Corrieshalloch Gorge: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Travelling the epic North Coast 500 route through the Scottish Highlands is the kind of adventure I could happily do again and again. The scenery is incredible, the roads are unforgettable and there are so many unexpected places to stop along the way. One of the highlights for me was Corrieshalloch Gorge, a spectacular natural attraction near Ullapool that's well worth adding to your NC500 itinerary.

With its dramatic gorge, rushing waterfalls and impressive suspension bridge overlooking the Falls of Measach, Corrieshalloch Gorge makes for a memorable stop on the route. And while you don't need an entire day to explore it, there's a little more to know before you visit, particularly when it comes to parking, the walk, the bridge and visiting with children.

So, if you're planning a North Coast 500 road trip and wondering whether Corrieshalloch Gorge is worth a stop, you've come to the right place. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before visiting, along with my own experience of exploring this beautiful corner of the Scottish Highlands.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500 is an incredible journey that winds its way through the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. You'll cover 500 miles of unbelievable landscapes, dramatic coastlines and charming villages. This route attracts road trippers and nature enthusiasts alike. From rugged mountains to absolutely stunning beaches the North Coast 500 showcases the rich diversity of Scotland's natural wonders.

What is Corrieshalloch Gorge?

Tucked within the northwest Highlands of Scotland, Corrieshalloch Gorge stands as a testament to the sheer magnificence of nature. This colossal gorge, stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers long and plunges to a depth of 60 meters. The Falls of Measach cascade into the depths of the gorge, create an unbelievable spectacle you'll struggle to look away from.

How was Corrieshalloch Gorge formed?

It's hard to stand at the edge of Corrieshalloch Gorge and not wonder how such a dramatic landscape came to exist. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago during the retreat of glaciers that once covered this part of the Scottish Highlands.

As the glaciers melted, huge volumes of meltwater carved their way through the landscape, gradually cutting deep into the rock and creating the steep-sided gorge we see today. The River Droma continues to run through the ravine, eventually plunging over the Falls of Measach.

Today, the combination of the deep gorge, rushing water, waterfalls and surrounding Highland scenery makes Corrieshalloch Gorge a particularly impressive stop on the North Coast 500.

Where is Corrieshalloch Gorge?

Corrieshalloch Gorge is located in the Scottish Highlands, around 12 miles south of Ullapool in the Ross-shire area. The gorge sits just off the A835, making it a relatively easy stop to add to a North Coast 500 road trip.

One of the reasons I think Corrieshalloch Gorge makes such a good NC500 stop is that you don't need to dedicate an entire day to it. It's an easy place to incorporate into your route when travelling between the Ullapool and Inverness areas, particularly if you're looking for somewhere to stretch your legs and experience a little more of Scotland's incredible landscape.

If you're planning your route around the Highlands, I'd definitely have Corrieshalloch Gorge marked on your itinerary before you set off. It's one of those stops that can be easy to overlook when you're concentrating on the more famous NC500 destinations, but it's well worth making the time for.

The postcode for the main car park at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is IV23 2PJ.

Things To Experience At Corrieshalloch Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge Suspension Bridge

For me, the Corrieshalloch Gorge suspension bridge and viewing platform are the absolute highlights of a visit. There's something quite thrilling about walking out over the gorge and looking down into the deep ravine below. Especially when you realise just how high up you are!

The Victorian suspension bridge sits around 46 metres above the gorge, giving you an incredible view of the surrounding Highland landscape and the Falls of Measach below. It feels stable and secure, but there is definitely some movement under your feet, which gives you that slightly strange 'sea legs' feeling as you cross. I was certainly caught off guard when I first stepped onto it.

If you're not particularly keen on heights, the Corrieshalloch Gorge bridge might feel a little daunting. I'm not going to lie, there's something quite exhilarating about the slight swaying motion! But that's also what makes it such a memorable part of the Corrieshalloch Gorge walk. You're not simply standing at a viewpoint looking at nature from a distance, you're right in the middle of it, surrounded by the gorge, woodland and rushing water below.

The viewing platform is another great spot to stop and take in the scenery, and I'd definitely allow yourself a little time here rather than simply crossing the bridge and moving on. It's one of those places where you can't help but pause for a moment and appreciate just how dramatic this part of the Scottish Highlands is.

The Corrieshalloch Gorge Walk

One of the best things about visiting Corrieshalloch Gorge is that you don't need to tackle a long or strenuous hike to experience the scenery. The Corrieshalloch Gorge walk takes you through the woodland and alongside the dramatic gorge, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views along the way.

There are different trails and viewpoints to explore, making this a lovely place to stretch your legs while travelling the North Coast 500. The paths take you through a beautiful natural landscape, with the steep rock walls of the gorge covered in ferns, mosses and other vegetation.

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk and you may spot some of the wildlife that calls the gorge home. Birdwatchers in particular might be lucky enough to see peregrine falcons, dippers or redstarts.

When we visited, I loved that the walk felt like much more than simply getting from the car park to the suspension bridge. The surrounding woodland and dramatic scenery make the journey part of the experience, and it's a great opportunity to get out of the car and properly immerse yourself in the landscape.

Is There an Entrance Fee to Visit?

There is no fee into Corrieshalloch Gorge or the nature reserve however there is a fee to use the car parking site:

• Cars and motorcycles: £5
• Motorhomes and campers: £10
• National Trust for Scotland members: Free

Please note that coach parking is only available by special arrangement and must be pre-booked.

Is Corrieshalloch Gorge suitable for children?

Yes, Corrieshalloch Gorge is suitable for children, but there are a few things I'd bear in mind before adding it to your family-friendly North Coast 500 itinerary.

I think children will really enjoy visiting the gorge. The combination of the walking trail, waterfalls and suspension bridge makes it much more exciting for little ones than simply stopping somewhere for a viewpoint. There's something quite fun about being able to walk across a bridge high above the gorge and see the water rushing below.

That said, this isn't somewhere I'd let younger children wander around completely unsupervised. The gorge is steep, and you're obviously dealing with a natural environment with drops and uneven sections of path. I'd keep children close, particularly around the viewing areas and suspension bridge.

The Corrieshalloch Gorge walk isn't particularly long, which makes it a good option for families who don't want to commit to a lengthy hike. However, I'd recommend sensible footwear, as parts of the route can be uneven and the weather in the Scottish Highlands can make paths wet and slippery.

If you're travelling the NC500 with children, I'd definitely consider adding Corrieshalloch Gorge to your itinerary. It's a relatively short stop, but it gives children the chance to experience some proper Highland scenery rather than simply looking at it through the car window. And the suspension bridge is likely to be the bit they remember!

What Else Is There To do Near Corrieshalloch Gorge?

While Corrieshalloch Gorge alone is worth the visit, the surrounding area offers additional attractions to enrich your North Coast 500 experience. Just a 20 minute drive away lies the charming town of Ullapool, renowned for its picturesque harbour and local shops. Consider taking a boat trip from Ullapool to the Summer Isles, where you can encounter seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. Additionally Ardmair Bay and the stunning Inverewe Garden are also within reach.

Corrieshalloch Gorge is an essential stop on your North Coast 500 adventure. Allow yourself ample time to explore and embrace the power of Scotland's untamed landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corrieshalloch Gorge

1. Is Corrieshalloch Gorge worth visiting?

Yes! Corrieshalloch Gorge is an easy stop to add to the North Coast 500, with dramatic scenery, waterfalls and the impressive suspension bridge making it well worth the visit.

2. How long do you need at Corrieshalloch Gorge?

I'd allow around 1–2 hours to enjoy the gorge, walk the trails and spend some time at the viewpoints, although you could spend longer if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace.

3. Is Corrieshalloch Gorge free to visit?

There is no fee into Corrieshalloch Gorge or the nature reserve however there is a fee to use the car parking site which is £5 for cars, £10 for motorhomes. National Trust for Scotland members can park for free.

4. Is the Corrieshalloch Gorge suspension bridge scary?

The bridge is secure but does have some movement as you walk across, and the height and views into the gorge can feel daunting if you're nervous around heights.

5. How long is the Corrieshalloch Gorge walk?

The main walk around the gorge is relatively short, making it a convenient stop during an NC500 road trip rather than a full-day hike.

6. What can you see at Corrieshalloch Gorge?

The main highlights include the dramatic gorge, the Falls of Measach, surrounding woodland and the Victorian suspension bridge and viewing platform overlooking the ravine.