Divach Falls after autumn rains
Divach Falls after autumn rains

At Divach Falls, near Drumnadrochit, the Divach Burn spills over a cliff and falls 100 feet (30m) to a pool below. The burn then joins the River Coiltie and runs down to Urquhart Bay where it empties into Loch Ness.

The waterfall is very easy to reach via a signposted trail from a Forestry Commission Scotland parking area. It is about 300m to the viewing platform and it will take no more than 30 minutes to reach the falls and return to the parking area.

The appeal of Divach is not so much the waterfall, which is enjoyable but not spectacular, but the setting in an attractive oak woodland. The woodland is a haven for wildlife and birdlife and we've often seen interesting fungi growing beside the trail.

The waterfall in spring
The waterfall in spring

Did You Know?

Before the story of Nessie the Loch Ness Monster grew so popular, Divach Falls was the main focus for tourists visiting Drumnadrochit. In the Victorian period, the Falls were a very popular destination for visitors and were often pained by artists. A painting of Divach Falls by John Phillip is on display in Buckingham Palace in London.

How dramatic the waterfall is depends completely on how much rain there has been. We've been in the spring when the falls were pleasant enough but certainly not dramatic, and again in the autumn after a few rainy days when the roar of the water was deafening.

Divach Falls appears in our list of 22 Beautiful Scottish Waterfalls.

The woodland trail to the Falls
The woodland trail to the Falls

Getting There

The falls are not well signposted - indeed I have never seen any sign at all until you actually arrive at the Forestry Commission Parking area. Here's how to get there.

Turn off the A82 at Lewiston, on the southern edge of Drumnadrochit, onto Balmacaan Road, signposted to Balmacaan and Divach. After half a mile you come to a junction. It isn't immediately clear which fork is the correct one, but I can tell you from sad experience that you need to carry straight on (the right fork).

Continue on for another half mile, ignoring a lane heading off to the right and the road begins to climb up towards Clunemore Steadings. Look for a Forestry Commission parking area to the right of the road.

From the parking area a clearly signposted trail leads through oak woodland to the viewing platform.

Be aware that the area around the viewing platform can be muddy, so wear sensible footwear. You can return by the same route or take the obvious fork in the path to make a short circular walk through the very pleasant woodlands.

Fascinating fungi in the woods
Fascinating fungi in the woods

About Divach Falls
Address: nr Divach Lodge, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Highlands, Scotland, IV63 6XW
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Location: Access via a trail off an unclassified road, two miles south-east of Drumnadrochit. The closest postcode is IV63 6XW
Website: Divach Falls
Forestry Commission Scotland
Location map
OS: NH494274
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express


HERITAGE

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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

John Cobb Memorial - 1.5 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Loch Ness Centre - 1.9 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

Urquhart Castle - 2.4 miles (Castle) Heritage Rating

Loch Ness - 2.5 miles (Countryside) Heritage Rating

Falls of Foyers - 4.4 miles (Countryside) Heritage Rating

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 7.1 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating

Wade's Bridge - 7.5 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

St Columba's Holy Well, Invermoriston - 8.1 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating



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