Things to do in Glen Moriston

Easan Ban, whose name translates from Scottish Gaelic as "White Waterfall," is a picturesque cascade located in the remote and historically rich Glen Moriston in the Scottish Highlands. The waterfall is formed by the Allt an Eoin, a tributary burn whose name means "Stream of the Bird" in Gaelic, reflecting the evocative place-naming traditions of the Highland landscape. Situated at OS Grid Reference NH252105, the falls tumble down a rocky gorge in a landscape characterized by steep-sided hills, mixed woodland, and the rugged beauty typical of this part of Inverness-shire. Glen Moriston itself extends westward from Loch Ness, carved by glacial action during successive ice ages, and the surrounding geology consists primarily of ancient metamorphic rocks including schists and gneisses that form part of the Moine Supergroup, some of Scotland's oldest rock formations dating back over a billion years. The waterfall descends in a series of cascades and small drops through a narrow, tree-lined gorge, with the total height varying depending on seasonal water levels and how one measures the complete series of falls. While not among Scotland's tallest waterfalls, Easan Ban possesses considerable charm, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall when the burn swells and the white water that gives the falls their name becomes especially pronounced. The force of the water has carved smooth channels and potholes in the bedrock over millennia, creating natural sculptures in the resistant metamorphic stone. During drier summer months, the flow can reduce to a modest stream, though the falls retain their scenic qualities even in low water conditions. Glen Moriston holds a significant place in Scottish history, most notably as a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie following the devastating Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746. The glen's remote character and the loyalty of local clan members, particularly the "Seven Men of Glenmoriston" who aided the fleeing prince, ensured it became an important part of Jacobite lore. While Easan Ban itself may not feature prominently in recorded historical events, it exists within this landscape steeped in Highland history, where every burn and brae has witnessed centuries of clan warfare, cattle raiding, and the dramatic social changes that followed the collapse of the clan system. The area around the falls would have been familiar to Gaelic-speaking communities who lived, farmed, and hunted in these glens for generations before the Highland Clearances altered the demographic landscape forever. The surrounding landscape supports a variety of Highland wildlife, with the mixed woodlands along the Allt an Eoin providing habitat for red squirrels, pine martens, and roe deer. The river itself, like many Highland burns, may support brown trout in its lower reaches, while dippers and grey wagtails are characteristic birds of such fast-flowing upland streams, often seen bobbing on rocks amid the spray. The woodland vegetation includes native birch, rowan, and remnant Scots pine, with an understory of ferns, mosses, and lichens that thrive in the damp, shaded conditions near the waterfall. In spring and early summer, wildflowers add seasonal color to the banks, while the autumn brings spectacular displays of changing foliage that enhance the already photogenic qualities of the cascade. Access to Easan Ban requires some effort and local knowledge, as the waterfall is not a heavily promoted tourist destination like some of Scotland's more famous falls. The location lies south of the main A887 road that runs through Glen Moriston between Invermoriston on Loch Ness and the junction with the A87 near Loch Cluanie. Reaching the falls typically involves parking carefully on the roadside and following paths or rough ground through forestry or moorland, depending on the exact approach taken. Visitors should be prepared for typical Highland walking conditions, including potentially boggy ground, uneven terrain, and the need for appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions in the Highlands can change rapidly regardless of season. The relative obscurity of Easan Ban compared to more famous Scottish waterfalls means it offers a more tranquil experience for those willing to seek it out, free from the crowds that gather at more accessible locations. This remoteness is itself part of the waterfall's appeal, providing a sense of discovery and connection to the wild Highland landscape that is increasingly rare in our modern, well-mapped world. The falls represent just one of countless burns and cascades that tumble down the slopes of the Highlands, each contributing to the intricate hydrology of the region and ultimately feeding into the larger river systems that drain into Loch Ness and beyond to the North Sea.