Inverpolly Lodge

Explorer Tom The Falls of Kirkaig lie up a wooded glen from Inverkirkaig, south of Lochinver, above a steep Assynt ravine. The walk trades birch trees for open heather and reveals Suilven on the horizon before the waterfall appears. Tom claims he ordered that skyline as a backdrop; the mountains have refused to send an invoice. Start at the Inverkirkaig car park near the bridge over the River Kirkaig. A signed path follows the glen through birchwood and then climbs onto moorland. Walkhighlands describes a return route of about seven kilometres, taking two and a half to three hours. After roughly three kilometres, a sign points down a branch path to the falls. The twenty-metre fall is visible from partway down. Take that final descent seriously. It is very steep and rocky, beside a dangerous drop. The safer choice may be to enjoy the glen and upper views without going down to the closest viewpoint, in rain or ice. Return up the same side path and then retrace the main route to Inverkirkaig. Tom suggested an express route by barrel; the river was not consulted and should not be. Wear sturdy boots and carry a map, waterproofs and enough daylight for the return. There is no public transport to the walk's start listed by the walking guide, so plan the journey before setting out. Keep clear of the ravine edge, and do not try to improve your view by scrambling past a comfortable stopping point. The river, birches and distant Assynt peaks make this an outing in its own right; the falls provide the grand, noisy finish.