Just outside Fort Augustus above the shores of Loch Ness is Allt na Criche waterfall, reached by an easy trail following beside All na Criche burn.
The trail leads through a very attractive mixed woodland of birch and pine, and rises gradually as it climbs to the waterfall. There are several outstanding viewpoints over Loch Ness and benches to rest and enjoy the panorama laid out below you.
From the trail viewpoints you can see the striking towers of Fort Augustus Abbey and look out over Eilean Muireach (Murdoch's Island), the only island in Loch Ness, which is in fact, not an island at all but a crannog, an artificial structure built of wood and stone.
To reach the waterfall and return is about 1 hour's climb, and will take roughly 90 minutes. The trail at Allt na Criche links up with the Great Glen Way, one of Scotland's most popular long-distance trails, which stretches from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east.
Aside from the views and the striking waterfall, the mixed woodland here is home to a wide variety of bird and animal life. You can spot red deer, pine martens and the elusive red squirrel in the woodlands.
The going is quite easy, though as with any countryside location in the Highlands you always need to be aware of the possibility of mud and wet foliage at any time. Our family made the walk with our 5-year-old daughter without any fuss.
Did you know?
The name Allt na Criche translates loosely as the stream of the boundary (as in a village boundary).
Allt na Criche appears in our list of 22 Beautiful Scottish Waterfalls.
Getting There
All na Criche is extremely easy to reach. Head north on the A82 from Fort Augustus in the direction of Inverness and you will see a Forestry Commission Scotland car park signposted on your left after about one mile (1.6km). From the car park just follow the well-signposted trail towards the waterfall.
About Allt na Criche
Address: A82,
Fort Augustus,
Highlands,
Scotland, PH32 4BL
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Location: Look for the Forestry Commission Scotland parking area one mile north of Fort Augustus on the A82
Website: Allt na Criche
Forestry Commission Scotland
Location
map
OS: NH390108
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Fort Augustus Clansman Centre - 1.3 miles (Museum)
St Columba's Holy Well, Invermoriston - 4 miles (Historic Church)
Bridge of Oich - 5.6 miles (Historic Building)
Wade's Bridge - 6.7 miles (Historic Building)
Falls of Foyers - 8.9 miles (Countryside)
Plodda Falls - 10.6 miles (Countryside)
Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 12.1 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Divach Falls - 12.1 miles (Countryside)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Allt na Criche:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Allt na Criche Waterfall. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Fort Augustus, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £405 - 728
Whitebridge, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 6
Stay from: £417 - 2040
Invergarry, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £401 - 1509