Eas a' Bhradain Waterfall (Blackhill Waterfall), Skye

Eas a' Bhradain Waterfall

Eas a' Bhradain (Blackhills) waterfall must be one of the most frequently viewed waterfalls on the Isle of Skye. This gorgeous cascade on Allt Coire nam Bruadaran lies just off the A87, the main route from the Skye Bridge at Kyleakin to Portree, and is easily seen from the road.

There is a sizeable lay-by for parking, and a short walk to the base of the waterfall. Be aware - though the trail is very short, it can be muddy after heavy rains. Unlike some waterfalls on Skye, which are often dramatic single plumes, Eas a' Bhradain is more of a series of cascades tumbling down in several steps to a broad, shallow pool.

The waterfall is just a few hundred metres from the point where Allt Coire nam Bruadaran empties into Loch Ainort. The name 'Eas a' Bhradain' translates from the Gaelic as 'the waterfall of the salmon'.

Eas a' Bhradain from the north

Getting There

There is a lay-by immediately north of the Allt Coire nam Bruadaran burn, 2 miles west of Luib, on the eastern side of the road at NG533265. From the parking area, a trail leads back along the eastern side of the A87 for 100m. You will have to cross the A87 to reach the base of the falls, at the bend in the road.

I must have driven past Eas a' Bhradain half a dozen times before I made time to stop and photograph it. I'm glad I did, though it was a bit strange photographing the falls with traffic occasionally whizzing by just a stone's throw away.