Things to do in Ullapool

Eas Dubh, whose name translates from Scottish Gaelic as "Black Waterfall," is a striking natural feature located near the coastal town of Ullapool in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. The waterfall is formed by the Ullapool River, which flows through a landscape characterized by ancient Lewisian gneiss bedrock, some of the oldest rock formations in Britain dating back nearly three billion years. This geological foundation creates the dramatic gorge and rocky formations that frame the waterfall, with the dark, iron-stained rocks likely contributing to the waterfall's evocative name. The falls themselves consist of a series of cascades and drops that tumble through a narrow, tree-lined glen, creating a secluded and atmospheric setting that contrasts with the open moorland and coastal scenery typical of the surrounding area. The Ullapool River originates in the hills to the east of Ullapool, draining a catchment area of peat moorland and rocky uplands that characterize much of Wester Ross. This upland source means the river is highly responsive to rainfall, and Eas Dubh can transform dramatically between seasons and weather conditions. During periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, the waterfall becomes a powerful torrent with substantial flow volumes, while in drier summer months it may reduce to a more modest cascade. The peaty nature of the catchment gives the water a characteristic amber-brown color, particularly noticeable in spate conditions, which enhances the dark appearance that inspired the waterfall's name. The landscape surrounding Eas Dubh is typical of the Northwest Highlands, with a mixture of birch and rowan woodland clinging to the steep sides of the glen, while the higher ground transitions to heather moorland and exposed rock. This habitat supports a diverse range of Highland wildlife, including red deer that frequent the upland areas, while the woodland provides shelter for smaller mammals and numerous bird species. The Ullapool River itself supports populations of Atlantic salmon and brown trout, which migrate upstream to spawn in the cleaner tributaries. Birdwatchers may spot common Highland species such as buzzards, ravens, and during summer months, various warblers in the woodland areas near the falls. Ullapool itself was founded in 1788 as a planned fishing village by the British Fisheries Society, designed by Thomas Telford, and has long served as an important port and gateway to the Western Isles. The Ullapool River and its waterfalls would have been familiar to generations of locals, though the falls sit somewhat away from the main settlement. The Gaelic place names throughout this region reflect centuries of Highland culture and the intimate relationship between people and landscape, with natural features like waterfalls often holding significance in local geography and oral traditions, serving as landmarks and gathering points in the days before modern mapping. Access to Eas Dubh requires some local knowledge, as the waterfall is not located directly on major tourist routes despite Ullapool's popularity as a touring base and ferry port. The falls can be reached by footpaths leading from the town, though visitors should be prepared for potentially rough terrain and should respect private land where paths cross estates. The relatively modest height and remote setting mean that Eas Dubh is less frequently visited than some of Scotland's more famous waterfalls, offering those who make the effort a more peaceful and intimate experience of Highland nature. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, with paths leading into the hills behind Ullapool providing access to higher viewpoints over Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. The geology of the area, dominated by Lewisian gneiss, creates distinctive scenery with its grey, banded appearance and resistant nature that has shaped the dramatic topography of this coast. These metamorphic rocks have been folded, heated, and compressed over immense timescales, creating the foundation upon which the Ice Age sculpted the current landscape of glens, lochs, and coastal indentations. The waterfalls along rivers like the Ullapool represent ongoing erosional processes, with the harder rock bands creating steps and plunge pools that characterize the falls' appearance. The interaction between water and this ancient rock continues to slowly shape the landscape, though at timescales far beyond human perception.

The Falls of Measach, also known as the Corrieshalloch Gorge Falls, plunge dramatically through one of Scotland's most spectacular geological features in the Northwest Highlands near Ullapool. The waterfall drops approximately 45 metres into the narrow, tree-lined chasm of Corrieshalloch Gorge, creating a thunderous display that echoes through the ancient ravine. The Abhainn Droma, which feeds these falls, gathers its waters from the moorlands of the Braemore estate before making its sudden descent through the gorge. The falls are characterized by their powerful vertical drop, which becomes particularly impressive during periods of high rainfall when the river swells and the cascade transforms into a roaring torrent of white water that fills the gorge with mist and spray. Corrieshalloch Gorge itself is a geological marvel, carved over millennia by meltwater from retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. The gorge extends for approximately one and a half kilometres and reaches depths of up to 60 metres, with near-vertical rock walls that create a microclimate within. This box canyon formation is composed primarily of Moine schist, metamorphic rock dating back hundreds of millions of years. The erosive power of the Abhainn Droma has exposed these ancient rock layers, creating the dramatic vertical walls that make the Falls of Measach so visually striking. The geological processes that formed this gorge are typical of the Highland landscape, where glacial meltwater channels carved deep into the underlying bedrock. The falls and gorge have been recognized for their natural significance since the Victorian era, when the area became accessible to tourists exploring the Scottish Highlands. The site was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945, ensuring its protection for future generations. The Victorians were particularly enamored with dramatic natural scenery, and Corrieshalloch Gorge quickly became a notable stop on Highland tours. A suspension bridge was constructed across the gorge in 1877 to allow visitors spectacular views down into the chasm and of the falls themselves, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this natural wonder to generations of visitors. The gorge and its surrounding woodland support a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, with the steep-sided ravine creating a unique habitat that has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries. Ancient oak and birch woodland clings to the gorge sides, alongside rowan, hazel, and wych elm, while the floor of the gorge remains in perpetual shade and dampness, encouraging mosses, ferns, and liverworts to flourish. The woodland here is considered a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Highland Scotland. Birdlife includes common woodland species, and the constant moisture from the falls creates ideal conditions for insects and other invertebrates. The relatively inaccessible nature of the gorge floor has allowed this ecosystem to develop with minimal human interference. Access to the Falls of Measach is relatively straightforward, with the site located just off the A835 road between Ullapool and Garve, approximately 12 miles south of Ullapool. A National Trust for Scotland car park provides facilities for visitors, and well-maintained paths lead to viewing platforms that offer dramatic perspectives of both the falls and the gorge. The Victorian suspension bridge, which still spans the gorge, provides one of the most thrilling viewpoints, swaying gently as visitors cross while offering vertiginous views down to the river far below. There is also a viewing platform on the opposite side of the gorge that provides a different perspective on the falls. The walks are relatively short, making the site accessible to most visitors, though care should be taken near the gorge edges and on the suspension bridge, particularly in wet or windy conditions. The Falls of Measach and Corrieshalloch Gorge represent one of the finest examples of a box canyon in Britain, a designation that reflects both its geological significance and its scenic grandeur. The site is designated as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognizing its importance for both its geological features and its ecological value. The name "Corrieshalloch" derives from Gaelic, meaning "ugly hollow," though this seems a misnomer given the spectacular beauty of the site—perhaps the name reflects the wild, forbidding nature of the gorge rather than any lack of aesthetic appeal, or the difficulty of the terrain surrounding it in centuries past.