to mountain walking. The waterfall can be reached via the path that heads up Glen Brittle from the campsite and beach area, following the Allt Coire na Banachdich upstream. This path eventually leads toward Coire na Banachdich itself, which serves as an approach route for climbers heading to the ridge. The walk to reach good viewpoints of the waterfall involves a distance of several kilometers from the road end and an ascent over rough, sometimes boggy terrain. While the lower sections of the path are well-trodden, the ground becomes increasingly challenging higher up, and appropriate footwear and clothing are essential given the changeable weather conditions common to Skye. The waterfall holds particular appeal for mountain photographers, who are drawn to its combination of falling water, dramatic rock architecture, and the backdrop of the Cuillin peaks. The play of light on the cascade can be spectacular, particularly in the golden hours of early morning or late evening during summer months, though clouds and mist frequently shroud the higher mountains, adding an atmospheric quality to any images captured here. Eas Mòr also serves as a natural landmark for hillwalkers and climbers navigating in the area, its position clearly marked on Ordnance Survey maps and serving as a reference point for those heading into the higher reaches of the Cuillin.